Homemade Thanksgiving dressing, also known as stuffing, is a delicious side dish made with bread, vegetables, herbs, and broth. Here's a basic recipe to make a classic stuffing from scratch:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (such as French or Italian bread), cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to let it brown.
Stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, place the bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine, making sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the herb-infused butter.
Slowly pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the bread mixture, starting with 3 cups, and gently mix until the bread absorbs the liquid. Add more broth if needed to achieve a moist but not overly soggy consistency.
Transfer the dressing mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Once done, remove the dressing from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or diced apples for extra texture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade Thanksgiving dressing alongside your turkey and other holiday favorites!