basic homemade stuffing recipe

The Best basic homemade stuffing recipe

I’ve always been a fan of homemade stuffing, and my family loves it just as much as I do. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday meal or just a weeknight dinner. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen when I was a kid, watching as she expertly mixed together the bread, herbs, and spices to create this delicious side dish.

There’s something about the smell of fresh bread and herbs that just fills the house with warmth and comfort. Homemade stuffing is also incredibly easy to make, which is one of the reasons we love it so much. All you need is some stale bread (which we always seem to have on hand), some chopped herbs like parsley and sage, and a few spices like salt and pepper.

Mix it all together with some melted butter and you’re good to go! One of the things I love about homemade stuffing is how versatile it is. We like to serve it alongside roasted meats like turkey or pork, but it’s also great with chicken or even as a side dish on its own.

And because it’s made with stale bread, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before reheating. As for where this dish comes from, homemade stuffing has its roots in ancient Europe, where cooks would use stale bread as a way to stretch their food budget. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more ingredients like herbs and spices, but the basic concept remains the same.

In terms of technique, making homemade stuffing is all about layering flavors and textures. You want to start with a base of soft bread that will soak up all the flavors of the herbs and spices. From there, you can add in some crunchy elements like chopped nuts or seeds to give it some texture.

And finally, don’t forget to add in some melted butter to tie everything together.

Basic Homemade Stuffing

4.7 from 1816 votes

A classic side dish made with bread, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for holidays or any family meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Place the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
3Set aside to cool.
4In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Add the onion, celery, and garlic.
6Sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
8Mix well ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
9Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
10Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add chopped apples, chestnuts or mushrooms for extra flavor.

This basic homemade stuffing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving up at Thanksgiving dinner or just need something easy for weeknight meals.

One thing we love about this recipe is how well it keeps – simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days before reheating.

And when reheating leftovers, feel free to get creative by adding in some new ingredients like diced veggies or chopped nuts – whatever suits your fancy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Stuffing

Q: What kind of bread should I use for homemade stuffing?

For homemade stuffing, you’ll want to use a sturdy bread that can hold up to all the mixing and moisture. A good option is a rustic bread or even just plain old white bread – just make sure it’s not too fresh!

Q: Can I make homemade stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about homemade stuffing is how easily you can make it ahead of time. Just mix everything together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have any stale bread on hand?

No worries! You can actually use fresh bread if you don’t have any stale on hand – just be sure to dry out any excess moisture by placing slices on a baking sheet and letting them air dry overnight.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with different herbs and spices?

This recipe is super flexible – feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.

Q: How do I reheat leftover homemade stuffing?

To reheat leftover homemade stuffing, simply place slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until crispy again.

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