Are you looking for a delicious and easy stuffing recipe that won't break the bank? Look no further! This homemade stuffing recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion. It's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly simple to make, and uses readily available ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. This recipe is a true testament to delicious dishes achievable with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing side dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (or any mushrooms you prefer!)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, another 5-7 minutes.
Add herbs and seasoning: Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to become fragrant.
Combine with bread: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cubed bread. Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure the bread is evenly moistened. Don't worry if it seems a little soggy; it will firm up in the oven.
Bake to perfection: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Best Stuffing:
- Bread choice: Day-old bread is ideal for stuffing as it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy. You can use any type of bread, but a crusty loaf works particularly well.
- Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices! Rosemary, marjoram, or even a pinch of nutmeg would be delicious additions.
- Add-ins: To make your stuffing even more flavorful, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, cranberries, or pecans.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve it.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Wild Rice Stuffing: Add 1 cup of cooked wild rice to the bread mixture for a heartier stuffing.
- Cornbread Stuffing: Substitute cornbread for some or all of the white bread for a Southern twist.
This easy stuffing recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a healthy and delicious side dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!