Get ready to become the ultimate holiday hero with this mouthwatering family stuffing recipe that has been passed down through generations! This isn't just another boring side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds (and the recipe). Imagine a stuffing so perfectly seasoned, so deliciously moist yet crispy, that it becomes the star of your Thanksgiving spread. Whether you're a cooking novice or a kitchen pro, this foolproof recipe will transform your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into small, uniform cubes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for several hours or overnight to ensure a better texture for the stuffing.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery. Sprinkle sage, thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture, gently tossing to distribute the herbs and seasonings evenly.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. The bread should be damp but not saturated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for proper heat circulation.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Tips
- • Bread is the foundation of great stuffing! Let your bread cubes dry out completely to prevent a mushy texture. Pro tip: Cut the bread a day ahead and leave it out overnight.• Don't rush the sautéing process. Cooking onions and celery slowly brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the entire dish.• Be gentle when mixing the ingredients. Fold the broth into the bread mixture carefully to avoid breaking down the bread cubes.• For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine to the mixture.• The key to perfect stuffing is moisture control. Add broth gradually and stop when the bread is just dampened – not soaked.• For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 15 minutes of baking. This creates that irresistible golden-brown crust everyone loves.• Let the stuffing rest after baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
