Disgustingly Delicious 7-Ingredient Holiday Stuffing

Okay, let’s talk about the star of any holiday spread – the stuffing! Seriously, is it even Thanksgiving (or Christmas, or a random Tuesday in November when you’re craving comfort food) without a big ol’ bowl of perfectly seasoned stuffing? For me, it’s the dish that really brings everything together. It’s gotta be flavorful, it’s gotta be comforting, and it absolutely *cannot* be dry. Luckily, this stuffing recipe nails all of that… and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

I get it, the holidays can be stressful. But trust me, this homemade stuffing recipe is about as simple as it gets. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients you can only find at that one overpriced store downtown. Just good, honest flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. My family *demands* this stuffing every year – it’s a Farner tradition!

Hey, I’m Chris Tanner Farner, and I’m all about making delicious food that doesn’t require a culinary degree (because, let’s be real, who has time for that?). I’m a self-taught cook, and I’ve spent years perfecting this easy stuffing recipe. I’m excited to share it with you so you can have the best holiday stuffing ever!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This isn’t your grandma’s complicated, all-day affair stuffing. This is real-life stuffing, designed for busy people who still want amazing holiday flavor. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Quick and Easy Stuffing

We’re talking minimal prep time here, folks! A few simple steps and you’re on your way to stuffing heaven. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect; it’s all gonna taste amazing in the end!

Flavor-Packed Holiday Stuffing

Sage, thyme, onion, celery… the gang’s all here! This stuffing is bursting with those classic holiday flavors that just scream “comfort food.” My favorite part is that it’s not just bread; those veggies add so much!

A Family Favorite Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving? Christmas? Heck, any Sunday dinner is a good excuse for this stuffing! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m betting it’ll become a tradition in your family, just like it is in mine!

Ingredients for the Best Stuffing

Alright, let’s gather our troops! These are the key players in our stuffing symphony. Don’t skimp, and don’t substitute (unless I give you the okay, of course!). Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread

We’re talking 1 loaf, cubed. Now, *which* bread? That’s up to you! Sourdough gives a nice tang, French bread is classic, and good ol’ white bread is always a solid choice. Just remember, the bread is the base, so choose wisely! It really changes the whole stuffing game.

Butter

½ cup of glorious, golden butter. I usually go for salted, but unsalted works too – just maybe add a pinch more salt to the stuffing later. Trust me, you want *real* butter here. None of that margarine stuff!

Onion

One medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white are my go-tos. Red onion is too strong, in my opinion. You want it to add flavor, not overpower everything else!

Celery

Two celery stalks, chopped. Don’t skip the celery! It adds such a nice, subtle crunch and flavor. Plus, it’s healthy…ish?

Dried Herbs

Okay, herbs are important! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of dried sage and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme. If you’re feeling fancy and have fresh herbs on hand, go for it! Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh sage and 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh thyme, chopped. Wowza!

Black Pepper

¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground works in a pinch. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it adds a little kick!

Chicken Broth

½ cup of chicken broth. I usually grab the low-sodium kind, just so I can control the saltiness myself. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!

How to Make Stuffing: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, time to get this show on the road! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be stuffing your face (with stuffing, of course!) in no time.

Prepare the Oven and Sauté the Vegetables

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important! You don’t want to be ready to bake and then realize your oven’s still cold. While the oven’s heating up, melt that ½ cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. This step is key because it mellows out the onion and celery, so they’re not too crunchy in the final stuffing. Careful not to burn the butter, though! Burnt butter = sad stuffing.

Add the Herbs

Now for the good stuff! Stir in that 1 teaspoon of dried sage and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, plus the ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. These herbs are what give the stuffing that classic holiday flavor. The sage adds a savory, earthy note, while the thyme brings a subtle warmth. Trust me, it’s a winning combination!

Combine Ingredients

Grab a large bowl (the biggest one you’ve got!) and combine the bread cubes and the cooked vegetables. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed, so you get a little bit of onion and celery in every bite.

Add Broth and Bake the Stuffing

Pour that ½ cup of chicken broth over the bread mixture and toss to combine. Be careful not to oversaturate the bread! You want it to be moist, but not soggy. Nobody likes soggy stuffing. Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. You can check for doneness by sticking a fork in the center; it should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!). And there you have it: easy, delicious homemade stuffing!

Tips for the Perfect Holiday Stuffing

Want to take your stuffing game to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few pro tips that’ll help you achieve stuffing perfection. These are my little secrets, so shhh!

Choosing the Right Bread for Your Stuffing

Seriously, the bread you choose can make or break your stuffing! Sourdough will give you a tangy, chewy stuffing, while French bread is a classic choice for a softer texture. White bread is the most forgiving, but can be a little bland. Experiment and see what you like best!

Achieving the Ideal Moisture Level in Your Stuffing

Soggy stuffing is the enemy! Add the broth gradually, tossing as you go, until the bread is just moistened. If it looks too wet, add more bread cubes to soak up the excess liquid. Trust your instincts on this one!

Baking for a Golden Brown Crust on Your Stuffing

A crispy crust is the best part! For extra browning, bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 10 minutes. You can also dot the top with a little extra butter. Mmm, butter!

Stuffing Variations: Customize Your Dish

Okay, so you’ve got the basic stuffing recipe down. Now for the fun part: making it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless. Seriously, go wild!

Sausage Stuffing

Want to add some protein and meaty flavor? Brown some Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your call!) and mix it in with the bread cubes. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Mushroom Stuffing

Sauté some sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, whatever you like!) in butter and garlic, then add them to the stuffing mixture. It’ll give it an earthy, savory flavor that’s seriously addictive. I like to use a mix of mushrooms for extra flavor!

Cranberry Walnut Stuffing

Feeling festive? Toss in some dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a sweet and crunchy twist. The cranberries add a nice tartness that balances out the savory flavors, and the walnuts give it a satisfying crunch. It’s like Thanksgiving in every bite!

Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Stuffing

This stuffing is amazing on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right dishes! Obviously, turkey is a must. But don’t forget about cranberry sauce (the tartness is *perfect* with the savory stuffing!), mashed potatoes, and a big ol’ bowl of gravy. Wow, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Storing and Reheating Your Stuffing

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You might wanna add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Nobody wants dry stuffing, remember?

Stuffing FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got stuffing questions? I’ve got stuffing answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about this easy stuffing recipe. If you’re still scratching your head after reading these, just drop a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help you out!

Can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making stuffing ahead of time is a total lifesaver during the holidays. Just assemble everything (but don’t bake it!), cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!

How do I keep my stuffing from being soggy?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Soggy stuffing is a bummer, but it’s totally avoidable. The key is to not oversaturate the bread with broth. Add it gradually, tossing as you go, until the bread is just moistened. If it looks too wet, add more bread cubes to soak up the excess liquid. And don’t cover it while baking, or you’ll trap all that moisture!

Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

Yep! Freezing leftover stuffing is a great way to enjoy it later. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven. You might want to add a splash of broth to revive it. Frozen stuffing is still delicious stuffing!

Nutritional Information for Stuffing

Okay, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room: nutrition. Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, so I can’t give you super-precise numbers. But keep in mind that the nutritional content of this stuffing is gonna vary depending on the type of bread you use, how much butter you add (oops!), and all that good stuff. So, just take any nutritional info you find with a grain of salt, okay? It’s all approximate! This is comfort food, not health food. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Delicious Stuffing

Alright, that’s all there is to it! I seriously hope you try this easy stuffing recipe and love it as much as my family does. If you do, please let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other people find it. Thanks for reading, and happy stuffing!

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