This buttery Thanksgiving stuffing is a warm hug on a plate! Made with bread, herbs, and lots of butter, it’s everything you want for the holidays.
There’s something magical about the smell wafting through the kitchen. I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful before dinner—can you? 😄
What I love most is how easy it comes together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy that cozy flavor. Perfect with turkey or all on its own!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: Sturdy breads like white or sourdough work best for holding up in the stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, fresh bread can also be used—just toast it a bit longer to dry it out.
Unsalted butter: This adds rich flavor. If you want a lower-fat option, olive oil is a great substitute, giving a nice depth without the dairy.
Onion and celery: These veggies give it a wonderful aromatic base. You could swap in leeks for a milder taste or use bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Fresh herbs: Sage and thyme bring holiday warmth. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs can work, but cut the amounts down to about a third since dried is more potent.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth enhances the flavor without being overpowering. Vegetable broth is a perfect alternative for a vegetarian version.
How Do You Get the Bread Just Right?
Getting your bread just right is key to perfect stuffing. You want it crispy on the outside but still soft inside to soak up all those tasty flavors.
- Start with stale bread: Day-old bread has the perfect texture. If it’s fresh, cut it into cubes and toast it until it’s dry.
- Lightly toast: Spread your bread cubes on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and dry, but not burnt.
- Mix carefully: When combining with the broth mixture, toss gently. You want everything coated without turning the bread mushy!
With these tricks, your stuffing will be deliciously crispy on top and soft inside, just like it should be for Thanksgiving! Enjoy making this cozy dish with your loved ones.
How to Make Buttery Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a sturdy white or sourdough bread)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buttery Thanksgiving Stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour for a delicious side dish that’s perfect for your holiday dinner. It’s an easy addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will keep your stuffing from sticking and add a little extra flavor.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the cubed day-old bread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and dry. This step helps to give your stuffing that perfect texture. Once done, take it out and transfer the bread to a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, cooking until they’re soft and translucent—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Combine with Herbs:
In the skillet with the sautéed veggies, stir in the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and parsley. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the toasted bread cubes. This way, you won’t steam the bread!
5. Mix the Liquid:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken (or vegetable) broth and the lightly beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread and veggie mixture, tossing gently until the bread is thoroughly moistened but not soggy. You might need to adjust the amount of broth depending on how dry your bread is.
6. Pack and Bake:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to pack it evenly. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by this point!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once baked, let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. You can even garnish it with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy the warm, buttery, and herb-infused stuffing!
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing is sure to be a hit on your holiday table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While sturdy white or sourdough bread is preferred, you can use other types like whole wheat, cornbread, or even a mix of whatever you have on hand. Just ensure the bread is a bit stale or toasted for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just toss the bread with the vegetable mixture and broth, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it moist and warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian stuffing that everyone can enjoy!
