# This Simple Stuffing Recipe: A Holiday Classic
This Simple Stuffing Recipe is a cherished favorite for every holiday meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and countless 5-star ratings, it’s **reliable each time**! Celery and onions are mixed with bread, broth, and seasonings, then baked until golden, creating the ultimate stuffing recipe with a buttery-sage taste and crispy edges.
## Ingredient Insights for Stuffing
Homemade stuffing is a dish many look forward to during Thanksgiving. Here are the essential ingredients:
– **Bread**: Any kind of stale bread is suitable for stuffing. A combination of white and wheat bread is typical. Tear them into small pieces and allow them to dry on the countertop to soak up the broth. Pre-packaged dried bread cubes may also be used; however, if they are seasoned, lessen the salt while continuing to incorporate herbs.
– **Celery/Onions**: These create the flavor foundation of the stuffing. Sauté them in butter until soft.
– **Seasonings**: Poultry seasoning contributes the traditional turkey stuffing taste with a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary. Ground sage can serve as an alternative.
– **Broth**: Chicken or turkey broth provides moisture. The quantity required will depend on the kind of bread used and its dryness level.
– **Add-ins**: This recipe is adaptable and can feature additional ingredients like shredded carrots, raisins, dried cranberries, or cooked sausage.
## Bread Selection for Stuffing
Bread is the core component of stuffing, and ensuring it is thoroughly dried before incorporating broth is essential. This helps it absorb the broth and flavors without turning mushy.
If possible, purchase the bread several days ahead, cube it, and let it dry out on the counter. Any bread type works well, including sourdough or cornbread. If using store-bought dried bread cubes, they might need a bit more broth.
**Tip**: Freshly cubed bread can be dried quickly in the oven by spreading it out in a single layer at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid toasting or browning them.
## The Ultimate Crunchy Golden Edges
Baking stuffing in a casserole dish results in crunchy edges and a buttery, tender center. You can also cook it in a Crock Pot, which guarantees that both the turkey and stuffing cook evenly and safely.
**Stuffing a Turkey**: If utilizing this stuffing to fill a turkey, ensure it cools in the refrigerator for a minimum of 45 minutes. Fill the turkey just prior to roasting to avoid it sitting at an unsafe temperature for too long. The stuffing’s center should reach 165°F.
## Make Ahead and Freezing Guidelines
**How To Prepare Ahead**: Stuffing can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator in a casserole dish. Prepare the stuffing without baking and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before baking, allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.
**How To Freeze Stuffing**: For those who enjoy turkey dinner leftovers, stuffing can be frozen for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave. Bake in a casserole dish for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
## Simple Stuffing Recipe
### Ingredients
– 13-16 slices of stale bread (approximately 12 cups)
– 1 cup butter
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 1 cup chopped celery
– 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
– 1 cup fresh parsley (optional)
– 2-4 cups chicken or turkey broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
### Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and poultry seasoning. Sauté until soft, about 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, onion mixture, parsley, and any fresh herbs.
4. Pour 1 cup of broth over the mixture and toss. Gradually incorporate more broth until the cubes are moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, dot with additional butter if desired, and cover.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, uncover, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– Calories: 185
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Protein: 3g
– Fat: 11g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 27mg
– Sodium: 462mg
– Potassium: 175mg
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 2g
This Simple Stuffing Recipe is certain to become a treasured element of your holiday traditions, offering warmth and flavor to your festive celebrations.