Nothing says holiday warmth like a heaping dish of moist and savory stuffing. This recipe captures the traditional flavors of onion, celery, and rich chicken broth, enveloping each bread crumb with buttery goodness. The perfectly tender texture, punctuated by optional add-ins like cranberries, pecans, or sausage, makes this stuffing a deliciously customizable option for any festive table.
Ideal for holiday gatherings, this stuffing serves as a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with turkey, ham, or a variety of roasted vegetables. It’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with comforting flavors that will remind everyone of the cozy, cherished moments around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving or a family meal, this recipe will be a hit!
Full Recipe:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth
- 6 cups dry bread stuffing mix
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 pound pork sausage, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the stuffing mix, combining lightly. Add any desired optional add-ins here.
- Transfer stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13x2-inch baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until hot. For a crunchier texture, bake uncovered.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 200 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Moist and Savory Stuffing: A Holiday Staple and Comfort Food Classic
Stuffing, particularly this moist and savory version, is a hallmark of American holiday feasts, especially Thanksgiving. With roots that go back to ancient times, stuffing has evolved from a practical solution for utilizing leftover bread and enhancing the flavors of roasted meats into a beloved side dish. This classic version, rich with chicken broth, onions, celery, and butter, brings a warm, comforting taste that melds seamlessly with the variety of dishes typically found on holiday tables.
The Origins and Evolution of Stuffing
Stuffing has a rich history, tracing back to Ancient Roman and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, where meats were often stuffed with grains, vegetables, herbs, and nuts for added flavor and substance. For centuries, stuffing remained a staple, adapting to local ingredients and culinary preferences. In America, the dish evolved further with bread-based versions, becoming especially popular as a turkey accompaniment in the 19th century.
The choice of bread as the primary base for American stuffing emerged from a need for simplicity and accessibility. By mixing dry bread cubes with broth and aromatics, cooks created a side dish that was both affordable and easy to prepare. This version of stuffing we know today reflects the adaptation of old traditions to new world ingredients and remains one of the most enduring elements of Thanksgiving meals.
Key Flavors and Aromatics
The appeal of moist and savory stuffing lies in its balance of simple yet deeply satisfying flavors. The butter provides a rich base, bringing out the essence of onions and celery as they cook down, releasing their natural sweetness and fragrance. These aromatics are essential in building the foundation of the stuffing’s flavor, their mellow, slightly sweet undertones complementing the savory broth.
Chicken broth, an essential component, adds a comforting, home-cooked richness that keeps the stuffing moist while lending a delicate savory depth. Together, these ingredients create a cohesive profile that feels nostalgic and satisfying, harmonizing with the other traditional flavors on the holiday table.
Customization and Optional Additions
One of the best aspects of this stuffing recipe is its adaptability. While it’s delightful in its basic form, you can easily tailor it to suit your preferences or the tastes of your guests.
- Adding Texture and Flavor: For a bit of crunch, consider folding in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Dried cranberries or apricots introduce a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory base. For an earthier taste, mushrooms make a wonderful addition, providing a meaty texture and absorbing the other flavors.
- Incorporating Protein: If you’d like to make the stuffing heartier, consider adding sausage or pancetta. Browned sausage, in particular, lends a spiciness that elevates the dish, making it substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own. Pancetta or even crispy bacon can add a salty richness that pairs well with the bread and broth.
- Herb Choices: While this recipe keeps things simple with traditional aromatics, herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley can add layers of flavor. Sage and thyme, in particular, are classic choices that provide an earthy, woodsy essence that brings out the flavors of the poultry or other meats served alongside it.
- Vegetable Variations: For a healthier twist, add in vegetables like leeks, carrots, or even a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrients. These elements introduce a bit of freshness, balancing the richness of the butter and broth.
Tips for Preparing Perfect Stuffing
While the process is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.
- Dry the Bread Thoroughly: Using stale or dried bread is essential for avoiding soggy stuffing. If you’re short on time, you can dry out bread cubes in a low oven for about 15–20 minutes, ensuring they’re crisp but not browned. This step allows the bread to absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- Adjusting Moisture Levels: The amount of broth can vary depending on the bread and the desired texture. Some people enjoy stuffing that’s more on the moist side, while others prefer a firmer consistency. Start with the recommended amount and add more as needed to reach your preferred level of moistness.
- Achieving the Perfect Texture: For a stuffing with both moist and crispy elements, bake it covered for the first part of cooking to allow it to steam and absorb the broth, then uncover it for the last 10–15 minutes. This gives you a crispy top layer while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Moist and savory stuffing pairs exceptionally well with Thanksgiving staples like roast turkey and gravy. Its mild flavor profile acts as a perfect complement to the variety of bolder dishes on the holiday menu. But stuffing’s versatility extends beyond turkey dinners; it can also be paired with roasted chicken, pork, and even beef.
If you’re planning a holiday buffet, consider serving stuffing in individual ramekins for a sophisticated presentation. For a potluck or large family gathering, a large casserole dish makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving enhances the dish’s visual appeal, giving it a touch of elegance.
Beyond Thanksgiving: Using Leftover Stuffing
Stuffing doesn’t have to be limited to a holiday side dish. With a bit of creativity, you can transform leftovers into delicious next-day meals.
- Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms: Use leftover stuffing as a filling for large mushroom caps. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese and bake until golden and bubbly for a quick and tasty appetizer.
- Stuffing Waffles: Combine leftover stuffing with eggs and cook in a waffle iron for a savory take on breakfast waffles. These “waffles” are delicious topped with a fried egg or served alongside turkey sandwiches.
- Stuffing-Stuffed Chicken Breast: Butterfly a chicken breast, fill it with stuffing, and bake. This transforms leftovers into a satisfying main course that feels fresh and new.
Conclusion: Why This Moist and Savory Stuffing Belongs on Your Holiday Table
This moist and savory stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of tradition and flavor that has earned its place on the holiday table. Its comforting, nostalgic taste appeals to all ages, making it a versatile and well-loved addition to any meal. The recipe’s simplicity and adaptability allow it to shine on its own or with personalized touches, ensuring that it can be tailored to different tastes and dietary preferences.
As you gather with friends and family for holiday meals, this stuffing recipe offers more than flavor—it represents a shared experience, a link to the past, and a reminder of the joy of simple, heartfelt cooking. Whether you’re recreating family memories or starting new traditions, this moist and savory stuffing will bring warmth, flavor, and a sense of togetherness to your table.