The Best Simple Stuffing
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Elevate your holiday meals with this deliciously simple stuffing recipe. Packed with savory herbs, tender bread cubes, and just the right amount of moisture, this comforting dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's sure to become a beloved tradition on your dinner table.
The Best Simple Stuffing has been a family favorite for years. This recipe combines traditional flavors with a modern twist, ensuring it's the highlight of any holiday feast.
Why This Stuffing Stands Out
This stuffing recipe is a timeless classic, yet it effortlessly fits into modern holiday traditions. The combination of fresh herbs and sautéed vegetables creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. It's a dish that not only complements your main course but also warms the hearts of your guests. Plus, its simplicity means that you can focus on other aspects of your holiday meal preparation while still delivering a dish everyone will love.
What makes this stuffing really shine is its versatility. Whether you're preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving or a simple roast chicken for Sunday dinner, this stuffing adapts beautifully. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients—think sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, or different spices. Each variation brings a unique twist, allowing you to create a stuffing that reflects your personal taste or the preferences of your loved ones.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffing
Achieving the ideal stuffing consistency can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can master it. Be sure to toast your bread cubes adequately; this step not only adds a delightful crunch but also prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy. If you prefer a drier stuffing, you can reduce the vegetable broth or add more bread. Remember, the goal is moist, fluffy stuffing that holds together beautifully without being overly wet.
Herbs play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of your stuffing. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste even more, so if you have access to them, don’t hesitate to use them instead of dried ones. Additionally, don’t rush the sautéing process; allowing the onion and celery to properly soften releases their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that makes your stuffing irresistible. Consider using a mix of bread types, like sourdough or whole grain, for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before getting started:
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your stuffing:
Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, mixing well until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious stuffing as a side dish!
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian main dish for a delightful holiday spread. For a truly festive touch, consider adding a dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the stuffing when plating. The sweet-tart contrast enhances the savory flavor profile, making each bite an explosion of taste.
If you have leftovers, don't worry! Stuffing is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed in numerous ways. Use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a base for a comforting casserole. You can also sauté it with eggs for a delicious breakfast scramble, transforming last night's dinner into a new morning favorite.
Common Questions
One common question is how to store stuffing leftovers. Place any unused stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Another frequent inquiry is about using different types of bread in stuffing. Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different breads like ciabatta, challah, or cornbread. Each type of bread will give your stuffing a unique texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that the moisture content in the bread can affect the final result, so you may need to adjust the amount of broth you use.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare stuffing a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake before serving.
→ Can I freeze stuffing?
Stuffing can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
The Best Simple Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this deliciously simple stuffing recipe. Packed with savory herbs, tender bread cubes, and just the right amount of moisture, this comforting dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's sure to become a beloved tradition on your dinner table.
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, mixing well until the bread is moist but not soggy.
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g