Easiest Traditional Stuffing

The Easiest Traditional Stuffing is one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to childhood. Every Thanksgiving, my family would gather around the kitchen, and the smell of sautéed vegetables wafting through the air would signal that the holidays were upon us. This stuffing, bursting with flavors and textures, has become a staple at our festive dinners. The crispness of the bread combined with the savory notes of herbs makes it the perfect addition to the turkey. If you’ve ever been perplexed by the myriad of stuffing recipes out there, let me assure you, this one is delightfully straightforward. It’s comforting, familiar, and most importantly, easy to make. I remember the anticipation while waiting for it to bake, with the scent dancing through the house, coaxing everyone to gather around the table.

Ingredients Overview for Easiest Traditional Stuffing

The ingredients for this stuffing are simple yet effective, creating a delicious harmony of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Each component plays a vital role in bringing the dish together, making it a staple for gatherings. The key players include butter, which adds richness, and dried bread cubes, which provide the perfect base for absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

• Butter: 11 tablespoons, divided, adds richness and moisture to the stuffing, enhancing the flavor as it cooks.
• Celery: 2 cups, chopped, gives a nice crunch and fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the butter.
• Yellow onion: 2 cups, chopped, provides a sweet and savory base that elevates the entire dish.
• Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon helps to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon adds a subtle kick that rounds out the dish.
• Dried bread cubes: 10 cups create the stuffing base and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Dried poultry seasoning: 2 teaspoons brings that traditional flavor associated with holiday meals.
• Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups keeps the stuffing moist and adds depth to the overall flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Easiest Traditional Stuffing

Cooking this Easiest Traditional Stuffing is as enjoyable as it is rewarding. Let’s dive into the steps to create this classic dish that will leave everyone craving more.

1. Start by melting 8 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. As the butter melts, it will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Keep an eye on it to avoid browning.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the melted butter. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook until they become soft, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and the celery tender.
3. Once soft, sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring well to incorporate. This seasoning will enhance the vegetables’ flavors and create a flavorful base.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sautéed mixture to a large mixing bowl. Now it’s time for the star of the show!
5. Add the dried bread cubes to the mixing bowl with the sautéed onion and celery. This will be the base that absorbs all the incredible flavors.
6. Next, sprinkle the dried poultry seasoning over the mixture. This is where the magic happens! The seasoning will infuse the stuffing with that iconic holiday flavor.
7. Drizzle in the chicken broth and gently toss all the ingredients together. You want to ensure that every bread cube is coated with moisture. It’s all about achieving the right balance of wet and dry.
8. If you’re baking outside the bird, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with 1 tablespoon of the reserved butter. Spoon the stuffing into the dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Drizzle an additional ¼ cup of chicken broth over the stuffing, and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
10. After 20 to 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s bubbling and has a beautiful crust.
11. If you’re baking inside the bird, spoon 3 to 5 cups of the stuffing into the cavity, ensuring you stuff it loosely but avoid overfilling. Follow your bird’s cooking directions, ensuring the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Looking to customize your Easiest Traditional Stuffing? Here are some great ideas to make this recipe your own.

• Storage: After enjoying your stuffing, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this stuffing! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Serve this stuffing alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Flavor variations: Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture or dried fruits like cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
• Herb options: Substitute the dried poultry seasoning with fresh herbs for a brighter flavor profile.

Serving Options for Easiest Traditional Stuffing

When it comes to serving the Easiest Traditional Stuffing, there are countless delightful options that will make your meal a hit.

• Thanksgiving centerpiece: This stuffing is a must-have at Thanksgiving dinners, perfectly complementing the turkey.
• Family gatherings: Serve as a side dish at family gatherings or potlucks; everyone will want the recipe!
• Seasonal flavors: Enhance your stuffing with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash or apples for a fall twist.
• Storage tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a few days.
• Freezing options: Freeze portions for quick weeknight meals; just thaw and reheat when needed.
• Brunch idea: Pair this stuffing with a fresh salad for a hearty brunch option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easiest Traditional Stuffing is truly a dish that brings comfort and joy to any holiday table. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it has become a cherished tradition in many households, including mine. I encourage you to try making it for your next family gathering or festive occasion. There’s something special about sharing this dish with loved ones, and I promise it will be a hit at your dinner table.

Easiest Traditional Stuffing

The ultimate comfort food, this Easiest Traditional Stuffing is packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering. With a blend of rich ingredients and spices, it's the easiest way to elevate your holiday meal. Make it tonight and enjoy the warmth of tradition!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 cups

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 11 tablespoons Butter divided
• 2 cups Celery chopped
• 2 cups Yellow onion chopped
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 10 cups Dried bread cubes
• 2 teaspoons Dried poultry seasoning
• 1 ½ cups Chicken broth or use homemade turkey or chicken stock

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by melting 8 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. As the butter melts, it will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Keep an eye on it to avoid browning.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the melted butter. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook until they become soft, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and the celery tender.
3. Once soft, sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring well to incorporate. This seasoning will enhance the vegetables’ flavors and create a flavorful base.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the sautéed mixture to a large mixing bowl. Now it’s time for the star of the show!
5. Add the dried bread cubes to the mixing bowl with the sautéed onion and celery. This will be the base that absorbs all the incredible flavors.
6. Next, sprinkle the dried poultry seasoning over the mixture. This is where the magic happens! The seasoning will infuse the stuffing with that iconic holiday flavor.
7. Drizzle in the chicken broth and gently toss all the ingredients together. You want to ensure that every bread cube is coated with moisture. It’s all about achieving the right balance of wet and dry.
8. If you’re baking outside the bird, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with 1 tablespoon of the reserved butter. Spoon the stuffing into the dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Drizzle an additional ¼ cup of chicken broth over the stuffing, and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
10. After 20 to 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s bubbling and has a beautiful crust.
11. If you're baking inside the bird, spoon 3 to 5 cups of the stuffing into the cavity, ensuring you stuff it loosely but avoid overfilling. Follow your bird’s cooking directions, ensuring the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can make this stuffing a day ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Just know you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.
• Tip 2: You can reheat leftover stuffing in a 350ºF oven or in a skillet on the stove. Whichever method you choose, you’ll want to drizzle a little chicken broth over the stuffing before reheating it to prevent it from drying out.

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Meet Diana Foster

I appreciate the beauty of a well-made meal, but I also value simplicity. I’m always looking for that perfect balance of big flavor and low stress. I developed this recipe to be reliable, tasty, and perfect for your daily rotation.