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Perfect Ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Easy Homemade Holiday Side Dish

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A cozy, flavorful stuffing recipe perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday dinners, featuring toasted bread cubes, fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from apple. Moist but not soggy, with a crispy top and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups day-old bread cubes (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), preferably a mix of white and sourdough
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Optional: ½ cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter your baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Toast the bread cubes: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp but not browned too much. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Sauté the veggies and apple: In your skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and apple. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic, fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 2 more minutes until herbs release their aroma. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Combine the mixture: In the large mixing bowl, add toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetable mixture, and optional toasted nuts or dried cranberries if using.
  5. Prepare the broth mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and chicken or vegetable broth. Pour this evenly over the bread and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything with a wooden spoon or your hands until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Add more broth a tablespoon at a time if mixture feels dry.
  6. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the prepared dish, pressing down lightly to compact it without squashing.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the inside is set but still moist.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or stale bread to avoid sogginess. Toast bread cubes before mixing to lock in texture. Add broth gradually to moisten without making the stuffing mushy. Eggs help bind the stuffing without heaviness. Let stuffing rest after baking for easier serving. Stirring halfway through baking is optional but can create a more uniform crust. For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts or breadcrumbs on top five minutes before the end of baking. Variations include vegetarian, gluten-free, and adding sausage or bacon for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, holiday side dish, stuffing recipe, easy stuffing, homemade stuffing, savory stuffing, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/perfect-ultimate-thanksgiving-stuffing-recipe-easy-homemade-holiday-side-dish/