Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

This homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. Made with simple ingredients and fresh sage, it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of white bread, dried (see instructions)
• 4 stalks of celery
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can of chicken broth (you likely won’t use the entire can)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Tear the bread into pieces by hand. Let it sit out overnight to dry, or bake it in a 200°F oven for 30 minutes, tossing every 7–8 minutes to ensure even drying.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the chopped celery and diced onion. Stir in the sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are soft but not browned.
3. Step 3: Place the dried bread in a large bowl. Pour the butter and vegetable mixture over the bread and gently toss while gradually adding chicken broth. Add just enough broth to make the mixture damp but not soggy; the amount will vary depending on the bread’s dryness.
4. Step 4: Transfer the stuffing to a medium-sized baking dish and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes up to 3–4 hours to let the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 30–45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sturdy, day-old bread like French bread or sourdough for added texture.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
• Include cooked sausage or mushrooms to make it heartier.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffing a day ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Dried sage works well as a substitute; use about one-third the amount of fresh sage. You can also add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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This homemade Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a classic, flavorful side dish made with dried white bread, sautéed celery and onions, fresh sage, and chicken broth. The stuffing is moist yet not soggy, baked to golden perfection, and perfect to complement your holiday turkey dinner.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffing

• 1 loaf of white bread, dried
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can of chicken broth (8 ounces), use as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Tear the white bread into small pieces by hand. To dry it out, either leave the bread pieces out overnight at room temperature or spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a 200°F oven for 30 minutes, tossing every 7-8 minutes until completely dried.
2. Sauté vegetables: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and diced onion along with sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft but not browned.
3. Combine ingredients: Place the dried bread pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed celery and onion mixture over the bread. Gently toss while gradually adding chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is evenly moist but not soggy. Adjust the amount of broth depending on how dry your bread is.
4. Rest the mixture: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a medium-sized baking dish. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 15 minutes and up to 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Bake the stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffing for 30 to 45 minutes. For the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp and turn golden brown.

Notes

• Drying the bread is crucial to prevent soggy stuffing; baking it low and slow is a great way to achieve this quickly.
• Adjust the amount of chicken broth based on the moisture level of your bread and personal preference.
• Fresh sage provides a more vibrant flavor, but dried sage works well as a substitute.
• You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
• Covering the stuffing while baking locks in moisture, removing the cover at the end crisps the top.

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, homemade stuffing, classic stuffing recipe, bread stuffing, holiday side dish