Traditional Savory Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe (2024)

This traditional savory Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is that one simple, yet heartwarming side dish that everyone loves. Sure, the roasted turkey always steals the show, as it should. But when it comes to going back for seconds, have you ever noticed that almost everyone heads for the stuffing?

It really shouldn’t surprise us. I mean, how can you go wrong with a great loaf of rustic country bread, savory fresh herbs with melted butter, soft, flavorful onions, and a little crunch of celery? It is, after all, the perfect combination.

This is the best stuffing recipe and a favorite at our Thanksgiving table. If you give it a try, it might just become a new favorite at your gatherings.

But before we jump into the recipe, let’s answer a few basic questions about stuffing.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between stuffing and dressing?

Technically speaking, stuffing is cooked inside the cavity of the turkey and the juices from the turkey keep it moist and provide a lot of flavor. Hence the name, stuffed turkeys. Dressing is typically cooked/prepared separately, needs moisture added, and is usually baked in a casserole dish or pan.

However, I think we’re going to keep calling it stuffing even if we are technically incorrect.

Is stuffing better with or without eggs?

Eggs are one of the most important ingredients for stuffing. The combination of eggs and stock acts as a binder and provides a fluffy texture in addition to helping keep the bread soft and moist.

If you’d prefer not to use eggs, applesauce can also work as a binder. Try replacing each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.

To cover or not to cover: should stuffing be covered when baking?

It really comes down to personal preference. One school of thought says to bake the stuffing tightly covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then, bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

We like our stuffing soft in the middle and crispy on top so we cook ours covered for 30 minutes and a few more minutes to crisp up the top. But it’s really up to you and how you like it. But choose the variations that work best for you.

Here’s the equipment you’ll need

• Large baking dish or casserole pan
• Small bowl for beating the eggs
• Whisk
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Serrated bread knife
• Cutting board
• Large sheet pan

The ingredients for savory Thanksgiving stuffing

• A loaf of day-old rustic country bread (some people prefer brioche, sourdough bread or even sandwich breads)
• Eggs (beaten)
• Vegetable or chicken broth (feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer)
• Chopped herbs (fresh rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, or any combination of your favorites)
• Leeks (cut in thin slices using some of the greens)
• Garlic (minced)
• Celery (diced)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Note: You don’t need poultry seasoning or other spices for stuffing. Let all the fresh herbs and vegetables provide the flavor.

How to make this savory, homemade stuffing recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease the baking dish with butter making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
3. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl (you don’t have to but I put the bread cubes, in a single layer, on a baking sheet and bake them until they are light brown dried bread cubes).
4. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter and then add the leeks, celery, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables have softened.
5. Pour the leek mixture over the top of the bread cubes, add the fresh chopped herbs, and toss.
6. Pour 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth over the bread and leek mixture and toss again (if the bread feels dry add another 1/2 cup of the broth).
7. Add the beaten eggs and toss again.
8. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.

If you like this recipe, you might like these other Thanksgiving recipes as well:

• Herb roasted turkey
• Brown butter mashed potatoes
• Crispy shallots, green beans, and mushrooms
• Maple-glazed autumn carrots with garlic cloves

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