This Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is the perfect mix of fluffy bread, savory herbs, and yummy veggies. It’s great for adding flavor and warmth to your holiday feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Stale White Bread: This is the foundation of your stuffing. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread to dry it out before using. You can also substitute with whole grain or gluten-free bread for a different flavor and texture.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice fruity sweetness. If you can’t find cranberries, you could use raisins, chopped dates, or even dried cherries for a unique twist!
Celery & Onions: These veggies bring great flavor. If you’re not a fan of celery, you can leave it out or replace it with diced carrots or bell peppers for a colorful addition.
Herbs: The combination of sage, parsley, and thyme gives this stuffing its classic taste. Feel free to adjust to your favorites! For example, rosemary or oregano would also work well.
What’s the Key to Perfectly Toasted Bread?
Toasting the bread is an essential step that prevents soggy stuffing. It’s important to get the cubes dry before mixing with liquids. Here’s how:
- Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet to allow even toasting.
- Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Keep an eye on it to avoid burning – a light golden color is what you want!
This process not only helps with texture but also enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing!
teaspoons dried sage
For the Binding:
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour for this delicious dish to be ready for your feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure even baking for your stuffing.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the cubed stale bread on a baking sheet. Toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned and dry. This step helps prevent sogginess. Once toasted, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 8 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. This will add great flavor to your stuffing!
4. Add the Herbs:
Stir in the dried sage, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes until the herbs smell fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Combine the Bread and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
6. Mix the Liquids:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken (or turkey) broth and the beaten eggs. This mixture will help bind everything together.
7. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming too soggy. You want it moist but not dripping wet!
8. Add Fresh Rosemary:
Fold in the chopped fresh rosemary, giving a lovely aromatic flavor that really enhances the stuffing.
9. Transfer and Press:
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down lightly so it holds together during baking.
10. Bake the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, garnish your stuffing with extra sprigs of fresh rosemary for a lovely presentation. Serve it warm alongside your holiday turkey.
This Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is bursting with traditional savory flavors balanced by the sweet tartness of cranberries, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast!
Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 10 cups cubed stale white bread (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Seasoning:
- 2
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Stale Bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread! Just toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes to dry it out. This step is crucial for ensuring your stuffing doesn’t end up soggy.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize the Stuffing?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, nuts, or other dried fruits like apricots. Just make sure to maintain the overall liquid-to-bread ratio when adding new ingredients to keep the right texture.
