Okay, friends, let’s talk stuffing! Is there anything more comforting than that warm, savory smell wafting through the house during the holidays? I seriously think it’s the MVP of any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. And you know what? It doesn’t have to be complicated! I’m Chris Tanner Farner, and I’m all about keeping it real in the kitchen. This *homemade stuffing recipe* is seriously easy – even if you’re juggling a million other things. It’s packed with flavor, uses simple ingredients, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. Get ready to ditch the boxed stuff forever!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Seriously, you’re going to *love* this stuffing. Why? Well, check it out:
Quick and Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe
No all-day cooking marathons here! This recipe comes together fast – perfect when you’ve got a million other things on your plate.
Delicious and Flavorful Homemade Stuffing Recipe
We’re talking seriously yummy! Sage, thyme, buttery goodness… the aroma alone is worth making it!
A Family Favorite Homemade Stuffing Recipe
From picky kids to your great-aunt Mildred, everyone will gobble this up (pun intended!). It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? Each ingredient brings something special to the party:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried. (Trust me, day-old bread works best!)
- 1 cup celery, chopped. (Gotta have that crunch!)
- 1 cup onion, chopped. (Yellow or white, your call!)
- 1/2 cup butter. (Real butter, folks. No substitutes allowed!)
- 1 tsp dried sage. (The secret weapon for that classic stuffing flavor.)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme. (Earthy and delicious!)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper. (Freshly ground is always better if you’ve got it!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth. (Low sodium is my go-to so I can control the salt.)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. (Adds a pop of color and freshness!)
How to Make Homemade Stuffing Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing *homemade stuffing* in no time!
Preparing the Vegetables for Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
First things first, let’s get those veggies going. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – gotta get that oven nice and toasty! Now, melt that glorious butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Throw in your chopped celery and onion, and cook ’em until they’re softened – about 5-7 minutes. The aroma? Wow! That’s the good stuff right there. Stir in your sage, thyme, and pepper. Give it a good mix, and let those spices wake up!
Combining the Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Grab a large bowl – the biggest one you’ve got! Toss in your dried bread cubes, those yummy cooked vegetables, and the fresh parsley. Now, here’s the key: pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture. Don’t just dump it all in one spot! Toss it gently to make sure the broth is evenly distributed. You want the bread to be nice and moist, but not soggy, ya know?
Baking Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe to Golden Perfection
Time to bake! Transfer that beautiful stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown and heated through. The top should be nice and crispy, and the inside should be warm and tender. And that’s it! You’ve just made amazing *homemade stuffing*!
Tips for the Most Delicious Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Want to take your *homemade stuffing recipe* from “good” to “OMG amazing?” I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure yours is the star of the show!
Getting the Right Bread Texture for Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Okay, bread texture is HUGE. Seriously! You absolutely *need* dried bread. If you use fresh bread, it’ll be a soggy mess, trust me. The easiest way? Cube your bread and leave it out overnight. Or, if you’re in a rush, toast the cubes lightly in the oven until they’re dry but not browned. This step is non-negotiable!
Adjusting Moisture in Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Moisture is key, but you don’t want soup! If your *homemade stuffing* seems a little dry after you’ve added the broth, just drizzle in a bit more, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfectly moist. Remember, it’ll continue to absorb moisture as it bakes.
Adding Extra Flavor to Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Want to kick things up a notch? Crumble in some cooked sausage (Italian sausage is my fave!) or even some bacon. Trust me, that smoky, savory flavor takes this *homemade stuffing recipe* to a whole new level. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms – yum!
Homemade Stuffing Recipe Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic *homemade stuffing recipe* – awesome! But what if you want to mix it up a little? Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some of my favorite ways to put a spin on this classic:
Herb and Spice Variations for Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Swap out the sage and thyme for rosemary or marjoram – they add a totally different vibe! A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little kick, or try using a blend of peppercorns for a more complex flavor. It’s all about experimenting!
Vegetable Add-Ins for a Healthier Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Sautéed mushrooms are always a win, or try adding diced carrots or even dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and color. It’s a great way to make your *homemade stuffing* a little bit healthier.
Bread Options for Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Don’t be afraid to play around with the bread! Sourdough adds a tangy twist, brioche makes it extra rich and decadent, or use gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free option. Just remember to dry it out properly, no matter what kind you use!
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Okay, your *homemade stuffing* is ready – now what? Well, obviously, it’s gotta go with the main event! Think roasted turkey (duh!), creamy gravy, and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. My favorite part is piling it all on one fork for the perfect bite! Seriously, yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your *homemade stuffing* in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until warmed through. A little extra broth will keep it moist!
Homemade Stuffing Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making the perfect *homemade stuffing recipe*? Don’t sweat it! I’ve got answers to some of the most common questions I get asked:
Can I make this homemade stuffing recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *homemade stuffing recipe* is super make-ahead friendly. Just prepare it completely, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, add a splash more broth if it looks dry, and bake as directed. Easy peasy!
How do I keep my homemade stuffing recipe from drying out?
Nobody wants dry stuffing! To prevent your *homemade stuffing* from drying out, make sure you’re using enough broth. And don’t overbake it! Check it after 25 minutes, and if it’s getting too brown, cover it loosely with foil. Adding a little extra melted butter to the top before baking also helps!
Can I freeze this homemade stuffing recipe?
Yep! Freezing is a great way to prep way ahead. Let the baked stuffing cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it in the oven until warmed through. You might need to add a little extra broth to revive it.
Homemade Stuffing Recipe Nutritional Information
Okay, a quick note: nutritional info can vary a lot depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general estimate, not a precise guarantee!
Rate This Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Made this *homemade stuffing recipe*? Awesome! Give it a star rating below and let me know what you think in the comments! I love hearing from you!
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Unbelievably Good Homemade Stuffing Recipe in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, flavorful homemade stuffing recipe perfect for holiday gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add celery and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sage, thyme, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine dried bread cubes, cooked vegetables, and parsley.
- Pour chicken broth over the bread mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Notes
- For a moister stuffing, add more chicken broth.
- You can add sausage or other meats to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Store leftover stuffing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
