Homemade Stuffing Perfect for Thanksgiving

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ingredients for stuffing

What’s up, Hungry People!

Today, I’m here to talk about stuffing—a Thanksgiving favorite that holds a special place in my heart. Ever since I was little, I’ve always asked for extra stuffing on this holiday, both homemade and the classic Stove Top version. I’m even planning to share a recipe soon where I use stuffing as a pie crust! So, it’s safe to say that I’m a big fan of stuffing.

But this time, I wanted to challenge myself and make my own easy stuffing from scratch. During this time of year, you’ll find an abundance of bags of cubed bread specifically made for making stuffing. Instead of relying on the boxed stuff, I decided to create a stuffing that truly captures the flavors of fall. That’s why I’m incorporating fresh ingredients like apples, leeks, red onions, and fragrant herbs like rosemary.

Here’s What You Need

  • Bread cubes: Provides the base and texture for the stuffing.
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
  • Apple: Adds a hint of sweetness and texture to the stuffing.
  • Leek: Imparts a mild onion flavor and adds depth to the stuffing.
  • Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and adds flavor to the stuffing.
  • Dried cranberries: Offers a sweet and tart burst of flavor to the stuffing.
  • Golden raisins: Provides a touch of sweetness and adds texture to the stuffing.
  • Red onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and color to the stuffing.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall savory flavor profile of the stuffing.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the ingredients.
  • Rosemary: Infuses the stuffing with a fragrant herbaceous note.
stuffing with turkey leg

Let’s Cook!

To get started, all you need to do is chop up the apples and veggies, and sauté them in a skillet with some butter until they begin to caramelize and brown.

sauting leeks

This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the stuffing. Of course, don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

leeks and apples in pan

While the veggies are softening, it’s time to prepare the bread cubes. You can grab a bag of cubed bread from the store or make your own by cutting up a loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces.

For some added sweetness and tartness, I like to mix in golden raisins and cranberries. This combination adds a delightful burst of flavor that complements the savory elements of the stuffing.

soaking bread and raisins

Next, arrange the bread cubes in a roasting pan and pour the broth over them. You want the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors, so make sure there are no dry spots. If needed, feel free to add a bit more broth.

While the bread is soaking, you can also dot it with some butter, which adds richness and helps to achieve that golden brown crust.

soaking stuffing mix

As a personal touch, I sometimes like to incorporate turkey legs into the stuffing before roasting. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the stuffing even heartier. However, if you prefer a vegetarian option or simply want to skip this step, that’s totally fine too. The stuffing will still turn out delicious.

Tips for Making Homemade Stuffing for Thanksgiving

  • Cubed bread options: You can either use store-bought bags of cubed bread specifically made for stuffing or cut up a loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces for a homemade touch.
  • Customize with nuts: For added texture and richness, consider tossing in toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to the stuffing mixture.
  • Sweet variations: To satisfy your sweet tooth, sprinkle some brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the bread cubes before adding the broth for a touch of sweetness.
  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make the stuffing suitable for vegetarians.
  • Moisture control: Ensure the bread cubes are evenly moistened by pouring the broth over the stuffing and allowing it to soak for at least 15 minutes before baking.
  • Butter for browning: Dotting the exposed top of the stuffing with butter helps achieve a golden brown crust during baking.
  • Roasting time may vary: Keep an eye on the stuffing while it bakes, as oven temperatures and stuffing quantities can vary, adjusting the baking time accordingly to ensure a crispy top.
  • Serve alongside Thanksgiving dinner: This stuffing pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving feast, complementing roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and other traditional dishes.

And there you have it, Hungry People!

An easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that will make your taste buds sing and impress your guests. The combination of fresh ingredients like apples, leeks, and red onions, along with the aromatic herbs and sweet additions, creates a stuffing that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Whether you choose to incorporate turkey legs or keep it vegetarian, this stuffing will be a standout addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

So, let’s cook up a sensational stuffing that will steal the show on Thanksgiving Day! Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own unique twist. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season as you savor every delicious bite of this homemade stuffing.

Happy cooking, and Happy Thanksgiving, Hungry People!

stuffing-recipe

Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing

The Starving Chef
Create a flavorful and autumn-inspired stuffing by combining fresh ingredients like apples, leeks, and red onions with aromatic herbs, resulting in a delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine American, Bread, Fall Foods
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a skillet over medium heat, add the butter, chopped apple, leek, red onion, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté until the apples are beginning to brown and caramelize.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the golden raisins, cranberries, and rosemary into the bread cubes.
  • Add the softened veggies from the skillet into the bowl and fold them into the bread.
  • Pour the stuffing mix into a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth over the stuffing. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
  • Dot the exposed top of the stuffing with the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter.
  • Roast the stuffing covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue roasting for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is browned and turning crusty.
  • Serve the delicious stuffing with your Thanksgiving dinner, and enjoy!
Keyword apples, bread, leek, Thanksgiving
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