Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Homemade Stuffing Recipe is a classic side dish that elevates any meal, especially during the holiday season. This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, and perfectly toasted bread cubes. It’s not just for Thanksgiving; this delightful stuffing pairs well with a variety of meats and can be enjoyed year-round. With its rich taste and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of herbs, butter, and sautéed vegetables creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: While perfect for Thanksgiving, you can serve this stuffing alongside chicken, pork, or even as a standalone dish.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making homemade stuffing is a breeze for cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-pleasing Size: This recipe serves six but can easily be doubled for larger gatherings without losing quality.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like sausage or nuts to personalize this classic dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Proper equipment makes the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Sauté pan
• Baking dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Sauté pan: Ideal for cooking onions and celery evenly while allowing the butter to infuse flavor into the veggies.

Ingredients

A traditional recipe for Homemade Stuffing made with dried bread cubes mixed with onions and celery sauteed in plenty of butter then mixed with herbs and broth (and more butter) and baked until golden and delicious! It is the perfect stuffing recipe for your Thanksgiving table! Can easily be doubled for a crowd.

For the Base

• 12 cups Stale White Bread – cut into 1 inch cubes (approx 1 lb 4 oz loaf of bread – see notes below for details)
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp butter (divided)

For the Vegetables

• 1 large yellow or white onion (chopped)
• 2 cups celery, chopped (stalks and leaves!)

For Seasoning

• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tsp marjoram

For Fresh Herbs

• 3 Tbsp (heaping) fresh sage, chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (Curly or Italian will work)

For Binding

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock

How to Make Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread

Begin by cutting your stale white bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry out in a low oven if they aren’t already stale.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of butter. Add chopped onions and celery:
Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and marjoram. Stir well.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
Combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables.
Add fresh sage, parsley, beaten eggs, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly until combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish:
Dot the top with remaining butter.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until golden brown on top:
Cover with foil if it browns too quickly.

Enjoy your homemade stuffing as a delightful addition to any meal!

How to Serve Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Homemade stuffing is a versatile dish that can enhance any meal. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or during a cozy dinner, there are many ways to enjoy this savory delight.

As a Classic Side Dish

• Pair with roasted turkey for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
• Serve alongside baked ham to complement the sweetness of the meat.

In a Stuffed Peppers Dish

• Use leftover stuffing to fill bell peppers for a hearty and delicious meal.
• Top with cheese and bake until bubbly for added flavor.

Mixed with Gravy

• Drizzle warm gravy over your homemade stuffing for extra moisture and taste.
• This combination makes for a comforting side that everyone will love.

With a Fresh Salad

• Balance the rich flavors of the stuffing with a light, crisp salad.
• A simple vinaigrette can brighten up the meal.

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How to Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Creating the perfect homemade stuffing involves paying attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your stuffing game.

• Use Stale Bread: Older bread absorbs more broth without becoming mushy, giving you the best texture.
• Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Cook onions and celery until soft to release their flavors fully.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth in flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to your stuffing.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Homemade stuffing pairs beautifully with various side dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser alongside stuffing.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this dish contrasts perfectly with savory stuffing.
4. Green Bean Almondine: This light and fresh dish complements the heartiness of stuffing.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness and balances out flavors on your plate.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread muffins provide additional texture and sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade stuffing can be a bit tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bread Selection: Using fresh bread instead of stale can lead to soggy stuffing. Opt for dried bread cubes for the best texture.
• Ignoring Herbs: Skipping herbs and spices will result in bland stuffing. Be sure to include fresh sage, parsley, and poultry seasoning for flavor.
• Over-Seasoning: Adding too much salt or pepper can overpower the dish. Start with less and adjust to your taste as you mix.
• Insufficient Moisture: Not adding enough broth can make your stuffing dry. Ensure you mix in adequate chicken broth for moisture.
• Skipping the Eggs: Omitting eggs can affect the binding of the stuffing. Use them to help hold all the ingredients together.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Stuffing Recipe

• Freeze stuffed portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Stuffing Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Add a little broth to a pan and heat over medium until warmed, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our Homemade Stuffing Recipe.

Can I make this Homemade Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

What type of bread is best for homemade stuffing?

Stale white bread works well, but feel free to use whole grain or sourdough for added flavor.

How do I customize my Homemade Stuffing Recipe?

You can add ingredients like sausage, nuts, or dried fruits to personalize your stuffing.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this Homemade Stuffing Recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Stuffing Recipe is not only perfect for Thanksgiving but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and ingredients. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and enjoy this cozy comfort food!