Looking for the perfect side dish to complete your Thanksgiving feast? This Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing is exactly what you need! This recipe delivers the comforting, savory flavors you crave, and it’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch. A crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your holiday table.
What is Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing?
Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing, often simply called stuffing, is a classic side dish, particularly popular during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. It’s essentially a mixture of bread, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, baked to perfection. The beauty of homemade stuffing lies in its ability to be customized with different bread types, herbs, and additions like sausage or cranberries. It’s comforting, flavorful, and an essential part of any Thanksgiving spread.
This isn’t just any side dish, it’s an embodiment of the holiday spirit, bringing warmth and that home-cooked goodness to your table. Ready to ditch the boxed stuff and make your own family tradition? Let’s get started!
Key Ingredients for Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes: A mix of white and wheat bread works great for texture and flavor. Let the bread sit out overnight to become stale for best results.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the stuffing.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a savory base flavor.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Essential for that classic stuffing flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the sage and adds another layer of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram: An optional herb that adds a bit of earthy sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor to the stuffing. Use low-sodium to control the salt content.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the stuffing together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
How to Make Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing:
This Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing is easier than you think! With simple steps you’ll be enjoying it with family and friends this Thanksgiving. The combination of day-old bread, aromatic vegetables and warm spices creates a delicious flavor. This recipe takes only about 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and dried out. This step is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing. Remove from oven and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to brown or burn them.
- Stir in the dried sage, thyme, and marjoram (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened. Don’t over-saturate the bread; it should be damp but not soggy.
- Add the beaten egg to the bowl. Gently stir to incorporate. The egg will help bind the stuffing together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of your chicken broth and adjust accordingly.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Let it Rest
- Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to set slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing:
This Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing is going to be the star of your Thanksgiving table! The main highlight is undoubtedly the comforting, savory flavor that takes you right back to childhood holiday memories. It’s the warm blend of herbs, the tender bread, and the satisfying texture that make it a true classic.
Making stuffing from scratch is surprisingly cost-effective. You can use day-old bread that might otherwise go to waste, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that are readily available. Plus, you can customize it to your liking, adding ingredients like sausage, cranberries, or apples for a unique twist.
Compared to store-bought stuffing mixes, this homemade version offers a depth of flavor and quality that simply can’t be matched. The natural herbs, fresh vegetables, and quality broth elevate the taste to a whole new level. Ready to experience the difference? Try it at home this year!
What to Serve Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing With:
This classic stuffing pairs perfectly with a variety of Thanksgiving staples. Of course, it goes hand-in-hand with a roasted turkey or chicken. Consider serving it alongside cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole for a complete and satisfying holiday meal. You can also serve it with a crisp salad or a side of roasted root vegetables to add some freshness and balance to the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread is essential for preventing soggy stuffing. Stale bread absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, cube it and bake it in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for about an hour to dry it out.
- Don’t Over-Saturate the Bread: Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the stuffing will be soggy. The bread should be damp but not dripping.
- Sauté the Vegetables Properly: Sautéing the onions and celery until they are softened and translucent releases their flavor and prevents them from being crunchy in the finished stuffing.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Remember that the flavors will intensify as it bakes.
- Add Sausage or Other Add-ins: For a heartier stuffing, add browned sausage, cooked bacon, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the stuffing.
- Bake Uncovered for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crispy top, bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- For a Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the bread with gluten-free bread!
Health Benefits of Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing:
While often indulgent, this Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing can offer some nutritional benefits thanks to its ingredients. It contains fiber from the bread and vegetables, which aids in digestion. The herbs like sage and thyme are known for their antioxidant properties. Plus, when made with homemade broth, it can provide essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, portion control is key, but you can feel good about enjoying this classic dish as part of a balanced meal. You can reduce the fat content by using less butter and more broth, consider adding diced apples or cranberries to not only boost the vitamin content, but also for additional flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen stuffing to a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish, add a little broth to keep it moist, and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.
- Microwave: Place a portion of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of broth, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- From Frozen: Thaw the frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Follow the oven or microwave reheating instructions.
Final Thoughts:
This Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing recipe brings the quintessential flavors of Thanksgiving to your table. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, additions, and bread types to create your own signature stuffing. Enjoy this holiday classic!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Homemade Traditional Bread Stuffing FAQs:
Q: Can I use stuffing to actually stuff the turkey?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended due to food safety concerns. Stuffing inside the turkey needs to reach a safe internal temperature, which can lead to overcooking the turkey. It’s safer (and often yields more evenly cooked turkey) to bake the stuffing separately.
Q: What if I don’t have day-old bread?
A: You can dry out fresh bread by cubing it and baking it in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for about an hour, or until the bread is lightly toasted and dried.
Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a little extra broth before baking, as the bread may absorb more moisture during storage.
Q: Can I add sausage to this stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Brown some sausage in the skillet after sautéing the vegetables, and then add it to the stuffing mixture.
Q: I don’t have chicken broth. Can I use vegetable broth?
A: Yes, vegetable broth is a good substitute. It will give the stuffing a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.