Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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Each family boasts its cherished Best Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe, passed down through generations like precious heirlooms. Be it the savory allure of sage, the crisp bite of celery, or the delicate sweetness of sautéed onions, these ingredients come together, telling stories of Thanksgivings past. And so, in the spirit of quintessential feasts and new beginnings, I ventured into the heart of traditions and modern twists, aspiring to unveil a stuffing recipe that resonates with both the nostalgia of yesteryears and the culinary curiosity of today.

How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving stuffing (also known as dressing in some regions) is a traditional side dish served during Thanksgiving dinner. It typically consists of bread, vegetables, herbs, seasonings, and often meat (such as sausage or turkey), all combined with broth to create a savory dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old white bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried sage (or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• Optional: 1 cup dried cranberries or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for a sweet and crunchy texture

Instructions:

1. Prep the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight to dry out. Alternatively, bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until slightly crisp.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally until they are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs are fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Bread and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables, parsley, and optional cranberries or nuts.
5. Moisten and Bind: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables, tossing gently to combine and ensure that every piece of bread is moistened.
6. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminium foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing:

• Dry Bread is Key: Ensure your bread is sufficiently dry; this helps it soak up the flavors and moisture without becoming soggy.
• Adjust Moisture: The amount of broth may need to be adjusted based on the dryness of the bread. Begin with less broth, and add more as needed. The bread should be moist but not sitting in liquid.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add your personal touch with variations. Sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, chopped apples, or even a splash of white wine can enhance the flavor profile.
• Cooking Options: If you prefer not to use eggs, you can omit them; just ensure there’s enough broth to bind the stuffing slightly.

What to serve with

Thanksgiving dinner is a symphony of flavors, and while the stuffing is a star in its own right, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes to round out the holiday feast.

Main Dish:

• Roast Turkey is the quintessential Thanksgiving centerpiece. The juicy, tender flavors of a well-roasted turkey complement the rich and aromatic stuffing.
• Gravy: A smooth, flavorful gravy made from the turkey drippings not only goes great with the turkey but also drizzles over the stuffing. It enhances its moistness and ties the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes:

• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness and slight sweetness of cranberry sauce provide a perfect counterbalance to the savory notes of the stuffing.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a must-have at any Thanksgiving table. They work well with every meal component, especially when mixed with some stuffing and gravy.
• Green Bean Casserole: With its crunchy onion topping, this creamy dish adds a beautiful texture contrast to the soft and savory stuffing.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: This casserole, with a touch of sweetness, complements the savory flavors of the stuffing. It’s a festive favorite, whether topped with marshmallows or a pecan crumble.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips adds a splash of color to your table and brings a delightful crunch and earthiness that pairs well with the soft and herby stuffing.

Breads:

• Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Soft dinner rolls or slightly sweet cornbread offer a nice textural contrast to the stuffing and are great for mopping up extra gravy or sauce.

Salads:

• Autumn Salad: A salad with mixed greens, nuts (like pecans or walnuts), dried cranberries, and a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing, crunchy, and tangy note that cleanses the palate.
• Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad: This hearty salad, with shaved Brussels sprouts and kale tossed in a mustard-citrus dressing, adds a fresh and slightly bitter contrast that will cut through the richness of other dishes.

Desserts:

• Pumpkin Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie’s sweet spice is a beautiful follow-up to a hearty meal.
• Apple Pie or Tart: The slight tartness of apples and the sweetness of the pie compliment the deep, savory flavors of the stuffing and other dishes.

Beverages:

• Wine: A lovely pinot noir or a Chardonnay pairs excellently with turkey and stuffing, balancing the meal with their body and acidity.
• Cider: Apple cider, whether hot and mulled or cold and sparkling, offers a festive and refreshing drink choice that complements the spices used in Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving stuffing allows for various ingredient substitutions that can cater to different dietary preferences and allergies or simply to work with what you have on hand.

Bread

Traditional: Day-old white bread or French baguette cut into cubes.

Substitutes:

• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier option, whole-grain bread can be used.
• Gluten-Free Bread: For those with gluten sensitivities, numerous gluten-free bread options are available.
• Cornbread: For a Southern twist, use cornbread; it will be sweeter and denser than traditional bread.

Broth

Traditional: Chicken or turkey broth.

Substitutes:

• Vegetable Broth: Use this for a vegetarian version.
• Beef Broth: Though unfamiliar, you can use beef broth for a richer taste.
• Water: In a pinch, water seasoned with herbs and spices can substitute for broth, although it may lack the depth of flavor.

Butter

Traditional: Unsalted butter.

Substitutes:

• Olive Oil: Use olive oil for a healthier fat option with a different flavor profile.
• Margarine: For those who cannot consume dairy, margarine can be a suitable substitute.
• Ghee: Lactose intolerant individuals may tolerate ghee better than butter.

Onions

Traditional: Yellow onions.

Substitutes:

• Shallots: For a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
• Red Onions: For a bit of color and a milder flavor.
• Leeks: For a more subtle onion flavor.

Celery

Traditional: Fresh celery.

Substitutes:

• Fennel: It adds a similar crunch with a faint liquorice-like taste.
• Carrots: These can add a slightly sweet crunch.
• Bell Peppers: For a different flavor profile and added color.

Herbs

Traditional: Sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Substitutes:

• Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use about a third of the amount in dried herbs.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend can work well as a quick all-in-one substitute for the individual herbs.

Eggs

Traditional: Large eggs as a binder.

Substitutes:

• Flax Eggs: For a vegan option, mix ground flaxseed and water.
• Chia Eggs: Like flax eggs, they can act as a binder for those avoiding animal products.
• Egg Replacer Products: Various commercial egg substitutes can work for those with egg allergies.

Meats

Traditional: Sausage or bacon.

Substitutes:

• Vegan Sausage: There are a variety of plant-based sausages that can imitate the texture and flavor.
• Smoked Tofu: For a smoky flavor without meat.
• Turkey Sausage: A lighter alternative to standard pork sausage.

Nuts

Traditional: Chestnuts or walnuts.

Substitutes:

• Pecans: Offer a similar crunch and buttery flavor.
• Almonds: Slivered almonds can give texture and a nutty taste.
• Seeds: For those with nut allergies, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Dried Fruit

Traditional: Raisins or dried cranberries.

Substitutes:

• Chopped Dried Apricots: For a different sweetness and tang.
• Dates: These will add a rich, almost caramel-like flavor.
• Fresh Apples or Grapes: If you prefer fresh fruit, these can add a juicy component.

Alcohol

Traditional: A splash of white wine.

Substitutes:

• Chicken Broth: To avoid alcohol, just increase the broth.
• Grape Juice: For the wine flavor without the alcohol.
• Apple Cider: For a festive, non-alcoholic flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Following this recipe and tips will yield a delicious, aromatic stuffing that is the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey.

More Stuffing Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe
• Pepperidge Farm Turkey Stuffing Recipe
• Pepperidge Farm Sausage Stuffing Recipe
• Sausage Stuffing for Thanksgiving