Description
Comforting classic Thanksgiving “perfect homemade stuffing” brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables with its rich, herbal flavors. Savory bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables combine in a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb / 450 g bread, cubed (French bread, sourdough, or white bread)
- 2 ½ cups / 600 ml chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup / 1 stick / 115 g unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bread Preparation: Create crisp, uniform bread cubes and dry them thoroughly by toasting in a 350F (175C) oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring a golden, crunchy texture that will absorb flavors effectively.
- Vegetable Sautéing: In a large skillet, transform butter, onions, and celery into a fragrant base by gently cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence. Incorporate garlic, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Mixture Integration: Merge toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetable medley in a spacious mixing bowl. Introduce chicken broth to moisten the mixture, then fold in beaten eggs to create a cohesive, binding texture that will hold the stuffing together during baking.
- Baking Technique: Transfer the harmonized mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Protect with foil during initial baking, then expose to direct heat for a final 15-20 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden, crisp exterior while maintaining a moist interior. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Choose day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better texture and absorption of flavors.
- Don’t oversaturate the bread with broth; add gradually to prevent soggy stuffing and maintain a perfect consistency.
- Ensure vegetables are finely chopped and softened completely to distribute flavors evenly throughout the stuffing.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg