Irresistible Stuffing

Irresistible Stuffing is one of those classic dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, particularly during festive gatherings. If you’ve ever sat down to a delicious holiday feast and savored the rich aroma of freshly baked stuffing, you know how it can elevate any main course. This recipe combines day-old bread with a medley of sautéed vegetables and fragrant herbs to create a stuffing that’s beautifully flavorful and texturally satisfying. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed on its own, this Irresistible Stuffing is sure to be a hit!

Why Make This Irresistible Stuffing

There are countless stuffing recipes out there, but this one stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of French or sourdough bread gives it a delightful crunch on the outside, while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. The sautéed onions, celery, and garlic bring an aromatic foundation, while the fresh herbs offer a garden-fresh taste that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to focus on other dishes while still impressing your guests with a hearty, homemade staple.

How to Make Irresistible Stuffing

Making this stuffing is straightforward, and the satisfaction it brings is truly unmatched. Start by preparing your bread the day before or quickly bake it to dry it out. Then, sauté your vegetables until they’re tender and fragrant, and combine them with the bread cubes. Add seasoned broth and eggs to the mix for moisture and binding before transferring it to the baking dish. It’s as simple as that!

Ingredients:

• 10 cups cubed day-old French or sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing

Directions:

1. Cube the bread and dry it overnight or bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly crisp.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and celery until soft, about 10-12 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
3. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute longer.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread and sautéed vegetables.
5. Whisk eggs with 2 cups of broth and pour over the mixture. Gently mix. Add more broth if needed to keep a moist texture.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp the top.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 5g

How to Serve Irresistible Stuffing

This stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, making it perfect for holiday meals. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian roast. It’s also great for brunch, served alongside eggs and fresh fruit. For a little twist, you could use it as a filling for bell peppers or baked inside mushrooms!

How to Store Irresistible Stuffing

If you have leftovers, which is not guaranteed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they should last for 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container, where it can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Stuffing

• For added flavor, consider toasting your bread cubes before using them. This enhances the crunch and adds a bit of depth.
• Feel free to substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• You can mix in cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier stuffing.
• Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

Delicious Variations

• Herbed Mushroom Stuffing: Add sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Dried Fruit Stuffing: Incorporate cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a touch of sweetness.
• Nutty Stuffing: Fold in some pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the stuffing up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a little extra broth if needed.

2. How do I make this stuffing gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute. Just ensure that your broth and seasonings are also gluten-free.

3. Can I cook this stuffing in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for about 4 hours. Be sure to check for doneness.

Conclusion

Irresistible Stuffing is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings joy to your table. Its delightful amalgamation of textures and flavors ensures that every mouthful is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, you’ll want this stuffing on your plate. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Stuffing

A classic stuffing recipe that blends day-old bread with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs for a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for any festive gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Holiday, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed day-old French or sourdough bread Can dry overnight or bake at low temperature.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter For sautéing vegetables.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten For binding the stuffing.
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing For greasing the baking dish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cube the bread and dry it overnight or bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly crisp.

Cooking

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and celery until soft, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
3. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1 minute longer.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread and sautéed vegetables.
5. Whisk eggs with 2 cups of broth and pour over the mixture. Gently mix. Add more broth if needed to keep a moist texture.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes to crisp the top.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider toasting your bread cubes before using them. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Mixing in cooked sausage or bacon can create a heartier stuffing. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.