Traditional Stuffing Recipe: A Classic Delight
Introduction
If you’re looking for the perfect traditional stuffing recipe to add a rich, warm flavor to your table, you’re in the right place! This delicious stuffing is the ideal side dish for family dinners, especially during Thanksgiving. It features a golden, crispy top with a soft, flavorful center, making it a highly requested dish at family gatherings.
Basic Information
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Calories per Serving: 535 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Wire whisk
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- 10-inch non-stick sauté pan
- Rubber spatula
- 9 × 13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 2 lbs French bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 2 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
Instructions
1. Preparing the Bread Cubes
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on large baking sheets.
- Toss the bread several times during baking to ensure even drying, which takes about 45-60 minutes.
- Once fully dried, remove from the oven and let cool.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F for the next steps.
2. Preparing the Broth Mixture
- In a large measuring cup, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth with eggs, salt, and pepper until well blended. Set aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add celery and onion, and sauté for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until translucent.
4. Mixing the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dried bread cubes with parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
- Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and pour in the broth mixture, stirring well to evenly coat the bread cubes.
- Gradually add the remaining chicken broth, mixing until the bread is moist but not overly wet.
5. Baking and Serving
- Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- For a crispy golden top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 535 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Potassium: 377mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 462 IU
- Vitamin C: 18mg
- Calcium: 140mg
- Iron: 6mg
Extra Tips for Perfect Stuffing
- For deeper flavor: Lightly toast the bread cubes before drying.
- For make-ahead preparation: You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- For extra flavor: Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and tang.
- For a vegetarian version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter.
Enjoy this delicious stuffing with your favorite traditional dishes for a warm and flavorful meal! 😋
