Have you ever stood in the grocery aisle, looking at a box of Stove Top, and wondered how you could make it just a little more special? You’re not alone. It’s a classic for a reason. It is quick, easy, and reliable.
But what if I told you that with a few simple additions, you could turn that humble box into a side dish that tastes like it was made from scratch? That is what we are doing today. Get ready for one of the best Stove Top Stuffing Recipes you will ever try.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, let’s talk about simplicity. This recipe holds onto the convenience of the original mix. There is no need to dry out your own bread or create a complex seasoning blend from scratch. We are using a fantastic shortcut.
But the flavor is anything but basic. By adding fresh sautéed vegetables like onion and celery, we build a wonderful aromatic base. This step alone makes a huge difference. It adds a depth that you just cannot get straight from the box.
Then we add layers of texture and taste. Chewy dried cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley and sage bring an earthy freshness that really brightens everything up. It starts to feel like a real Homemade Stovetop Stuffing.
The final touches, Parmesan cheese and eggs, are what bring it all together. The cheese adds a savory, salty note, while the eggs create a richer texture. They help bind the stuffing so it bakes into a beautiful, cohesive casserole with a lovely golden brown top.
Honestly, this is one of those stuffing recipes that is fancy enough for a holiday table but easy enough for a random Tuesday night. It is comfort food at its finest. It feels special without requiring hours of work in the kitchen. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
The beauty of these Stove Top Stuffing Recipes is how a few fresh ingredients can completely change the game. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 2 (6 oz) boxes Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking. Following these steps will give you a delicious side dish that tastes amazing. This is where the magic happens and we create our Homemade Stovetop Stuffing.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Dish
First thing is first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is warming up, grab a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Grease it lightly with some butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your stuffing will not stick to the bottom, making serving and cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics
Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add your quarter cup of unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once it is shimmering, add the chopped yellow onion and celery. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes.
You are looking for the onions to become soft and translucent. This means they will look a bit see through. This process mellows their flavor. After five minutes, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Add The Flavor Boosters
Now it is time to add more layers of flavor. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh parsley, and fresh sage. Also add the salt and black pepper.
Continue to cook everything together for another two minutes. This quick step helps toast the pecans slightly and allows the flavors of the herbs to meld with the vegetables. Your kitchen should be smelling incredible right about now. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Grab a large mixing bowl. Empty both boxes of the Stove Top Stuffing Mix into it. Now, pour the entire vegetable and herb mixture from your skillet right on top. Give it a gentle stir to get everything acquainted.
Next, pour in the water or chicken broth. Mix it all together until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes. This allows the dry bread cubes to fully absorb all that flavorful liquid, which is crucial for a good texture.
Step 5: Add The Binding Ingredients
After the mixture has rested, it is time for the final additions. Add the beaten eggs and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir everything well until it is thoroughly combined. The eggs and cheese will help bind the stuffing together and add a lovely richness to the dish. This is a key step for many Stove Top Stuffing Recipes.
Step 6: Transfer To The Baking Dish
Carefully transfer the stuffing mixture from the bowl into your prepared baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Do not pack it down too tightly. Keeping it a little loose will result in a better final texture. It is starting to look like a Classic Stuffing Recipe.
Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is a beautiful golden brown color and has a slight crispiness to it. The center should be hot and set.
Step 8: Rest And Serve
Once it is done baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it. This short rest allows the stuffing to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop out. Then, serve it warm and enjoy the applause.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is simple. First, make sure the stuffing has cooled down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
You can then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm up. Or, you can place it in an oven safe dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help keep it moist.
For longer storage, this stuffing also freezes well. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag, and it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips
Want to customize your stuffing even more? There are so many fun variations you can try with these Stove Top Stuffing Recipes. Feel free to get creative in the kitchen.
For a heartier dish, consider adding some cooked and crumbled sausage. Italian sausage or a simple breakfast sausage would be delicious. Just brown it in the skillet before you cook the vegetables and then mix it in with everything else.
Diced apples are another wonderful addition. They add a bit of sweetness and a nice texture that complements the savory flavors. A tart apple like a Granny Smith works especially well.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. Walnuts or almonds would be a great substitute for pecans. Dried cherries or apricots could be used instead of cranberries. There are many delicious stuffing recipes to explore.
If you want an even crispier top, you can sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or some breadcrumbs over the stuffing before baking. A few small pats of butter on top will also help it get extra golden and delicious.
Using chicken broth instead of water is a simple tip that adds a significant amount of flavor. Vegetable broth works great too if you want to keep it vegetarian. This simple swap elevates the whole dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward way to take a simple box mix and create a side dish that is truly special. This recipe proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something delicious.
With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can make a Homemade Stovetop Stuffing that is packed with flavor and texture. It is the perfect side for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
I hope you give these Stove Top Stuffing Recipes a try. They are a wonderful example of how a little creativity can transform an everyday staple into something memorable. Enjoy every bite.
FAQ
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What Can I Substitute For Pecans?
If you have a nut allergy or just do not like pecans, you can simply leave them out. For a similar crunch, you could try using toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Walnuts or slivered almonds are also great nut substitutes in this Classic Stuffing Recipe.
Do I Have To Bake It?
While baking gives it that lovely golden top, you do not have to. You can prepare the entire recipe on the stovetop. Just make sure the eggs are fully cooked by stirring them into the hot mixture off the heat. The stuffing will be softer and not crispy, but still delicious.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, you can. The general rule is to use one third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. For this recipe, use about one tablespoon of dried parsley and one tablespoon of dried rubbed sage. Dried herbs are more potent, so a little goes a long way.
Flavorful Stove Top Stuffing
Transform a classic box of Stove Top stuffing into a delicious side dish with fresh vegetables, cranberries, pecans, and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe adds homemade depth and richness, perfect for a holiday meal or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Add the chopped yellow onion and celery, cooking for about five minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until aromatic. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh parsley, fresh sage, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for two more minutes, allowing flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine both boxes of Stove Top Stuffing Mix with the vegetable and herb mixture from the skillet. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth and stir until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened. Let it rest for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Add the beaten eggs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even, loose layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the center is hot and set.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help keep it moist.
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or breakfast sausage. Diced tart apples, like Granny Smith, also make a wonderful addition for a touch of sweetness and texture.
To achieve an even crispier top, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or some breadcrumbs over the stuffing before baking. A few small pats of butter on top will also help it get extra golden and delicious.
Using chicken broth instead of water is a simple tip that adds a significant amount of flavor. Vegetable broth works great too if you want to keep it vegetarian.
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