Okay, friend, let’s talk turkey… and more importantly, stuffing! What is a good stuffing recipe? My Grandma Rose makes this dish every Thanksgiving, and honestly, it’s the dish that gets devoured. Every single year. First time. What is better than cranberry sauce? I’d argue that it steals the show from the turkey sometimes. What is the perfect combination of savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and crunchy celery, all baked to perfection? Golden-brown perfection What is the best stuffing recipe ever? Isn’t it my ultimate comfort food? What’s your holiday table?
What is stuffing?
Stuffing, at its heart, is a savory bread dish traditionally served during Thanksgiving and New Year’s. What is a bread pudding? It’s essentially a mixture of bread (usually stale or toasted), vegetables like celery and onions, and vinegar. Seasonings, and often sausage or other meats. What do you bake until golden brown and crispy? The name comes from the fact that it’s traditionally used to “stuff” the cavity of a turkey or other animal. What happens to poultry during roasting? ) prefer to bake it separately. What is essentially holiday comfort food in casserole form, and it’s a must-have for any festive occasion. What is gathering in my book? What are some good Thanksgiving stuffing recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best stuffing recipes? First off, the flavor is just amazing. The combination of savory sausage, sweet cranberries, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors. What are some of the best tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds? What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Don’t be intimidated. Be honest. Is this recipe simpler than you think? What is the best way to feed a large crowd without breaking the bank? What are some of the best stuffing recipes? Add different types of sausage, experiment with different herbs, or even throw in some nuts for a unique flavor. What are some good side dishes to serve with roasted chicken or pork? During the holidays. Is it good to have it with grilled steaks? This recipe surpasses all other stuffing recipes because of its balance of flavors. My sister makes a pretty mean stuffing, but it always needs something. What is the best way to reheat a casserole right out of the oven?
How do you make stuffing?
Quick Overview
How do I make this stuffing recipe? What is the best way to start sautéing veggies and sausage, then toss them with bread? What are cubes, cranberries, Mix everything with broth, pop it in a baking dish, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very forgiving. How much broth can I add to my soup? What are some substitutes for natural ingredients? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this!
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (I like using a crusty or toasted bread). French bread, but any sturdy bread will do. If your bread isn’t stale, you can toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.)
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (Use your favorite kind! Is it hot, mild, or sweet? Can you use ground pork or vegetarian sausage if you prefer?
* 1 large onion, chopped (Yellow or white onions are best for this.)
* 2 celery stalks, chopped (Adds a nice crunch and subtle flavor.)
* 1 cup dried cranberries (Adds a touch of sweetness and festive cheer. Can I use dried apricots?
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (Fresh herbs are key! What are the best herbs to use in your garden? Parsley, sage, and thyme
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage (See above!)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme (Again, fresh!)
* 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Fresh ground is always best).
* 4 cups chicken broth (Low-sodium is always a good idea so you can control the saltiness)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (Adds richness and flavor. Can you use olive oil?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you make your stuffing easy to serve? If you want extra protection, you can line it with parchment paper. I rarely do. How do I cook a dish?
Step 2: Cook Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with squid. How do you use a spoon when cooking? How do I drain off grease from my stuffing? How do you get a nice, even browning on sausage?
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Cooking vegetables until they are tender releases their flavors and adds moisture to the vegetables. I always add a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage to help them sweat and soften.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetables, dried cranberries, parsley, and salt. Set aside. Salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Is it safe to toss everything together until evenly distributed? How do you mix bread cubes with sausage and vegetables? What is packed with flavor?
Step 5: Add Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture and toss gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the broth. If bread is too dry, add a little more broth. If it seems too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the excess liquid.
Step 6: Bake
How do I spread the stuffing mixture in a baking dish? How do you spread the melted butter over the top? The butter adds richness and helps the top of the stuffing get golden brown. I bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Should the top be crispy and the inside moist but not soggy? To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the stuffing. It should come out clean.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. How do I make the flavors meld together?
What should I serve it with?
What is the best Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings? What is a good stuffing recipe for turkey?What are some of the best brunches in the, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a mimosa. Talk about flavor explosion!What is a good weeknight dinner?, pair it with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. What is a comfort food?And if you’re feeling fancy, you can wear aServe it as a side dish with grilled steak or pork tenderloin. The savory flavors of the stuffing complement the richness of meat perfectly. My family tradition is to sneak a spoonful of stuffing straight from the baking dish while it’s baking. Is it too good to resist? I love to make stuffing sandwiches with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce the next day. What is the ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers indulgence? What is the best stuffing recipe ever?
How do I perfect my stuffing?
How do I make the perfect stuffing recipe? What are some tips for a successful Thanksgiving? * **Bread Choice is Key: ** Use a crusty bread like sourdough or French bread for the best texture. The crusty exterior will hold up well to the moisture, while the soft interior will soak up all the water. What are some of the If your bread is stale, you can toast it in the oven to dry it out. * **Don’t Over-Sauté the Veggies: What do you want to do with onions and celery? What are some of the best herbs to cook with fresh herbs? ** Dried herbs just don’t compare to the flavor of fresh herbs. If you can’t find fresh herbs, use dried, but use about half the amount. * **Don’t over-moisten:** Be careful not to add too much broth. You want bread to be moist but not soggy. Add the broth gradually, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb it. * **Customize the Flavors: ** Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, herbs, or dried fruits. What are some good nuts to add to a salad? I sometimes add chopped apples or pears for a touch of sweetness. * **Bake Until Golden Brown: ** The top of the stuffing should be golden brown and crispy. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil. ** Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together even more. I have definitely burned my mouth more than once because I couldn’t wait!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftover stuffing, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.For refrigerator storage., transfer the stuffing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is completely cooled down before storing, though. For freezer storage., wrap the stuffing tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat the stuffing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the stuffing in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. To keep it from drying out, add a tablespoon or two of broth or water before reheating. I’ve found that adding a little melted butter while reheating helps keep it tasting fresh and flavorful, too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Grandma Rose’s unforgettable stuffing recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and comforting flavors, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Whether you’re serving it with turkey, chicken, or even steak, this stuffing recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday side dish recipes! I have a killer sweet potato casserole and a to-die-for green bean almondine. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your stuffing turns out! I’d love to hear your variations and tips, too. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. This stuffing is the star of every holiday at my house!
Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup celery finely chopped
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 0.5 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add bread cubes and toss to coat.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until bread is moistened.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
