This Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing Recipe is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that combines toasted bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, and garlic. Flavored with herbs like sage and thyme, it’s enriched with chicken broth for a savory taste.
This simple bread stuffing recipe can be customized with optional add-ins such as sausage, apples, or cranberries, making it a versatile choice for your holiday table. It’s often baked to achieve a crispy golden top, ensuring a delicious addition to any meal.
Warm and Inviting Flavors
Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing brings a sense of nostalgia to the Thanksgiving table. This dish features golden toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, and a blend of aromatic herbs. The combination creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that complements the traditional turkey perfectly.
As a staple in many households, this stuffing recipe is cherished for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or adding your own twist with ingredients like sausage or cranberries, it remains a beloved choice for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The foundation of this stuffing lies in its ingredients. Day-old bread is essential for achieving the right texture, allowing it to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy. Sautéed onions and celery add depth, while fresh herbs like sage and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic notes.
Optional add-ins, such as crumbled sausage or diced apples, can elevate the stuffing to new heights. These variations cater to different tastes and preferences, making it a flexible option for any Thanksgiving feast.
Preparation Steps for Success
Preparing this stuffing is straightforward and can be done in under an hour. Start by toasting the bread cubes to achieve a golden color, which enhances the overall flavor. Sautéing the vegetables in butter brings out their natural sweetness, creating a savory base for the stuffing.
Once the ingredients are combined, it’s crucial to moisten the bread with chicken broth carefully. The goal is to achieve a balance where the bread is moist but not soggy, ensuring a delightful texture when baked.
Baking to Perfection
Transferring the mixture to a greased baking dish is the next step. Covering it with foil during the initial baking phase helps retain moisture, resulting in a tender stuffing. Removing the foil towards the end allows the top to crisp up, creating a delicious contrast to the soft interior.
After about 40 minutes in the oven, the stuffing should emerge golden and inviting, ready to be served alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or any roasted meats.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Once baked, let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing its visual appeal. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from cranberry sauce to roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your holiday spread.
Whether you opt for the traditional recipe or experiment with different ingredients, this Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Its comforting flavors and rustic presentation make it a memorable part of any festive meal.
Creating a Cozy Thanksgiving Atmosphere
Imagine a cozy Thanksgiving table setting adorned with seasonal decorations, where the aroma of freshly baked stuffing fills the air. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also contributes to the warm atmosphere of the holiday.
As family and friends gather around, sharing stories and laughter, the Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing becomes more than just a side dish; it becomes a part of cherished memories and traditions. This simple yet delicious stuffing recipe is a reminder of the joy of coming together to celebrate.
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
This stuffing features a base of toasted bread cubes mixed with sautéed vegetables and herbs, creating a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 10 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup diced apples or cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. If using, add the crumbled sausage and diced apples or cranberries. Pour in the chicken broth gradually, mixing until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden.
- Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your Thanksgiving turkey or any roasted meats.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g