What is Thanksgiving Stuffing? & How to Make It?
It's hard to pick just one side dish that makes you think of Thanksgiving. I mean, Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without that big bowl of warm, spicy, herb-filled goodness next to your turkey? Just something amazing about how the bread soaks up all those flavors like a tasty sponge. Trust me, if you've never made stuffing from scratch before, it's so worth it and such an easy process. When you take it out of the oven, golden and fragrant, you'll feel like a cooking genius, and your guests will almost float to the table!
Why Make Homemade Stuffing?
I know you might be wondering, "Why make stuffing from scratch when I can just buy it already made at the store?" Also, I get it. But the food you make yourself is amazing, my friend. You can make it your own, it's fresher, and it tastes better. Also, it's so satisfying to assemble a dish with ingredients you chose yourself, knowing exactly what's in it and then watching it change in the oven. And the smell? It's heaven. People will burst into your kitchen to ask, "What smells so great?" The kitchen will smell like the holidays.
A Quick Thanksgiving Stuffing History
Depending on where you're from, stuffing has been around for a very long time. Herbs and bread have been used to stuff meat since ancient times. The first settlers in North America brought the practice to our Thanksgiving tables. Stuffing is a traditional holiday food now, but that's not all! People love to add different things to their stuffing, like apples or sausage. Some people even skip the bread for low-carb forms. But what about me? I love the standard bread stuffing with herbs and butter that always tastes great!
Thanksgiving Stuffing Ingredients
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons chicken seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 cups diced bread
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary—you know, the holy trinity of Thanksgiving herbs)
The Bread: Your Thanksgiving Stuffing Superstar
One of the most important ingredients in stuffing is, of course, the bread. I recommend using a loaf that’s a bit stale because it soaks up the broth better without turning it into mush. Think rustic, crusty bread like a French loaf or sourdough—something with a bit of texture. If you only have fresh bread, no worries! Just pop it in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes to dry it out.
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing?
Step 1: Sauté those veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter and add the diced onions, celery, garlic, and chicken seasoning. Let everything cook for 10 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will already smell like Thanksgiving heaven at this point.
Step 1: Mix it up
Place your bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the sautéed vegetable mixture on top. Add the fresh parsley and herbs, then stir to combine everything.
Step 2: Add the broth
Slowly pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake to perfection
Transfer your stuffing to a buttered baking dish and dot the top with little pats of butter (because more butter = more flavor). Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. Then, uncover the stuffing and bake for 10 minutes to get that golden, crispy top layer.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once your stuffing is done, pull it out of the oven, let it cool slightly, and get ready to dig in! The soft, flavorful bread and the crispy top will knock your socks off.
Zulay's Expert Tips for the Best Stuffing Ever
- As mentioned earlier, stale bread is your best friend here. It holds up to the broth better and creates a heartier texture.
- Want to jazz up your stuffing? Add sausage, cranberries, nuts, or even diced apples for a sweet twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Thanksgiving can get hectic, so make your stuffing the day before to save yourself some time. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh on the big day.
Zulay's Final Thought
This stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving favorite because it is savory, buttery, herb-filled, and has the right texture. It's easy enough for beginners, but the flavor is so good that even people who love stuffing will love it. Plus, it can be used in so many ways! Your holiday table will look great with this stuffing, whether you make it the same way every time or add your own twist.
So, are you ready to serve the best Thanksgiving stuffing anyone has ever had? Let's do this!
Let Us Know What You Think!
Did you try this stuffing recipe? Did it make your Thanksgiving table shine? We want to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and let us know what recipes you’d like to see next.
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FAQs About Thanksgiving Stuffing
Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything the day before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. It’s a huge time-saver!
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, store-bought chicken broth works perfectly fine in this recipe. If you feel extra fancy, homemade broth adds even more flavor.
What kind of bread works best for stuffing?
Crusty bread like sourdough, French, or cornbread are great options. The key is to use slightly stale bread or dry it out in the oven.