What To Know
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle the stuffing with melted butter and bake it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Store the stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stove top stuffing is a Thanksgiving and holiday classic, but it doesn’t have to be limited to special occasions. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a flavorful, mouthwatering stuffing that will elevate any meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread, cubed
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for a cleaner cut. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, and carrots and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cook for an additional minute.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the bread is evenly moistened.
Cook the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the skillet and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until the stuffing is heated through and the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
Season to Taste
Once the stuffing is cooked through, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the stuffing into a serving dish and serve it alongside your favorite holiday dishes. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffing
- For a more flavorful stuffing, use a variety of bread cubes, such as white, wheat, and sourdough.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.
- Add other ingredients to your stuffing, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or sautéed mushrooms.
- If the stuffing is too dry, add more chicken broth or water. If it’s too wet, add more toasted bread cubes.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle the stuffing with melted butter and bake it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use any type of bread for stuffing?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, but white bread is the most common.
Q: How can I make my stuffing more flavorful?
A: Add other ingredients to your stuffing, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or sautéed mushrooms.
Q: How do I know if my stuffing is cooked through?
A: The stuffing should be heated through and the liquid should be absorbed. You can check by inserting a thermometer into the center of the stuffing. It should read 165°F.
Q: Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make stuffing ahead of time and reheat it before serving. To do this, prepare the stuffing according to the instructions and let it cool completely. Store the stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the stuffing in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: How do I prevent my stuffing from getting soggy?
A: To prevent your stuffing from getting soggy, make sure to toast the bread cubes before adding them to the stuffing mixture. This will help them absorb less liquid. Also, don’t overcook the stuffing. It should be heated through, but not mushy.
