Easy Stuffing Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of homemade stuffing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this Easy Stuffing Recipe is perfect for you. Simple, flavorful, and packed with herbs and butter, this stuffing is guaranteed to please your family and guests. Not only is it versatile, but it also pairs well with nearly any main dish. Let’s dive into how to make this timeless recipe that will become a staple at your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Recipe

If you’re searching for a straightforward, delicious stuffing that requires minimal prep work, this is the one! With easy-to-find ingredients like bread cubes, onions, celery, and herbs, you can whip this up with little hassle. The combination of fresh or dried herbs makes this stuffing incredibly fragrant and flavorful, while butter adds richness. Plus, it’s flexible enough for you to customize based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Stuffing

Creating a stuffing with rich, bold flavors starts with a few essential ingredients:

• Bread Cubes: The foundation of any good stuffing is the bread. In this recipe, 12 cups of dry bread cubes provide the perfect base.
• Yellow Onions: Two small, diced onions add sweetness and depth.
• Celery: Four ribs of celery bring a subtle crunch and earthiness.
• Butter: ⅔ cup of butter makes the stuffing rich and moist.
• Poultry Seasoning or Sage: This is the key to classic stuffing flavor, with 1 ½ teaspoons of poultry seasoning (or ½ teaspoon ground sage).
• Chicken Broth: The broth keeps the bread moist without making it soggy. You’ll need 2 to 4 cups, depending on how dry or moist you like your stuffing.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, sage, thyme, or rosemary bring the stuffing to life.

These ingredients work together to create a balanced and flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or vegetables.

this RECIPE

Bread Selection for Stuffing

Choosing the right bread for your stuffing can make all the difference. While you can use any type of bread, dried bread cubes are preferred as they soak up broth and seasonings better than fresh bread. Day-old white or French bread works wonderfully. If you’re using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and leave it out overnight to dry. Alternatively, you can toast the cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes at a low temperature.

How to Prepare the Vegetables

Properly preparing the vegetables ensures that every bite is full of flavor.

1. Dicing the onions and celery: Cut the onions and celery into even, small dice so they cook evenly.
2. Sautéing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and add the onions, celery, and poultry seasoning. For extra flavor, throw in a bit of rosemary or thyme. Cook the vegetables until they’re tender, which takes about 10-12 minutes on medium-low heat.

Adding Flavor with Herbs and Spices

The secret to a standout stuffing lies in the herbs and spices. Poultry seasoning (or sage) gives the dish its signature flavor, while fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or sage take it to the next level. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs to achieve a balanced, aromatic flavor.

Feel free to adjust the herb combinations to suit your taste. Sage and thyme give it that classic holiday feel, while rosemary adds a woodsy note.

Steps to Make the Best Stuffing

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt ⅔ cup of butter. Add diced onions, celery, and poultry seasoning. Cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
3. Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with 12 cups of dry bread cubes. Toss in fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme.
4. Add Broth Gradually: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the bread and gently toss. Continue adding broth a little at a time until the bread cubes are moistened but not soggy. This should take about 2 to 4 cups depending on your desired texture.
5. Season and Bake: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. You can dot the top with extra butter for added richness if you’d like. Cover the dish with foil.
6. Bake: Bake the stuffing for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to get a crispy top.

Tips for Baking Stuffing

Achieving the perfect stuffing texture is all about balance. You want the bread cubes to be moist but not overly wet.

• Check Moisture Levels: When adding broth, stop when the bread cubes are just moistened, and don’t let them turn into mush.
• Crispy Top: Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to get that beautiful golden-brown top.
• Additional Butter: Dotting the top with butter before baking adds a layer of richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread doesn’t absorb liquids as well. Always use day-old or dried bread cubes.
2. Adding Too Much Broth: Over-soaking the bread can lead to a soggy stuffing. Add broth gradually and only until the cubes are moistened.
3. Over-seasoning: Remember, less is more when it comes to herbs and salt. You can always add more later if needed.

Stuffing Variations and Swaps

Stuffing can be tailored to suit your dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry:

• Herb Variations: Use any combination of thyme, sage, rosemary, or marjoram.
• Broth Swaps: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version of this classic dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem! Store your stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you need to freeze it, place the cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What to Serve with Stuffing

Stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or turkey, as well as mashed potatoes and vegetables. It’s a must-have during Thanksgiving, but it’s also great for any Sunday dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it following the instructions.

Q: What’s the best bread for stuffing?
Day-old white bread or French bread works best, but you can use sourdough for a tangy twist or even cornbread for extra flavor.

Q: How do I prevent soggy stuffing?
The key is to gradually add broth, ensuring the bread cubes are moistened but not saturated. Start with 1 cup and add more as needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Stuffing Recipe will undoubtedly become a go-to for holidays and family gatherings. Simple yet packed with flavor, it’s a recipe everyone will love. Share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make dishes that bring joy to your table!

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