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Close-up of flavorful Homemade Stuffing, showcasing its golden-brown crust and savory ingredients.

Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe

This homemade stuffing recipe is designed to deliver a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured side dish every time. Featuring a blend of toasted bread, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, this stuffing will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large loaf about 1 pound
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out. Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  5. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  7. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes and sausage mixture.
  8. Pour chicken broth over the bread mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  9. Stir in beaten eggs.
  10. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
  13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old crusty bread for the best texture. Toasting the bread cubes is crucial for preventing sogginess. Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs. The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add more vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.