How to Prepare the Perfect Stuffing

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential. For me, it's even more exciting than green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce. If you grew up in the South, you might call it 'dressing' (check out the stuffing vs. dressing discussion). No matter what it's called, stuffing graces nearly every Thanksgiving table. It only has one day a year to shine, so you’ll want to make it unforgettable. Keep reading for a guide on making stuffing and discover some easy recipes to try.

What Exactly Is Stuffing?

Stuffing can either accompany your turkey as a side dish or be used as a filling for the bird itself. It can take many forms, typically starting with a base of dried bread, cornbread, or breadcrumbs.

Stuffing recipes vary regionally, with common additions like sausage, oysters, nuts, fruit, celery, and various herbs and spices. In essence, it’s a savory, bread-based casserole that can be customized to suit your taste. While we'll focus on stuffing served on its own, you can also check out how to stuff a turkey for a classic preparation.

How to Prepare Stuffing

1 (1 pound) loaf sliced white bread (you can also use French bread)
¾ cup butter or margarine
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth

1. Begin by drying the bread.

If the bread isn’t thoroughly dried, you’ll end up with soggy stuffing that resembles soup. This applies to all types of bread, whether it's traditional bread, cornbread, or even bagels. There are two effective methods to dry out your bread:

Dry them on the countertop: Leave the bread slices out to air dry on a cooling rack for 1-2 days, then cut into cubes.
Dry them in the oven: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Slice the bread into cubes. Spread out the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring throughout.

2. Preheat the oven.

Serve your stuffing in a rustic oval casserole dish for a charming presentation.

Traditional Easy Stuffing Dinogo

Get the full recipe for Nicole McLaughlin’s go-to stuffing: Traditional Easy Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Sauté your stuffing mix-ins.

In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery (or any other preferred additions) and cook until soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Add bread cubes and remaining ingredients.

Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the bread cubes until well-coated. Add chicken broth to moisten, if needed, and stir to combine.