5 Simple Things You Can Do To Add Flavor To Your Stuffing

Good stuffing is a Thanksgiving dream.

The best kind of stuffing is one that has been seasoned to perfection with all the flavors you love from fall, like herbs and nuts.

But what if your stuffing ends up being bland? Don’t worry—we have some tips for fixing this common problem!

What is stuffing?

Stuffing is typically a mixture of bread, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes even meat.

It’s often used to stuff poultry like turkey or chicken, but it can also be used as a casserole filling.

Stuffing is usually made with stale bread that has been dried out by heat or by placing it in the oven for about 30 minutes on low heat.

The dried-out bread helps absorb moisture from the other ingredients used in stuffing so that your finished product doesn’t end up being soggy and mushy.

What are some common mistakes when making stuffing?

Everyone dreams of perfect stuffing that can elevate your dish to a new level.

However, you cannot say for sure that you are successful in making stuffing from time to time.

So here are some common mistakes that most people have made with their stuffing at least once:

• Overseasoned – People tend to use too much seasoning in their stuffing, which can lead to an unpleasant taste.

If you are making the stuffing from scratch, keep the seasoning on the lighter side, so it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.

• Underseasoned – If the stuffing is underseasoned, it will be bland and boring, and no one likes that.
• Soggy – If you don’t let your stuffing sit long enough or cook it too long after adding the broth, it will become wet and lose its texture.

Don’t use too much liquid, and add it little by little to get rid of watery stuffing.

How do you add flavor to stuffing?

Nobody wants tasteless stuffing.

So how do you doctor up your bland stuffing to not ruin your roasted poultry? Here are some easy ways to fix this issue:

Add seasonings

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Typically, your stuffing should be well-seasoned before being cooked.

But if you haven’t added enough seasonings, adding more after cooking will be fine.

Finely ground or powdered seasonings can be easily added to the mixture, and the flavors from these seasonings will penetrate your stuffing.

Just play with various seasonings until you find the desired taste of your dish.

Add herbs

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Adding herbs to stuffing is an easy way to add flavor.

If your main dish is heavy on salt and fat, choose an herb that’s more bitter or spicy—arugula, for example—to complement it.

If you’re planning on serving a side dish of roasted sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce with your stuffing (not an uncommon pairing), try adding fresh sage or thyme.

Either dried or fresh herbs can work in this case, so opt for what is available in your kitchen or the local grocery store.

Add nuts

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Nuts are a great addition to stuffing because they’re a good source of protein and healthy fats and add a crunchy texture to the stuffing.

You can stir nuts into the bread cubes as you assemble your stuffing or use them as garnishes on top of individual servings.

Some good options include walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, and even pine nuts.

You may be thinking that nuts will make your stuffing too rich, but there are plenty of ways to cut down on fat while still getting all those nutrients:

• Use unsalted varieties
• Add them after cooking so they don’t become oily and add extra calories
• Use just enough butter or olive oil so that it coats each cube without being greasy

Add some dried fruit

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Add some dried fruit if your stuffing is a bit bland and boring.

Choose fruits that will pair well with the rest of your ingredients, and be sure to add them at the end of cooking so it doesn’t become soggy.

Cranberries, raisins, apricots, apples, and pears are great options.

If you’re worried about the sugar content of dried fruit, try using unsweetened varieties instead.

They’ll still add a nice touch of sweetness but won’t make your stuffing too rich.

Add melted/brown butter

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Add melted/browned butter to your stuffing if you want to add a nutty flavor and a shiny appearance.

It’s easy to make and can be made in a small saucepan or microwave.

Browned butter adds a richer, nuttier flavor than plain butter—so it’s an excellent option for people who are sensitive or allergic to dairy products.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post has helped you improve your stuffing-making skills and create a delicious dish everyone will love.

If it seems like your stuffing isn’t coming out quite right, keep tweaking until you get it just right!