Traditional Turkey Stuffing

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Nothing says home quite like the aroma of a traditional turkey stuffing baking in the oven. This recipe, packed with herbs and buttery goodness, is your key to a Thanksgiving classic that brings everyone back for seconds.

Ingredients for Traditional Turkey Stuffing

Butter: The foundation of flavor and richness in the stuffing, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.

Celery and Onion: This classic duo provides a savory base, lending crunch and sweetness to the stuffing.

Bread: The backbone of stuffing, absorbing all the tasty flavors while adding body. Day-old bread works best as it holds up better with the liquids.

Parsley, Sage, Thyme, and Rosemary: Fresh herbs are the stars here, each contributing its unique flavor profile to the stuffing. Together, they create a balanced and aromatic blend.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.

Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, infusing the bread cubes with a subtle, savory taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Using day-old bread is key—it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy.
  • If you prefer a softer stuffing, add a little more chicken broth.
  • Feel free to make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth.
  • Chop herbs finely to evenly distribute their flavor throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing is a perfect companion to roasted turkey, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or pork tenderloin. Add a side of cranberry sauce for a tangy contrast, or serve with a fresh green salad to lighten up your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
What type of bread works best?
A hearty loaf like sourdough or French bread works well. Avoid overly soft bread like sandwich loaves.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Consider incorporating cooked sausage, nuts, or dried cranberries for an added twist.

Traditional Turkey Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to prepare everything else while the oven gets nice and hot. Meanwhile, butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once bubbling, add the chopped celery and onion. Let them cook until they're tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to soften and release their aromas.

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large bowl. Add the bread cubes and toss them together with the parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens—make sure everything is well combined.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently. Aim for a moist texture without turning the bread soggy. You want it all to hold together but not be drenched.

Spoon the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil to trap the moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden-brown top.

Once it’s out of the oven, serve it hot alongside your turkey, and watch it disappear!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs or add-ins.
  • Makes your kitchen smell like a festive wonderland!
  • Great for using up day-old bread, minimizing waste.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
12 cups cubed day-old bread
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery and onion, cooking until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large bowl and add the bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring gently to combine until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
5. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Serve hot alongside your turkey and enjoy the classic taste of this homemade stuffing.

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