– 1 loaf of stale bread (about 12 cups cubed)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is an enjoyable experience when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Bread: Cube the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Allow them to dry out slightly if they are too soft.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté until soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Herbs: Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the cubed bread in the mixing bowl, stirring gently to combine.
6. Moisten with Broth: Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth to the bread mixture, tossing until all the bread is evenly moistened. The mixture should be damp but not soggy.
7. Add Eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs, which will help bind the stuffing together.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
These straightforward steps will help you create a stuffing that captures the essence of Grandma’s kitchen.