The Perfect Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Nothing beats a classic Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing that’s crispy on top and perfectly moist inside.
Every holiday season, I get excited about making this family-favorite side dish that fills our home with the most incredible aroma.
This recipe combines fresh herbs, crusty bread, and savory vegetables to create that perfect balance of flavors we all crave during Thanksgiving.
What makes this stuffing special is how it captures the essence of traditional holiday cooking while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Day-old bread cubes | 12 cups |
| Yellow onion, diced | 2 large |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 4-5 stalks |
| Fresh sage leaves | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley | 1/3 cup |
| Butter | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2-3 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes the day before.
2. Spread the bread cubes on baking sheets and let them dry overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the diced onions and celery, cooking until they’re soft and translucent (about 8-10 minutes).
6. Chop all your fresh herbs finely.
7. Add the herbs to the vegetable mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
8. In a very large mixing bowl, combine your dried bread cubes with the cooked vegetable-herb mixture.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 cups of chicken broth.
10. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes gradually, tossing gently to combine.
11. Keep adding more broth if needed – the bread should be moist but not soggy.
12. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
13. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
14. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing
The key to amazing Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing is getting the moisture level just right.
You want your stuffing to be moist enough to hold together but not so wet that it becomes mushy.
Don’t skip drying out the bread – this step is crucial for perfect texture.
If you’re short on time, you can dry the bread cubes in a 250°F oven for about an hour instead of overnight.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare this stuffing up to 24 hours in advance.
Just assemble everything but don’t bake it – cover and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
You might need to add a little extra broth if it seems dry.
Conclusion
This Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe has been my go-to for years, and it never disappoints.
The combination of fresh herbs, perfectly toasted bread, and savory vegetables creates a side dish that often steals the show from the turkey!
Remember, the best stuffing is made with love and attention to detail.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your family’s taste preferences.
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create memories around the dinner table.
Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become your family’s favorite too!
