What’s in this Homemade Stuffing Recipe?
I love putting a new twist on old recipes for the holidays, but sometimes the traditional recipes are best, and this stuffing is proof of that. This homemade stuffing will make you think of home and feel the comfort of years gone by, plus it perfectly compliments the other Thanksgiving side dishes.
Dry Bread Cubes: Form the base of the stuffing. You’ll want to prep these 1 day ahead of time to ensure they are dry and crispy. This will keep the stuffing from turning out mushy. Olive Oil + Unsalted Butter: Help the veggies cook without burning and add richness and moisture to the stuffing. Mirepoix: A Mixture of carrots, celery, and onion that gives the stuffing a well-rounded, deep vegetal flavor. Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing. Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a rich umami flavor to the stuffing. You can also use chicken stock or vegetable broth. Spices: Fresh sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg, and black pepper give this stuffing an herbaceous flavor and a touch of warmth. In a pinch, you can use 2 tablespoons of dried poultry seasoning in place of all of the spices. Eggs: Add moisture to the stuffing and help bind it together.
Yes, it’s technically turkey dressing. You can call it whatever you like but I’m pretty confident you’ll be calling it delicious and perfect by the end of the holiday season.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Stuffing
This turkey stuffing recipe can be cooked in a baking dish as a dressing or cooked more traditionally in the bird as a stuffing. I personally prefer to cook it in a dish so that the edges turn crispy golden brown and the stuffing doesn’t turn out too moist or mushy. However, the flavor is delicious either way, so go with what you love! Keep in mind that if you do cook it inside the bird, you will need to ensure that the stuffing reaches 165°F in the center before serving it. This is because it is cooking inside of a raw turkey, and those raw juices will drip into the stuffing as it cooks. We need to ensure those raw juices are fully cooked to prevent food poisoning!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover homemade stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
How to Freeze
Freeze homemade stuffing whole or in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey stuffing with Thanksgiving turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, crockpot sweet potato casserole, creamed corn, cranberry sauce, and soft dinner rolls.
More Stuffing Recipes We Love
Vegetarian Stuffing Sausage Stuffing Apple Stuffing Wild Rice Sausage Stuffing Butternut Squash Stuffing
