Copycat Serious Eats Stuffing Recipe

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Each year, as autumn paints the trees with golden hues, I find myself eagerly anticipating the ritual of creating this masterpiece. It’s a tradition that weaves together not just ingredients but memories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The Serious Eats stuffing recipe, with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures, is more than just a side dish; it’s a bridge to past celebrations and a promise of many more to come.

How to make Serious Eats Stuffing

Serious Eats Stuffing is a popular and well-regarded recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing (or dressing) developed by the team at Serious Eats, a food website known for its detailed and tested recipes.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Start with about 1 loaf (20 ounces) of high-quality sandwich bread or soft Italian or French bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
• Unsalted Butter: You’ll need 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) to cook the vegetables and add richness.
• Onions & Celery: 2 large onions and 4 stalks of celery finely chopped provide the aromatic backbone to the stuffing.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds another layer of flavor; use 4 cloves or more to taste.
• Sausage: 1 pound of good-quality pork sausage (with sage, if possible) enhances the stuffing with depth and savoriness.
• Sage & Thyme: Fresh sage and thyme, about 1/4 cup chopped, give the stuffing its classic Thanksgiving scent and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of your sausage and chicken stock.
• Chicken Stock: Start with 2 1/2 cups of homemade or low-sodium chicken stock. You may adjust this amount based on the desired moisture of your stuffing.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten, act as a binder for the stuffing.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Spread bread cubes evenly on a couple of baking sheets and bake until completely dried out, about 50 minutes total, stirring bread cubes several times during baking. Remove from oven and let cool.
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until softened but not browned about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sage and thyme.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, carefully fold the sausage mixture and dried bread cubes together until evenly mixed. Drizzle in the chicken stock and beaten eggs. The mixture should be moist but not soggy—season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing to a buttered baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp up the top.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing:

• Day-old Bread is Best: Use slightly stale bread for optimal texture as it absorbs the stock and eggs better without becoming mushy.
• Toast the Bread: Drying out the bread in the oven is a crucial step because it ensures the stuffing will have the right consistency.
• Richness is Key: Don’t skimp on butter. It adds a lot of flavor and helps in toasting the top to a nice golden brown.
• Quality Sausage: Use good-quality sausage for the best flavor. If you’re using sausage in casings, remove the casings before cooking.
• Check the Moisture: Your stuffing’s moisture can vary. If it looks dry, don’t hesitate to add more stock. Start with the suggested amount and adjust if necessary.
• Herbs: Fresh is best with herbs. If you must use dried, remember that they’re more potent, so decrease the amounts by about half.

What to serve with

When you’ve made a batch of delectable Serious Eats stuffing, whether for Thanksgiving or any festive dinner, pairing it with the right side dishes and main courses can transform a good meal into a great one.

Main Courses

• Roast Turkey: Turkey is the quintessential match for stuffing. Opt for a beautifully bronzed, herb-butter-baked turkey. The turkey’s flavors complement the rich, savory profile of the Serious Eats stuffing.
• Roast Chicken: A simpler but equally tasty option is a roast chicken. Its crispy skin and tender meat provide a lighter yet flavorful counterpoint to the hearty Serious Eats stuffing.
• Glazed Ham: For a slightly sweet contrast, serve your stuffing alongside a honey or brown sugar-glazed ham. The sweetness of the ham balances the savory, herby notes of the stuffing.
• Prime Rib: Elevate your meal with succulent prime rib. The richness of the beef pairs perfectly with the spiced, textured complexity of the stuffing.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Don’t overlook non-meat eaters. Stuffed acorn squash or a nut roast are hearty, vegetarian-friendly alternatives to stuffing that complement traditional flavors.

Side Dishes

• Cranberry Sauce: This is a must-have for any Thanksgiving meal. Its tart and sweet flavor cuts through the richness of the stuffing and meat, refreshing the palate.
• Green Bean Casserole: Another holiday favorite, its creamy texture and crunchy onion topping provide an excellent contrast to the soft and savory stuffing.
• Mashed Potatoes: Silky mashed potatoes complement the texture of the stuffing and act as a vehicle for enjoying it with gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Offer a medley of autumn vegetables—like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash—roasted to caramelized perfection. They add a touch of sweetness and a bit of a bite.
• Gravy: Homemade gravy made from the turkey drippings is non-negotiable. It ties all the components of the meal together, enriching the flavors of both the stuffing and the proteins.

Salads

• Kale Salad: To add a crisp, light element to your meal, opt for a refreshing kale salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad.
• Apple and Walnut Salad: Include a salad featuring fresh Autumn apples, walnuts, and a balsamic reduction. The crunch and sweetness will offer a delightful contrast to the savory stuffing.

Bread

Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: To round out your feast, serve fluffy dinner rolls or slightly sweet cornbread. They are perfect for sopping up every last bit of gravy and provide a nice texture contrast.

Desserts

• Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a traditional note. The spiced sweetness of pumpkin pie beautifully concludes a rich and savory meal.
• Apple Pie or Tarte Tatin: For something different yet seasonal, opt for an apple-based dessert, which will continue the theme of fall flavors throughout your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a batch of Serious Eats stuffing allows for culinary creativity, not just in terms of pairings and presentations but also when it comes to ingredient substitutions.

Bread Base

Original Ingredient: The original recipe often calls for a specific type of bread, like white bread or sourdough.

Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread. If you’re looking for whole grain benefits, opt for whole wheat, multigrain, or rye bread. For a sweeter profile, challah or brioche can add a delightful twist.

Meat

Original Ingredient: Sausage is a common component for adding depth and savoriness.

Substitutes: For a vegetarian version, consider using a plant-based sausage. If you want to reduce fat, you can opt for turkey sausage. For a different flavor profile, chorizo or andouille sausage can provide a spicy kick.

Broth

Original Ingredient: Chicken or vegetable broth is typically used to moisten the stuffing.

Substitutes: If you have dietary concerns, look for low-sodium or organic broth options. For a richer, more umami flavor, try using beef or mushroom broth. Homemade broth can also elevate the dish.

Vegetables

Original Ingredient: Onions, celery, and sometimes carrots are the backbone vegetables.

Substitutes: Consider leeks or fennel instead of onions for a different flavor or texture. Diced butternut squash or parsnips add color and sweetness. For a bit of green, wilted kale or Swiss chard can be mixed in.

Fats

Original Ingredient: Butter is usually used to sauté vegetables and add richness.

Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a high-quality vegan butter alternative. If you want to add a unique flavor, consider using duck fat or coconut oil.

Herbs and Spices

Original Ingredient: Sage, thyme, and rosemary are classic stuffing herbs.

Substitutes: For a different aromatic profile, try using marjoram, oregano, or tarragon. Fresh herbs offer a brighter taste, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use one-third the amount of dried as you would fresh).

Nuts and Dried Fruits (Optional)

Original Ingredient: Walnuts, pecans, and dried cranberries or raisins might be added for crunch and sweetness.

Substitutes: For nut allergies, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds are great alternatives. Dried apricots, cherries, or even diced fresh apples can replace or complement traditional dried fruits.

Eggs

Original Ingredient: Eggs are used as a binder.

Substitutes: For a vegan stuffing, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, set to thicken for 15 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer.

Final Thoughts

These pairings are about enhancing flavors and creating an experience that unites traditional tastes and personal preferences. Enjoy curating your meal around your delicious Serious Eats stuffing!

More Stuffing Recipes:

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