My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

Prepare to relive the warmth and nostalgia of Thanksgiving with our “Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing” recipe. This beloved dish, with its comforting blend of bread, aromatic herbs, and savory ingredients, embodies the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or looking to recreate cherished family traditions, this stuffing is sure to take center stage on your Thanksgiving table. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create the ideal Thanksgiving stuffing.

Recipe :

Ingredients:

  • 12 cups stale bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (mix of white and whole wheat)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried sage
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions :

1. Prep the Bread:

  • A day or two before making the stuffing, cut the stale bread into 1/2-inch cubes and spread them out to air dry.

2. Preheat and Saute:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery. Saute until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics and Herbs:

  • Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the herbs become fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sauteed vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Toss everything together until well mixed.

5. Moisten the Mixture:

  • Gradually add the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the mixture, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened. The amount of broth needed may vary, so add enough to achieve the desired level of moisture.

6. Bind with Eggs:

  • Stir in the beaten eggs to bind the stuffing together. This will help it hold its shape during baking.

7. Optional Additions:

  • If desired, add chopped pecans and dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture, incorporating them evenly.

8. Bake:

  • Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown on top and heated through.

Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic and beloved dish that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. It’s an essential part of the Thanksgiving table, with its comforting blend of bread, aromatic herbs, and savory ingredients.

This stuffing offers a delightful taste of nostalgia, whether you’re upholding tradition or creating new ones. Every bite transports you to the flavors and memories of Thanksgiving, a time for family, gratitude, and celebration. This stuffing will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, a testament to the joy of the season.