Celery and onions are cooked with butter, herbs and seasonings. Everything is combined with broth and dried bread cubes, then baked until heated through and golden.
Bread: You can buy dry bread cubes or use nearly any type of dry bread for stuffing. Before making this stuffing recipe, I like to use half white bread and half wheat bread and let them dry for a few days.
Celery/Onions: These give this dish a lot of flavor and should be softened in butter.
Seasoning: For this recipe of turkey stuffing, I always start with Poultry Seasoning. It is a flavorful mixture of savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage that gives soups, stews, and casseroles a delightful boost. You can replace poultry seasoning with ground sage if needed.
Broth: Depending on the type and dryness of the bread being used, different amounts of chicken or turkey broth will be required to add moisture. See the recipe notes for more details.
Additions: Dried cranberries, raisins, shredded carrots, and cooked sausage are some options, but I believe the best stuffing recipe is a straightforward classic one.
Making sure the bread is completely dry before adding the broth is essential to getting the perfect consistency for this homemade stuffing recipe. This keeps it from getting soggy while allowing it to absorb the broth and flavor.
If at all possible, buy the bread a few days (or even weeks) ahead of time, tear or cut it into cubes, and leave it to dry on the counter for a few days. Any type of bread will work, but I usually use a blend of brown and white bread (like sourdough bread or half cornbread).
Store-bought dried bread cubes will function perfectly in this recipe, but a small amount of additional broth might be necessary.
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the quintessential side dish: turkey stuffing. This savory, comforting dish adds a burst of flavor and texture to the holiday feast, complementing the juicy turkey and other Thanksgiving staples. But what exactly is in turkey stuffing? What are the key ingredients that make it so irresistible?
This guide delves into the heart of turkey stuffing, exploring its composition, variations, and the role it plays in the Thanksgiving tradition.
Essential Ingredients of Turkey Stuffing:
- Breadcrumbs: The foundation of stuffing, breadcrumbs provide the base for the dish’s texture and absorb the flavorful ingredients. Traditionally, white bread is preferred, but variations using other types of bread are common.
- Vegetables: Aromatic vegetables like onion and celery add depth and sweetness to the stuffing. Sautéing them in butter before incorporating them into the breadcrumb mixture enhances their flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices, is a staple in turkey stuffing. It adds a warm, savory touch that complements the other ingredients. Additional seasonings like salt, pepper, and sage are also commonly used.
- Broth or Stock: Moisture is essential for a flavorful and tender stuffing. Chicken or turkey broth is typically used to moisten the breadcrumbs and vegetables, creating a cohesive and delicious mixture.
- Eggs: In some recipes, eggs are added as a binder, helping to hold the stuffing together and prevent it from becoming crumbly.
Variations on the Classic:
While the core ingredients remain the same, turkey stuffing offers endless possibilities for customization. Some popular variations include:
- Adding Fruits and Nuts: Dried fruits like cranberries and apricots, along with nuts like pecans and walnuts, add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the stuffing.
- Using Herbs and Spices: Experimenting with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and sage can create unique flavor profiles.
- Incorporating Meat or Sausage: Ground sausage or cooked meat can add a hearty element to the stuffing.
The Role of Turkey Stuffing in Thanksgiving:
Turkey stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a symbol of Thanksgiving tradition and family gathering. The act of preparing stuffing together, sharing recipes and techniques passed down through generations, strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
Turkey stuffing is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition that brings families together around the table. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients combine to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious Whether you prefer the classic recipe or explore variations with different flavors and textures, turkey stuffing remains an integral part of the Thanksgiving experience.
How to Dry Bread for Stuffing
If necessary, fresh bread cubes can be dried in the oven. For approximately ten minutes, spread them out in a single layer at 300°F (avoid toasting or browning them). You might need less broth if you dry-bake fresh bread.
How To Make Stuffing
I like to make Crock Pot Stuffing or cook my stuffing in a casserole dish, which is technically dressing. By cooking the stuffing and turkey separately, you can make sure they both cook to the proper temperature without going overboard.
Prepare ahead of time: Stuffing can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator in a casserole dish. Make the stuffing without baking it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. You might have to extend the baking time by five to ten minutes.
Stuffing a Turkey: This stuffing is suitable for stuffing turkeys. Make sure the stuffing has chilled for at least forty-five minutes in the refrigerator.
Avoid stuffing the turkey too soon before roasting, as it may remain at a dangerous cooking temperature for an extended period of time. When stuffing a turkey, the stuffing’s center should reach 165°F as the bird’s juices seep into the mixture.
Easy to make ahead of time, stuffing just needs to be prepared as directed, covered tightly, and refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
Take it out of the refrigerator at least thirty minutes before baking. Prepare according to the recipe (if it’s still cold from the refrigerator, you might need to add a few minutes).
What is Thanksgiving stuffing, and why is it also ‘dressing’?
FAQ
What is turkey stuffing made of?
What is the stuffing inside turkey?
Is turkey stuffing unhealthy?
Why is turkey stuffing so good?
How do you make turkey stuffing?
· Bread: This old-fashioned turkey dressing recipe starts with lightly toasted white bread. · Butter: Butter adds moisture, richness, and flavor. · Vegetables: You’ll need one chopped onion and two stalks of chopped celery for flavor and texture. · Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy.
Do you stuff your turkeys?
We don’t ever stuff our turkeys, we always make stuffing on the side. We don’t stuff our turkeys as it honestly never makes enough stuffing to feed our entire family and the turkey takes longer to cook – which means dried out breast meat.
What kind of bread do you use for turkey stuffing?
Her turkey stuffing is full of celery, onion, seasonings, and brown turkey meat, and it is packed with flavor and it’s so satisfying! 6 cups (about 12 ounces) dry bread for stuffing. You can use your favorite kind of bread: sourdough, white, wheat etc. 3-6 cups of cooked & chopped brown turkey meat from your roasted turkey.
Do you add eggs to turkey stuffing?
If you like a moister stuffing, then add another 1/2 cup of broth. If you like a turkey stuffing that really sticks together, then add another egg or even two. The eggs help bind the bread together when it’s baking. The point of a baked stuffing is to have it more stuck together, unlike a stove top stuffing which has the bread cubes separated more.