Are you tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something comforting and flavorful that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for stove top stuffing mix is your answer. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to homemade goodness that tastes even better than the boxed stuff! This healthy meal is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (or any mushroom you prefer!)
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, but adds a lovely fresh flavor)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: 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 for another 3-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This simple step builds a fantastic flavor base for your stuffing.
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Toast the Bread: Add the cubed bread to the skillet and toss to coat it with the vegetables and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread is lightly toasted. This prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy.
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Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer and Fluff: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed most of the liquid and the stuffing is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately alongside your favorite main course. This delicious dish is perfect as a side for roasted chicken, turkey, or even a hearty vegetarian stew.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stove Top Stuffing:
- Day-old bread is key: Using slightly stale bread helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy. If you only have fresh bread, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and let it dry slightly in a low oven (around 200°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- Don't over-mix: Gently stir the stuffing to avoid breaking up the bread too much. You want some texture!
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A dash of nutmeg or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra depth of flavor.
- Add some crunch: For added texture, you can stir in some toasted nuts or seeds at the end.
Variations:
- Cranberry Stuffing: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries along with the parsley.
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage works well) before adding the onions and celery.
- Wild Rice Stuffing: Add 1 cup of cooked wild rice to the mixture for a heartier stuffing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 8-10g
This recipe for stove top stuffing mix is a simple, delicious, and adaptable side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out and let us know what you think! It's a true testament to the power of homemade cooking, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!