When Thanksgiving rolls around, there are a few side dishes that are absolutely non negotiable at the dinner table. For many of us, stuffing is at the top of that list. This Simple Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing: Easy Oven Baked Recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s savory, filled with fresh herbs, a hint of sweetness from apple, and baked to golden brown goodness. It’s the kind of comforting side dish that just tastes like home.
Forget the boxed mixes. Making stuffing from scratch is surprisingly easy and tastes a world away from the store bought kind. This is one of those fantastic Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes that you can prep ahead, which is a lifesaver on a busy cooking day. Let’s get into making this wonderful holiday staple.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a keeper because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bread soaks up the savory chicken broth and egg mixture, becoming tender on the inside while the top gets delightfully crispy. It’s a very traditional approach to a classic dish. The addition of diced apple provides a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy sage and thyme. It’s a flavor combination that screams autumn and holidays. Plus, it fills your whole house with the most amazing aroma while it bakes. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
- 1 loaf thick sliced bread (approx. 20 oz), day old and cubed
- 1 large apple, small diced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Cracked pepper to taste
- Sea salt to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Bread
Start with your bread cubes. Ideally, you’ll use bread that has been sliced into one inch pieces and left out overnight to get a little stale. If you didn’t have time for that, no worries. Just preheat your oven to 325°F, spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet, and bake for about 30 minutes until it’s nicely dried out. Once done, place the bread cubes into a very large bowl.
Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables
Now, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped celery and diced onion and cook until they have softened, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the fresh sage and thyme and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine The Ingredients
Transfer the cooked celery and onion mixture from the skillet into the large bowl with the bread cubes. Add the diced apple to the bowl as well and gently fold everything together. You want to mix it just enough to combine without turning the bread to mush.
Step 4: Add The Liquid
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the two large eggs, the chicken broth, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to your liking. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently to make sure all the bread gets coated and has a chance to soak up the liquid.
Step 5: Bake The Stuffing
Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased casserole dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or so, until the top is as crispy as you like it. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. A little freshly chopped parsley on top is a nice touch!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover stuffing is simple. Just let it cool completely to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick warm up, or for best results, put it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This will help bring back some of that nice crispy top.
Tips
Want to make sure your Simple Stuffing Recipe is as good as it can be? Here are a few little pointers. First, don’t be shy with the butter on top. It’s key to getting that golden, crunchy layer. If the top looks a little dry before baking, add a bit more melted butter. You will not regret it. Second, if your family fights over the crispy bits like mine does, try baking the stuffing on a large sheet pan instead of a casserole dish. This creates way more surface area, which means more crispy top for everyone. Finally, if you’re a fan of sausage in your stuffing, go for it. Just brown about a pound of your favorite sausage, drain the fat, and stir it into the bread mixture before baking. It adds a whole other layer of savory flavor.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a truly wonderful Simple Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing: Easy Oven Baked Recipe that will surely be a hit at your holiday table. It’s a classic dish for a reason, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. These kinds of Oven Stuffing Recipes are a staple of holiday cooking, and this one is straightforward enough for even a beginner to tackle. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every single bite!
FAQ
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely. To save time, you can assemble the entire dish the day before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, you might need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the initial covered baking time since it will be starting from cold.
What Kind Of Bread Is Best For Stuffing?
A sturdy, thick sliced white bread, brioche, or challah works great. You want something that can soak up the liquid without completely falling apart. Sourdough is also a nice option if you enjoy a bit of a tangy flavor in your stuffing.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead Of Chicken Broth?
Of course. To make this stuffing vegetarian friendly, simply swap the chicken broth for an equal amount of vegetable broth. It will be just as flavorful and delicious.
How Do I Know When The Stuffing Is Done?
The stuffing is done when it is heated all the way through and the top is golden brown and crispy to your liking. If you have an instant read thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 165°F for safety, especially since it contains eggs.
Simple Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing
This classic homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is savory, filled with fresh herbs, and baked to golden brown goodness. A simple, comforting side dish that tastes just like home.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. If your bread isn’t stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes until dried out. Place the bread cubes into a very large bowl.
- Increase oven temperature to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped celery and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the sage and thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to the large bowl with the bread cubes. Add the diced apple and gently fold to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, chicken broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the bread and stir gently to coat everything.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased casserole dish. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy top: Bake the stuffing on a large sheet pan instead of a casserole dish to maximize the surface area.
Make it vegetarian: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Make ahead: You can assemble the entire dish the day before. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
