Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing

Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing (Dressing)

This classic homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is a rich, savory dish packed with bread, fresh herbs, onions, celery, and a touch of broth. It’s perfect for serving alongside turkey and other holiday favorites. This stuffing is easy to make, customizable, and the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 10 cups of cubes, ideally a French or sourdough loaf)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or more, depending on desired moisture)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Cut the loaf of bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Let them sit out uncovered for several hours, or you can bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly toasted and dry. This will help the bread absorb the flavors of the broth without becoming too soggy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, add the toasted bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread and toss to combine.
   • Add the beaten eggs, fresh parsley, and any optional ingredients like nuts or cranberries. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring gently, until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. You can adjust the amount of broth based on your desired stuffing consistency.
4. Bake the Stuffing:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Once the stuffing is done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade stuffing as the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving meal!

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• More Herbs: Feel free to add extra herbs like oregano, tarragon, or parsley for more flavor.
• Moisture Adjustment: If you prefer a moister stuffing, add more broth during the mixing step or cover the stuffing with foil for the entire baking time.
• Add Sausage: For a heartier stuffing, sauté ground sausage along with the vegetables for added flavor.

This homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is a classic, comforting side dish that will pair perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes, and all your favorite holiday sides!