Dreamy Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: 10 cups

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe wafting through the house during the holidays, is there? I’m Jordan Bell, and I’m all about bringing those beloved Southern comfort food flavors into your home, but with a clean, healthy twist. Living here in Asheville, NC, I’ve spent years transforming classic dishes, inspired by my own journey and the need to make comfort food feel good, not heavy. My blog, Easy Detox Recipes, is filled with these kinds of revitalized favorites. This particular stuffing recipe is a true heirloom from my Grandma, a dish that just *screams* holiday tradition and tastes absolutely incredible, making it the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish.

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Why This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a Must-Have

Honestly, this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s the heart of the holiday table! It’s the kind of traditional stuffing that brings everyone together, with that warm, comforting aroma that just fills the whole house. What I love most is how incredibly easy it is to make. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this classic holiday stuffing; it’s practically foolproof. Plus, it just tastes *right*. It has that authentic, homemade flavor that you just can’t get from a box.

• Super Simple to Make: Seriously, the steps are straightforward, and you can even prep the bread ahead of time.
• Classic, Unbeatable Flavor: Packed with savory herbs and tender vegetables, it’s the taste of holidays past.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s a huge family feast or a smaller gathering, this stuffing is always a hit.
• Authenticity You Can Trust: This is a time-tested recipe, passed down, meaning it’s a proven winner for your holiday stuffing needs.

The Heart of a Southern Holiday Table

Growing up in the South, food was always about love and connection, and this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe was central to that. It’s more than just bread and herbs; it’s a taste of home, a hug in a bowl. Now, I love sharing this beloved dish, knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients that fit my clean eating philosophy. It’s that same comforting nostalgia, but with a lighter, brighter feel that lets you truly savor every delicious bite of this traditional stuffing.

Gathering Your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything you need for this amazing Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. It really shines because of the quality of its simple ingredients. First up, you’ll need about 10 cups of cubed bread. I absolutely love using sourdough or French bread for this, and it’s best if it’s a little stale and cubed into about 1-inch pieces. This gives you that perfect texture later on. Next, grab yourself 1 large yellow onion, and dice it up nice and fine. You’ll also need 2 cups of celery, which is usually about 3 to 4 stalks, chopped up small too. These veggies are going to soften and melt into the stuffing, adding so much flavor.

For the aromatics, we’re going big with fresh herbs! You’ll want 2 tablespoons of fresh sage, 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, all finely chopped. Trust me, the fresh herbs make all the difference here! We’ll also need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, and it’s best if it’s warmed up a bit. And of course, ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted, to get everything nice and rich. Oh, and don’t forget some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – you’ll want to season it as you go!

Bread Choices for the Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

The bread is honestly the foundation of any great bread stuffing, and for this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, the type really matters. I swear by sourdough or a good crusty French bread. The key is that it’s a bit stale and cubed into bite-sized pieces. Stale bread soaks up the broth beautifully without turning into mush, giving you that lovely contrast between a slightly crisp exterior and a tender, moist interior. If your bread is super fresh, just cube it and leave it out on the counter overnight, or give it a quick toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s lightly dried out.

Fresh Herbs: The Aromatic Soul of this Bread Stuffing

You know, when I think of that classic holiday stuffing flavor, it’s always the herbs that come to mind. For this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, using fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary is non-negotiable for me! They bring this incredible, fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that dried herbs just can’t quite match. To prep them, just strip the leaves off the woody stems and give them a really fine chop. You want them to distribute evenly throughout the stuffing, releasing all their amazing oils as it bakes. It’s this aromatic blend that truly makes it a standout bread stuffing.

Crafting Your Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe made! It’s really not complicated, and I promise you, the results are so worth it. First things first, you need to get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, let’s talk about that bread. You want your cubed bread to be nice and dry. If you didn’t leave it out overnight, just spread those cubes on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they feel a little dry to the touch. This is super important for the texture!

Preparing the Bread Base

So, you’ve got your bread cubed up, right? Make sure those pieces are about an inch or so. If they aren’t already stale, pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet and give them a quick trip to the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You just want them to feel a bit dry and firm, not toasted brown. This is the base for our fantastic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, and getting this right is key!

Sautéing the Aromatics

Now, grab a big skillet and melt that ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion and chopped celery. Cook them down until they’re nice and tender, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You don’t want them mushy, just softened so they’ll melt into the stuffing. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper while they’re cooking. This step is where all that foundational flavor for our Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe really starts to build!

Combining and Moistening the Stuffing

Okay, time to bring it all together! Put your dried bread cubes into a really large mixing bowl. Pour that lovely sautéed onion and celery mixture right over the top. Now, sprinkle in all those gorgeous chopped fresh herbs – the sage, thyme, and rosemary. Give it all a good stir to distribute everything evenly.

Season it again with more salt and pepper, being generous here because the bread will soak it up. Here’s the magic part: gradually stir in the warm broth. You want the mixture to be evenly moistened, not soggy, but not dry either. Just add enough broth until the bread cubes are nicely hydrated. It should feel moist but still hold its shape. This balance is crucial for our Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe!

Baking to Golden Perfection

Once everything is mixed and looking delicious, transfer your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe into a greased baking dish. Cover it up tightly with aluminum foil. This helps steam the stuffing and make sure it’s perfectly moist inside. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake it for about 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. You want that beautiful golden-brown, slightly crisp top, so bake it uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until it looks just right. Let it cool just a tiny bit before you serve it up – it’s so good!

Tips for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Making sure your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is absolutely perfect every single time is totally doable, and it really comes down to a few key things. I always like to prep my bread cubes the day before. It just makes assembly so much easier on the big day! And don’t be shy with the seasoning; tasting and adjusting is crucial. You want that stuffing with herbs to really sing! Remember, this is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, so getting the balance of moisture and crispness just right is everything.

Achieving the Ideal Texture

For that perfect contrast of a crispy top and a wonderfully moist interior in your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, the key is the broth and the baking. Make sure you add just enough warm broth to moisten the bread without making it soggy. When you remove the foil for the last 15 minutes, that’s when the magic happens for the golden, slightly crunchy bits on top. It’s the best of both worlds!

Flavor Boosts and Seasoning Adjustments

Before you bake your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, always give it a taste! It might seem obvious, but bread soaks up a lot of flavor. Add more salt and pepper if it needs it, and don’t be afraid to add a little more of those amazing fresh herbs if you want an even bigger aromatic punch. Sometimes, if my celery or onion wasn’t super flavorful, I’ll add a tiny pinch of garlic powder too, just for an extra layer of savory goodness. It’s all about making this bread stuffing taste just right for your holiday table!

Serving and Storing Your Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is so versatile, it’s practically the star of the show! It pairs beautifully with just about anything on your holiday table. Once it’s baked to golden perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before serving – it helps everything settle and makes it easier to scoop. If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (which hardly ever happens in my house!), it stores like a dream. Just make sure to get it into an airtight container or wrap it up well once it’s cooled down a bit.

Delicious Pairings for Your Thanksgiving Stuffing

Honestly, this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a dream alongside roasted turkey or chicken. It’s also fantastic with ham, pork roast, or even a hearty mushroom gravy for a vegetarian main. It’s that comforting, classic bread stuffing flavor that just makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish to round out any festive meal! For more holiday inspiration, check out our dessert recipes.

Proper Storage and Reheating Methods

Got leftovers of this amazing Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? Lucky you! Let it cool completely, then pack it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to keep it from drying out is to add a splash of broth or water to the stuffing, cover it tightly with foil, and warm it in the oven at around 325°F (160°C) until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven method gives you back that lovely texture. If you’re looking for other comforting dishes, you might enjoy our zucchini bread recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Got questions about whipping up this classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? I’ve got you covered! It’s a recipe that’s been a hit at my table for years, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Here are some common things people ask:

Nutritional Snapshot of this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Just a friendly heads-up about the nutrition info for this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! Because everyone uses slightly different brands of ingredients, and, you know, home cooking can vary a bit, these numbers are really just an estimate. Things like the type of bread you use, the exact amount of broth, or even how much butter sneaks into the pan can change things up. So, think of this as a general guide rather than a strict rulebook!

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