Classic Bread Stuffing

Introduction

This Classic Bread Stuffing is a savory and buttery side dish with a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, flavorful interior. It’s a timeless favorite for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any special meal.

Ingredients

• 10 cups of day-old bread cubes (white or country bread)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup cooked sausage, or 1/2 cup dried cranberries for extra flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Toast the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly crispy but not browned. Set aside to cool.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
4. Mix the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. If using parsley, sausage, or dried cranberries, stir them in now.
5. Add Broth and Eggs: Gradually pour in the broth, tossing gently to moisten the bread without making it too soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more broth, 1/4 cup at a time.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to make the stuffing suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Add-Ins: Customize with ingredients like cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or chopped apples for extra flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth to keep it moist.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
   • For best results, use day-old or toasted bread cubes to ensure the stuffing has the right texture and doesn’t become soggy.
2. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it on the day you plan to serve it.
3. Can I freeze the stuffing?
   • Yes, you can freeze stuffing. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. How can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
   • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat additions.
5. Can I make this stuffing without eggs?
   • Yes, you can use a flax egg or other egg substitutes if you have dietary restrictions.
6. What can I use instead of fresh herbs?
   • You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Just reduce the amount to about one-third of the fresh herb quantity.
7. How do I ensure the stuffing isn’t dry?
   • Gradually add broth and make sure the bread is well-moistened but not soggy. Add extra broth if needed.
8. Can I cook this stuffing inside a turkey?
   • Yes, but make sure to cook the stuffing to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
9. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
   • You can use another baking dish of similar size or divide the stuffing between two smaller dishes.
10. Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
    • Yes, store-bought bread cubes are a convenient option and can save time.

Conclusion

This Classic Bread Stuffing is a quintessential side dish that brings comfort and rich flavors to your holiday table. With its crispy top and savory, buttery interior, it’s a dish that will delight guests and family alike. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for any festive meal or cozy family dinner.

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