Homemade Stuffing Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Homemade Stuffing Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Homemade Stuffingis a must-make for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Your holiday table wouldn’t be complete without it,and I’m here to show you how to make stuffing. You cannot go wrong with this homemade stuffing recipe during the holidays. This turkey stuffing has so much flavor, crunch, and goodness!

Homemade Stuffing Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Homemade Stuffing Recipe?

I love putting a new twist on old recipes for the holidays, but sometimes the traditional recipes are best, and this stuffing is proof of that. This homemade stuffing will make you think of home and feel the comfort of years gone by, plus it perfectly compliments the other Thanksgiving side dishes.

  • Dry Bread Cubes: Form the base of the stuffing. You’ll want to prep these 1 day ahead of time to ensure they are dry and crispy. This will keep the stuffing from turning out mushy.
  • Olive Oil + Unsalted Butter: Help the veggies cook without burning and add richness and moisture to the stuffing.
  • Mirepoix: A Mixture of carrots, celery, and onion that gives the stuffing a well-rounded, deep vegetal flavor.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a rich umami flavor to the stuffing. You can also use chicken stock or vegetable broth.
  • Spices: Fresh sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg, and black pepper give this stuffing an herbaceous flavor and a touch of warmth. In a pinch, you can use 2 tablespoons of dried poultry seasoning in place of all of the spices.
  • Eggs: Add moisture to the stuffing and help bind it together.

Yes, it’s technically turkey dressing. You can call it whatever you like but I’m pretty confident you’ll be calling it delicious and perfect by the end of the holiday season.

Cooking Methods for Turkey Stuffing

This turkey stuffing recipe can be cooked in a baking dish as a dressing or cooked more traditionally in the bird as a stuffing. I personally prefer to cook it in a dish so that the edges turn crispy golden brown and the stuffing doesn’t turn out too moist or mushy. However, the flavor is delicious either way, so go with what you love!

Keep in mind that if you do cook it inside the bird, you will need to ensure that the stuffing reaches 165°F in the center before serving it. This is because it is cooking inside of a raw turkey, and those raw juices will drip into the stuffing as it cooks. We need to ensure those raw juices are fully cooked to prevent food poisoning!

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Is it better to make stuffing with fresh or stale bread?

Slightly stale bread absorbs moisture better than fresh bread, so always use day-old or toasted bread!

What bread makes the best stuffing?

You can use any type of bread you like for this stuffing. I chose French bread for mine. When I’m going for a fully homemade stuffing, I use this easy no knead bread recipe!

Why put eggs in stuffing?

Eggs help hold the stuffing together, and they also add moisture!

Is chicken broth or stock better for stuffing?

Both work equally well!

Should stuffing be covered when baking?

I like to bake mine uncovered so it gets nice and crispy, but if you notice yours is browning too much, you can tent it with foil.

How do you keep stuffing moist when baking?

This recipe has plenty of moisture added to it from the chicken broth, butter, and eggs. But if yours is starting to dry out, you can pour a little more chicken broth over the top during baking.

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover homemade stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until hot.

How to Freeze

Freeze homemade stuffing whole or in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this turkey stuffing with Thanksgiving turkey, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, crockpot sweet potato casserole, creamed corn, cranberry sauce, and soft dinner rolls.

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Recipe

Homemade Stuffing Recipe

3.83 from 52 votes

Author: Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 40 minutes minutes

Total: 55 minutes minutes

Serves8

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This Turkey Stuffing Recipe should be on every Thanksgiving Table! Learn how to make homemade stuffing with this easy recipe.

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Ingredients

  • 13 cups dry bread cubes (must be made 1 day in advance– see instructions)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
  • 3 carrots peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • cups unsalted butter melted (3 sticks)
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten

**2 tablespoons dried poultry seasoning can be substituted for all of the following herbs and seasonings**

  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
  • teaspoons minced fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

At Least 1 Day In Advance…

  • Make the bread cubes. Cut or tear 1-2 large Italian bread loaves into 1-inch cubes. Allow the cubes to dry out on a baking sheet for 24-48 hours. Toss the cubes a couple of times so they dry out evenly. The stuffing tastes best if the cubes are dry but not too crispy. (See notes for day-of cooking instructions).

    13 cups dry bread cubes

The Day Of…

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray.

  • Heat a large skillet set over medium-high for 1 minute. Add the oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, and heat until the butter has melted.

    2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Sauté the carrots and celery until fork-tender, about 3-5 minutes.

    3 carrots, 1 cup chopped celery

  • Add the diced onion, stir, and cook until the translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    1 yellow onion

  • Place the dried breadcrumbs in a very large mixing bowl and add the cooked vegetables, melted butter, salt, chicken broth, and seasonings. Mix well. Add the eggs and mix well again.

    1½ cups unsalted butter, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage, 1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon minced fresh marjoram, 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Pour the dressing/stuffing into the prepared dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are beginning to turn golden.

    -OR-

    Stuff the turkey cavity, then roast the turkey until the stuffing reaches 165°F internally.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • If you forgot to prep the bread ahead of time, preheat the oven to 200°F, spread the bread cubes out on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, or until crisp.

  • If cooked in the oven, the stuffing (dressing) will be a little drier with crispy edges. If cooked inside the turkey, the stuffing texture will be like soft bread pudding (the turkey stuffing from my youth).
  • If cooked in the turkey, stuff the turkey just before you roast it (not the night before), never put uncooked meat inside the uncooked bird, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the stuffing reaches at least 165°F.

Storage:Store homemade stuffing in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 654kcal (33%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 13g (26%) Fat: 47g (72%) Saturated Fat: 25g (156%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 13g Trans Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 146mg (49%) Sodium: 929mg (40%) Potassium: 326mg (9%) Fiber: 5g (21%) Sugar: 7g (8%) Vitamin A: 5120IU (102%) Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) Calcium: 153mg (15%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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More Stuffing Recipes We Love

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  • Sausage Stuffing
  • Apple Stuffing
  • Wild Rice Sausage Stuffing
  • Butternut Squash Stuffing

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Homemade Stuffing Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

In what did recipes did people originally use stuffing? ›

The earliest documentary evidence is the Roman cookbook, Apicius De Re Coquinaria, which contains recipes for stuffed chicken, dormouse, hare, and pig. Most of the stuffings described consist of vegetables, herbs and spices, nuts, and spelt (a cereal), and frequently contain chopped liver, brains, and other organ meat.

Do you cook stuffing before stuffing bird? ›

Fully cook raw meat, poultry, or seafood ingredients before adding to stuffing. Combine the ingredients and place them in your bird immediately before cooking. Don't stuff whole poultry with cooked stuffing. In addition to the turkey, the stuffing's center needs to reach 165 F.

What consistency should stuffing be before baking? ›

You want your stuffing moist but not soggy and certainly not dry. The bread in the stuffing absorbs moisture, but if it's dry (as it should be, see above), it takes some time for the liquid to settle in. I suggest adding a little at a time, say 1 cup of broth for every 4 cups of dry mix.

What stuffing is safe for dogs on Thanksgiving? ›

Stuffing Safety

Traditional stuffing often contains ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain herbs that can be harmful to dogs. Instead, consider making a dog-friendly stuffing with safe ingredients like plain bread, turkey broth, and dog-friendly vegetables.

What is traditional stuffing made of? ›

Classic stuffing made with bread cubes, seasonings, and held together with chicken stock and eggs. A holiday staple!

Why does stuffing taste so good? ›

Juices from the turkey soaked into the stuffing, infusing it with fat and flavor. "You've got those juices, and those juices taste great,” Smith said.

Should I put eggs in my stuffing? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you'd like, to achieve your desired consistency. Seasonings: This turkey dressing recipe is seasoned with salt, pepper, rubbed sage, and garlic powder.

Can you leave stuffing uncooked overnight? ›

USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing. Why? Remember, stuffing can harbor bacteria, and though bacteria grow slower in the refrigerator they can cause problems because stuffing is a good medium for bacteria growth, therefore a higher risk food in terms of cooking safely.

Is it better to make stuffing the night before? ›

The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes. "Making stuffing ahead saves time, allows stove and oven space for other things, and making it ahead gives time for the flavor to fully develop," Chef David Tiner, Director at Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, tells Southern Living.

Can I use chicken stock instead of broth for stuffing? ›

Traditionally, stuffing is moistened with turkey stock or chicken stock, but you can use vegetable broth if you're aiming for vegan or vegetarian stuffing. Store-bought low-sodium chicken broth will absolutely do, but if you want to know how to make stuffing really shine, it's all about using homemade stock.

Why does my stuffing come out mushy? ›

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush.

Which is better for stuffing broth or stock? ›

Homemade stock is the best, but if you don't have homemade, a good store bought stock will work as well. If you use a store bought stock, try to buy one with no/low sodium. I personally have started using bone broth in my stuffing and LOVE it.

Why can't dogs eat mashed potatoes? ›

Listed high on the glycemic index, potatoes can cause blood sugar spikes, which can be deadly for dogs with diabetes. Carbohydrates turn to sugar in the digestive system to provide energy. However, dogs with diabetes can't process large amounts of carbs or sugar in their diets, making potatoes risky for them to eat.

Why can't dogs eat ham or mashed potatoes? ›

A healthy amount of animal fat in dog food is about 15 to 20 percent. The fatty richness of ham is what makes it taste so delicious, but it's difficult for your dog to digest. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis and other digestive upsets.

Why can't dogs have garlic? ›

Garlic, like other members of the Allium family, contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates which can be toxic cats and dogs if ingested. The ingestion of garlic causes conditions called hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, and methemoglobinemia which are all manifestation of damage to red blood cells.

When was stuffing first used? ›

So how far back can we find stuffing used in cooking? Some time between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, a chef by the name of Apicius created a cookbook entitled, “Apicius de re Coquinaria.” In its pages are recipes for stuffed chicken, rabbit, pig, and even dormouse.

Where did stuffing originate from? ›

The Origins of Stuffing

Well, experts aren't exactly sure, but the first official mention of it can be found in a Roman cookbook called “Apicius de re Coquinaria,” which dates back to the first century AD.

What is the origin of stuffing dressing? ›

The term dressing, per the History Channel, originated around the 1850s, when the Victorians deemed stuffing too crude for the dish to be named. This happened around the same time that the term “dark meat” began to refer to chicken legs and thighs.

Who invented stuffing food? ›

The late Ruth Siems, a 1953 home economics graduate, is credited with the invention of Stove Top stuffing. The product hit shelves in 1971 as a dish appropriate for Thanksgiving but also for everyday meals. The secret behind the dish is the dimensions of the bread crumbs, which General Foods patented in 1975.

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