1. Can I make Thanksgiving stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! This stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the stuffing is assembled, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it on Thanksgiving Day as instructed. For even longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffing and bake it directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. However, dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities. Use about 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Add the dried herbs to the sautéed onions and celery to help activate their flavors.

3. What type of bread is best for Thanksgiving stuffing?

The best bread for Thanksgiving stuffing is one that is soft but sturdy enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy. A white bread, ciabatta, or French bread works well. Avoid bread that is too chewy or crusty, like a baguette, as it can make the stuffing too dense. You can also mix two types of bread for a variety of textures.

4. Can I cook this stuffing inside the turkey?

Yes, you can cook this stuffing inside the turkey. However, make sure that the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. If you prefer a crispy texture, it’s best to bake the stuffing separately in a dish.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – 100% Homemade and Delicious

Name: Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound white bread (or ciabatta, French bread); 1 cup butter (2 sticks); 1 large onion, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups); 2 cups celery, diced; 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups high-quality chicken or turkey broth; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon softened butter (for greasing pan)

Description

This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish for your holiday meal, featuring buttery flavor, crispy edges, and a savory, herby filling that everyone will love. It’s a comforting, homemade recipe that is both simple and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound white bread (or ciabatta, French bread)
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 large onion, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 cups celery, diced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups high-quality chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon softened butter (for greasing pan)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and toast the bread pieces on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until lightly toasted.
In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and celery for 7-10 minutes, until softened.
While the vegetables are cooking, chop the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Once the vegetables are done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh herbs.
Transfer the toasted bread to a large mixing bowl and add the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread, using your hands to mix and moisten the bread. Add more broth if needed until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter and transfer the stuffing into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more aromatic stuffing.
If you prefer a lighter stuffing, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil.
You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it on the day of serving.
Feel free to add or swap vegetables (e.g., carrots or leeks) to suit your preferences.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
Calories: 322 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg