Simple Turkey Stuffing Recipe That Brings Holiday Cheer

Legendary turkey stuffing elevates family dinners from mundane to magical with its soul-warming embrace.

Aromatic herbs and rustic bread cubes merge into a symphony of comfort and flavor that beckons everyone to the table.

Generations of cooks have perfected this culinary craft, transforming humble ingredients into a dish that whispers nostalgic stories.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a textural dance that delights the senses and sparks conversation.

Carefully selected spices weave through each morsel, promising a sensory journey that transcends ordinary side dishes.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple components into a masterpiece that celebrates tradition and innovation.

Savor a stuffing that’s more than food, it’s an edible memory waiting to be shared.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Joy of Cooking’s Turkey Stuffing

• Day-Old Bread: Choose slightly stale, firm white or sourdough bread for perfect cube texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, fresh butter for rich, smooth flavor.

• Celery, Onions: Pick crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant color and no soft spots.

• Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Parsley): Select bright green, fragrant herbs without wilting.
• Large Egg: Use fresh, room-temperature egg for smooth binding.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Choose fine-ground sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor.

• Low-Sodium Turkey or Chicken Stock: Select high-quality, flavorful stock without excessive salt.

Tools to Mix and Bake Stuffing Just Right

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for drying and toasting bread cubes.
• Large Skillet: Spacious cooking surface for sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Roomy container for combining stuffing ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• 3-Quart Baking Dish: Sturdy ceramic or glass dish for baking and serving stuffing.
• Aluminum Foil: Protective cover to prevent excessive browning during initial baking.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping vegetables and bread.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting of bread and herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for portioning ingredients precisely.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent stuffing from sticking to baking dish.

How to Make Classic Turkey Stuffing

Create Classic Bread Stuffing

Craft a mouthwatering stuffing that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. This simple recipe transforms ordinary bread into a spectacular side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

• Prepare Bread Cubes

Slice day-old bread into chunks and let them dry out naturally. Spreading the cubes on a baking sheet allows air to circulate, creating the perfect texture for a crispy, delightful stuffing.

• Toast and Season Bread

Pop the bread cubes into a hot oven, watching them turn golden and crisp. The toasting process adds a rich, nutty flavor that becomes the foundation of your amazing stuffing.

• Build Flavor Base

Sizzle onions and celery in butter until they become soft and fragrant. These vegetables create a delicious aromatic foundation that’ll make your stuffing irresistible. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

• Blend Herbs and Seasonings

Toss the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Introduce fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley to create a burst of garden-fresh taste. Crack in an egg to help bind everything together beautifully.

• Moisten and Combine

Gently pour stock over the mixture, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious liquid. Mix carefully to ensure every cube gets perfectly moistened without becoming soggy.

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, then uncover to create a crispy, golden-brown top that’ll make mouths water.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull the stuffing from the oven when it’s beautifully golden and crisp. Let it rest briefly, then serve immediately while it’s warm and absolutely delicious. Watch as your family and friends dive in with excitement!

Tips for Texture and Richness in Stuffing

• Cook Like a Pro: Stuffing Secrets
• Bread Texture Magic: Select day-old bread like sourdough, challah, or French bread for maximum flavor absorption and crispier edges.
• Moisture Management: Add stock gradually to prevent soggy stuffing, stopping when bread feels damp but not wet, ensuring perfect consistency.
• Herb Customization: Experiment with fresh herb combinations like rosemary and thyme or swap parsley for tarragon to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare stuffing mixture one day before baking, storing covered in refrigerator, which helps develop deeper, richer taste and saves holiday cooking time.

Ways to Serve Stuffing with Your Bird

• Gather Around the Table: Serve this stuffing as a centerpiece dish during holiday meals, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for family and friends.
• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement the stuffing alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork for a classic and satisfying main course combination.
• Elevate Leftovers Magic: Transform remaining stuffing into delightful next-day dishes like stuffing-stuffed mushrooms or crispy stuffing cakes for breakfast.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of melted butter on top to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal just before serving.

Stuffing Storage Tips That Actually Work

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make bread cubes 1-2 days before cooking to enhance texture and dryness, ensuring perfect stuffing consistency.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover stuffing in airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap cooled stuffing tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 1 month.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed stuffing in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Heartwarming Turkey Stuffing Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade turkey stuffing blends sage, thyme, and bread cubes into a classic side dish from North America. Warm spices and herbs create a comforting complement to roasted holiday meats that you will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1 pound (454 g) French bread, cut into cubes
• 5 tbsps (74 ml) butter
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 5 stalks celery, diced
• 6 sage leaves, finely chopped
• 4 thyme sprigs, leaves chopped
• 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Air-dry rustic bread cubes on a large baking sheet for 24 hours to develop crisp texture and enhance flavor absorption.
2. Initial Toasting: Roast bread cubes in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until achieving a light golden-brown color and extra crispness.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sweating celery and onions until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Flavor Infusion: Combine toasted bread cubes with finely chopped fresh herbs, seasonings, and beaten egg in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Moisture Integration: Slowly incorporate chicken or turkey stock into the bread mixture, delicately folding to ensure uniform moisture distribution without compressing the ingredients.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, initially covering with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
7. Final Baking: Cook covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes until the surface develops a golden, crispy crust with enticing textural contrast.
8. Serving: Present the stuffing immediately while warm, showcasing its aromatic herbs and perfectly balanced texture.

Notes

• Advance Bread Preparation: Dry bread cubes 24 hours ahead to enhance texture and prevent soggy stuffing, creating a perfect crispy foundation.
• Herb Selection Matters: Use fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or parsley for maximum flavor depth and aromatic richness in the stuffing.
• Moisture Control Technique: Add stock gradually and fold gently to prevent over-saturating bread cubes, maintaining ideal stuffing consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Watch baking time closely during uncovered phase to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the top layer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg