Classic Bread Stuffing 🦃
This classic bread stuffing is a savory and aromatic dish. It soaks up the flavors of your Thanksgiving turkey. It also stands strong as a standalone side. Made with cubed bread, sauteed vegetables, and a medley of herbs, it’s moist and flavorful. It’s a must-have on your holiday table.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet for sauteing
- Baking sheet
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish (if baking separately)
- Thermometer (if stuffing the turkey)
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
- Stale bread cubed: 480 g (8 cups)
- Celery chopped: 100 g (1 cup)
- Onion chopped: 150 g (1 cup)
- Butter: 120 g 1/2 cup
- Chicken or turkey broth: 360 ml 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs beaten: 2 large
- Sage dried: 7 g (1 tbsp)
- Thyme dried: 5 g (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
Prepare the Bread:
- Cube the stale bread into 1-inch pieces.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet. Toast them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 10–15 minutes. Make sure they are completely dry but not browned.
Saute the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped celery and onion, and cook until softened and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes).
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sauteed vegetables.
- Sprinkle with sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs.
- Gradually pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently to coat.
- The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.
Assemble the Stuffing:
- For stuffing inside the turkey: Loosely fill the turkey cavity with the mixture. Avoid packing it too tightly, as the stuffing needs space to cook evenly.
- For baking as a side dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Bake:
- If baking separately, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the top is slightly crisp and golden brown.
Troubleshooting & Notes
- Too Dry? Add a little more warm broth to the mixture before baking or while reheating.
- Too Wet? Bake uncovered a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Flavor Adjustments: Add more herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresher taste. You can also include sauteed mushrooms, sausage, or dried cranberries for added flavor.
Stuffing Safety Tip: If cooking inside the turkey, make sure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will prevent foodborne illness.
Notes
This Classic Bread Stuffing offers all the nostalgic flavors of Thanksgiving in every bite. This stuffing pleases the crowd. It soaks up turkey juices from inside the bird or crisps up in the oven as a side. It belongs on your holiday table. 🍂
This Thanksgiving, whether you’re team dressing or team stuffing, your bread-making skills can steal the spotlight. From casseroles to croutons, bread is the secret weapon of the holiday table. And after the feast, don’t forget to grab your cousins and take that traditional post-dinner stroll.
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving! 🥖