Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a warm, comforting bowl of stuffing! This recipe, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, brings all the classic flavors together for a side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It's easy enough for a beginner cook but delicious enough to impress seasoned culinary experts. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of homemade Thanksgiving magic with this easy recipe. This healthy meal is perfect for your quick dinner ideas this holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian bread, cubed and dried (day-old bread works best!)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your stuffing is perfectly baked and golden brown.
Sauté the Veggies: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your stuffing.
Spice it Up: Stir in the sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and pecans (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Don't overmix; a little bit of texture is desirable.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. The cooking time might vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top before serving. This adds a pop of freshness and vibrant green color.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffing:
- Drying the Bread: Drying the bread cubes overnight or for a few hours before making the stuffing will help prevent a soggy result. You can even spread them on a baking sheet and bake them in a low oven for 10 minutes.
- Broth Options: Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the stuffing can result in a dense and heavy texture. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the mixture for a sweet and tart twist.
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of sausage before adding the vegetables for a heartier stuffing.
- Apple Stuffing: Dice one apple and add it to the vegetables while sautéing. This adds a delightful sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, a general estimate per serving might be around:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Paula Deen-inspired Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy the delicious flavors and happy Thanksgiving!