This Savory Herb and Cranberry Thanksgiving Stuffing is the perfect blend of hearty bread, fresh herbs, and tart cranberries, making it a standout side dish for your holiday table. It’s an easy way to add a homemade touch that everyone will remember.
Bread: A country-style bread gives the stuffing a hearty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully. Toasting it ensures it holds up to the broth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables, bringing out their flavors.
Onion and Celery: These veggies are the classic base for any good stuffing, adding a mild sweetness and crunch.
Garlic: Just a bit of garlic elevates the stuffing with its aromatic presence.
Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor without overpowering the herbs.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the savory elements.
Herbs: Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley bring a vibrant, earthy flavor that screams holiday comfort.
Pecans (optional): These add a nutty crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, serve it alongside a hearty mushroom dish. It’s also delicious with a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce on the side.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your cubed country-style bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes. You want it lightly golden, not too dark, so keep an eye on it. Once done, set it aside to cool.
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté these until they’re softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Then, stir in the sage, thyme, and parsley, letting them cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with your sautéed veggies, dried cranberries, and pecans if you’re using them. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, stirring as you go. You want everything moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. This will give you that perfect golden-brown top that’s a must for stuffing.
Once it’s done, serve it warm. Your kitchen should smell like the holidays by now!
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