Stuffing and dressing are classic Thanksgiving side dishes that add warmth and comfort to any holiday meal. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a more modern twist, there are endless possibilities for creating a dish that suits your taste. In this article, we’ll explore three delicious ways to make stuffing and dressing that will be sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Traditional Herb Stuffing
- 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Traditional Herb Stuffing
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and cook for another minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and the onion mixture. Gradually add enough broth to moisten the bread, tossing to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
About the Main Ingredients
- Bread: Day-old bread is ideal for stuffing because it has dried out slightly, which helps it absorb the flavors of the other ingredients without becoming mushy. You can use any type of bread you like, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the stuffing. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Onion, Celery, Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the stuffing and provide a savory flavor. Cooking them before adding them to the bread helps to soften them and mellow their flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, sage, and thyme are classic herbs used in stuffing. They add a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh, but use about half the amount called for.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and help to balance the dish.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds moisture to the stuffing and helps bind it together. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on how moist you like your stuffing.
