Every Turkey Day, the same dish steals the spotlight—the stuffing. Our homemade Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing recipe may even steal your heart!

Undoubtedly, our Best Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is a timeless recipe that embodies the essence of the holiday season.

With a perfect balance of savory flavors, moist texture, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing will certainly be cherished at your Thanksgiving table.

Don that chef’s hat and let’s create a stuffing that will elevate your holiday feast. Here’s the scoop on our Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing recipe.

Best Breads as Base for your Stuffing

When it comes to crafting the best stuffing, the choice of bread plays a crucial role. What kind of bread do you prefer?

Different types of bread, like French bread, cornbread, or gluten-free bread, can be used comparatively.

However, for a traditional stuffing recipe, cubed French bread or a mixture of cubed bread like sourdough bread and whole wheat works wonders.

Undeniably, the Thanksgiving stuffing recipe you prefer can depend on the type of bread you choose.

You are more likely to struggle with soggy stuffing when using small pieces of white bread than with a heartier stale bread or cornbread stuffing.

The key is to choose the best bread that will absorb the flavors and moisture while baking to create a mouthwatering stuffing.

Butter, Oil, Lard, or Margarine?

To achieve that crispy top and delectable flavor, deciding on the fat component is certainly essential.

Whether it’s butter, oil, lard, or margarine, the choice can greatly influence the outcome.

Frying the aromatics in butter adds a rich flavor, while using oil results in a lighter texture.

We prefer lots of butter–note a stick of butter in our homemade stuffing recipe–with a little bit of cooking spray on the rimmed baking sheet.

Significantly, each fat has its own unique contribution to making the best part of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Delicious Aromatic Herb Combinations

Fresh herbs like fresh parsley, fresh rosemary, fresh sage, and fresh thyme are the secret to a flavorful stuffing.

Undoubtedly, the aromatic combination of these herbs elevates the taste of the stuffing to new heights.

Poultry Seasoning Combos for Best Dressing

• Cajun: paprika, garlic, thyme, oregano, and pepper
• French: basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, sage, and peppercorns
• Chinese: star anise, cinnamon, cloves, sichuan peppers, and fennel seeds
• Indian: turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red pepper
• Everything Bagel: poppy seeds, caraway seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, and onion powder
• Mediterranean: parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil
• Herbs de Provence: lavender, fennel, basil, and thyme
• Italian: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and red pepper

Experimenting with different herb blends can give your stuffing a tasty twist that your family members will love.

Tasty Twists on your Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing

Meanwhile, if you want to try a family favorite with a twist, don’t be afraid to play around with different variations of add-ins too.

Adding candied walnuts and craisins can be so yummy that the usual cranberry sauce gets left behind.

If you are creating a unique family recipe, don’t be afraid to add a family favorite like bacon, pistachios, broccoli, or corn.

New Spins on the Classic Stuffing Recipe

• Apple & Sage: bread, apple, celery, onion, sage, thyme, and nutmeg
• Sausage & Herbs: sourdough, Italian sausage, onion, celery, parsley, and black pepper
• Oyster & Fennel: white bread, oysters, onion, celery, fennel, garlic, and thyme
• Biscuit & Sausage: biscuits, sweet sausage, onion, carrot, fennel, and sage
• Challah & Mushroom: challah, cremini mushrooms, onion, and celery

Whether the best stuffing recipe for your family is sausage stuffing or a vegan mushroom stuffing, don’t forget the broth.

Turkey stock is the classic choice, but low-sodium chicken broth can help cut down on your salt intake. Vegetable broth is a great vegan option.

Feeling Bird-Brained? Tips for Sucky Stuffing

For those seeking an easy stuffing recipe, a classic recipe can be doubled to cater to a larger gathering.

Whether baked in a casserole dish or used to stuff a turkey, the key is to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.

Certainly, the baking time and temperature, along with the choice of chicken stock or turkey broth, are all crucial elements to consider.

Cooking Methods for Thanksgiving Dressing

• Oven-Baked: 350 degrees F oven for 40 mins, this is our go-to.
• Roasted in Bird: Good stuffing can come from the cavity of a turkey but ensure a safe temperature of 165 degrees F before it’s done.
• Pan-Fried: Get all ingredients but bread boiling in a large sauté pan, fold in bread, and turn off medium-high heat. Easy and delicious!
• Slow Cooker: Spray inside of your 4-quart slow cooker with oil, toss in stuffing, and let it cook on low for 3-3 1/2 hours.
• Leftover Casserole: Start with a single layer of leftover turkey mixed with cranberry sauce, layer of mashed potatoes, then corn, leftover gravy, then leftover stuffing on top. 400°F at 25 mins, and your leftovers problem is deliciously solved.

Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the goodness intact for future indulgence.

How do I ensure the stuffing is safe to eat?

Indeed, ensuring that the stuffing is safe to eat involves paying close attention to its internal temperature.

Chiefly, recommended internal temp should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee it’s thoroughly cooked and safe for consumption.

An instant-read thermometer can be a handy tool to check the stuffing’s temperature, providing peace of mind afterward that it is safe to savor.

After the feast, any leftover stuffing afterward should be promptly stored in an airtight container and refrigerated to maintain its freshness.

Properly stored, the leftover stuffing can serve as a delightful addition to future meals and offer a delicious reminder of the holiday festivities.

Best Homemade Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Bring everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish to the holiday table. Unlike last year, no side dishes will compare, even Aunt Lu’s green beans.

Ingredients:

For the Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing:

• 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old rustic bread, cubed
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 1/2 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment:

• large mixing bowl
• skillet or sauté pan
• baking dish
• aluminum foil
• cooking spray or butter, for greasing

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes

1. Cut the rustic bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Leave them uncovered overnight to dry out or bake in a low oven (about 250°F) for 30-45 minutes until slightly crisp.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Then add minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Seasoning

1. Stir in dried sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Allow the herbs to become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Bread and Aromatics

1. In a very large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed aromatics, ensuring an even distribution.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 5: Moistening the Mixture

1. Meanwhile, pour the turkey or chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread evenly.
2. Afterward, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to absorb the broth.

Step 6: Bind with Eggs

1. Add the beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture, combining thoroughly. The eggs will help bind the stuffing during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

1. Firstly, grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Then transfer the stuffing mixture to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Bring the Best Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing to the table, ready to be savored alongside your perfectly roasted turkey.
2. Afterward, store leftovers in an airtight medium bowl, allowing to cool to room temperature before placing in fridge.

Tips for Success:

1. Use day-old bread to achieve the ideal texture, allowing it to absorb flavors afterward without becoming mushy.
2. Customize the herbs to your preference, adding a touch more of any particular herb for a personal twist.
3. Lastly, ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Food for Thought:

Celebrate the heart of Thanksgiving with the Best Classic Turkey Stuffing. Only thing you have left to do is save this recipe card!

Consequently, as the golden centerpiece of your holiday feast, this stuffing captures the essence of tradition and warmth.

Share in the joy of a bountiful meal, surrounded by loved ones, and revel in the timeless flavors that make Thanksgiving truly special.

May your holiday be filled with gratitude and the rich aroma of this classic stuffing. Happy Thanksgiving!

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