Prepare-Ahead Stuffing

Consider making stuffing ahead of Thanksgiving to save time and make room in the oven. Who wouldn't appreciate a hassle-free side dish?

Can You Prepare Stuffing in Advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time. It's an excellent way to get a head start on your Thanksgiving prep and free up valuable oven space. This stuffing can be made up to three days ahead of the big day.

Ingredients for Prepare-Ahead Stuffing

Here's everything you'll need to prepare this stuffing ahead of time:

· Butter: Start this stuffing with a cup of butter.
· Vegetables: Onions and celery are sautéed in butter until soft and fragrant.
· Bread crumbs: Use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own at home.
· Seasonings: This stuffing is flavored with salt, poultry seasoning, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and dried sage.
· Broth: Keep the stuffing moist with turkey or chicken broth.

Steps to Prepare Stuffing in Advance

Below you'll find the detailed, step-by-step instructions — but here’s a quick look at what to expect when preparing this stuffing ahead of time:

Sauté the vegetables in butter, then mix in the bread crumbs and seasonings. Gradually add the broth to moisten the mixture. Remove from the heat and let it cool.

Storing Your Make-Ahead Stuffing

Once the stuffing has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Using Make-Ahead Stuffing

For turkey stuffing, simply fill the cavity of your bird with the prepared stuffing and cook according to your recipe instructions.

If you're serving this stuffing as a side dish, bake it at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

More Make-Ahead Ideas

Craving more delicious make-ahead ideas? We've got plenty! Get a jumpstart on your holiday menu with these curated recipe collections:

· 15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts to Keep Your Holidays Stress-Free
· 9 Classic Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Casseroles
· 10 Simple Make-Ahead Appetizers to Save Time This Thanksgiving

Dinogo Community Tips and Feedback

"I used sourdough bread crumbs," shares Emily Kahler Rehberg. "The only modification I made to the recipe was adding a cup of fresh chopped mushrooms. I've received so many compliments!"

"This made-ahead dressing was perfect," says LOISTOO. "With all the hustle of holiday meals, I prepared this dressing three days ahead, and it worked out wonderfully."

"This recipe was so easy to pull together at the last minute," exclaims PumpkinPie. "I used challah bread but followed the recipe to a T. It was simple, yet delivered all the traditional flavors I was craving."

Editorial insights by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 cup butter

• 2 cups chopped onion

• 2 cups chopped celery

• 16 cups dry bread crumbs

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried sage

• 2 cups chicken broth, or as needed

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients together.

Melt butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until fully melted.

Add the onion and celery; cook and stir until softened, about 10 minutes.

Mix in the bread crumbs, salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, thyme, and sage until evenly combined.

Add enough chicken broth to moisten the mixture.

Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer to large resealable bags and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Editor's Note

Nutrition Information (per serving)