Classic stuffing is the heart of many Thanksgiving tables. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting flavor.
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Classic stuffing recipe
Classic stuffing is a traditional dish for holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. It typically consists of stale bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, and a variety of herbs. It can be cooked inside a turkey or separately in a baking dish.
The dish offers a rich and savory flavor from herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. These herbs provide a fragrant taste that pairs well with many main dishes.
The stuffing is a classic accompaniment to roast poultry, most famously with Thanksgiving turkey. It is also commonly served alongside other roasted chicken and duck.
The dish also pairs wonderfully with holiday hams and pork roasts. It serves as a hearty side for roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes and is often incorporated into baked casseroles.
For a creative twist, stuffing can be shaped into balls and wrapped in bacon or formed into dumplings. These are typically served with a side of rich gravy or tangy cranberry sauce.
This is how to make the classic stuffing:
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread preferably day-old or slightly stale
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth adjust for desired moisture level
- 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for about 10-15 minutes until golden, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
- Add herbs to the skillet, stirring for a minute to blend the flavors. Pour this mixture over the toasted bread cubes.
- Add broth gradually to the bread mixture, tossing until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm and enjoy as a classic side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Here are five delicious variations of classic Thanksgiving stuffing. Each offers a unique twist on this beloved dish.
- Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Apples combines sourdough, sausage, and apples for balanced flavors.
- Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo and Green Chiles is hearty and flavorful. Cornbread forms the sweet base of this stuffing. Chorizo and green chiles add spice.
- Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries and Pecans features nutty wild rice. Cranberries and pecans add tartness and crunch. It is a gluten-free and elegant choice.
- Mushroom and Herb Stuffing is perfect for mushroom lovers. Mushrooms add a rich umami flavor to this stuffing. Fragrant herbs make it aromatic.
- Mediterranean Stuffing reflects Mediterranean flavors. Feta and olives pair beautifully with bread. Spinach enhances color and nutrition.
- Butternut Squash and Sage Stuffing has roasted butternut squash to add a creamy texture and sweetness to balance the flavor. Sage complements the seasonal touch