Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the aroma of warm, savory stuffing filling the kitchen. While many rely on boxed mixes, today we're elevating the classic with Mrs. Cubbison's Famous Stuffing Recipe – a homemade version that captures all the comforting flavors of the holiday while adding a touch of gourmet flair. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a delicious and healthy twist on a beloved tradition. Get ready for a stuffing so good, it’ll be the star of your Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf of crusty bread, cubed (day-old is best)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your stuffing is perfectly baked and heated through.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat 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, sage, thyme, pepper, and salt. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately another 5 minutes. This step builds a deep, flavorful base for your stuffing.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cubed bread with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chicken broth, parsley, and walnuts (if using). Stir until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. Over-mixing can lead to a dense stuffing, so be gentle!
Add the eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs. The eggs will help bind the stuffing and give it a richer texture.
Bake to perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Serve and enjoy! Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to firm up slightly. Serve alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!
Tips for the Best Stuffing:
- Day-old bread is key: Using day-old bread helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes before adding them to the mixture.
- Don't over-mix: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking up the bread cubes too much.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. A dash of nutmeg or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some extra warmth and complexity.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the stuffing mixture for a sweet and tart twist.
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage before adding the vegetables for a heartier stuffing.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. Consider adding other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Protein: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Mrs. Cubbison's Famous Stuffing Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy side dish that perfectly complements any Thanksgiving feast or a comforting weeknight meal. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating a truly special dish. Happy cooking!