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Savory Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe for Perfect Inside-the-Bird Flavor

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This classic Thanksgiving stuffing is packed with fresh herbs, sautĂ©ed onions, and toasty bread cubes for unbeatable inside-the-bird flavor. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and absorbs all the delicious turkey juices for a memorable holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups day-old white or sourdough bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, diced
  • 1 1/4 cups celery, diced (about 3 stalks)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 1/2 tsp dried sage)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced apple (optional, sweet-tart like Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage (optional)
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until dry but not browned. Let cool.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery. Cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Place toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed vegetables and melted butter. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Sprinkle in parsley, sage, thyme, salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning (if using). Toss again to distribute herbs evenly.
  5. Beat eggs in a small bowl and pour over the stuffing. Add chicken broth a little at a time while stirring gently. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
  6. Fold in optional extras: diced apple, cooked sausage, or nuts. Mix gently.
  7. Loosely spoon the stuffing into the main cavity and neck cavity of your turkey. Do not pack tightly. Any extra stuffing can go in a greased baking dish (cover with foil and bake alongside the turkey).
  8. Place your stuffed turkey in a roasting pan and cook as usual, following the bird’s recommended time and temperature. Check stuffing temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F in the center.
  9. Once the turkey is done, carefully scoop out the stuffing into a serving bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture and toast it for extra flavor. Don’t overstuff the bird; stuffing expands as it cooks. Add broth gradually to avoid sogginess. Always cook stuffing to 165°F for safety. Optional add-ins like apples, sausage, or nuts can be included for extra flavor and texture. For gluten-free, use toasted gluten-free bread. For vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, turkey, holiday, bread, herbs, inside-the-bird, classic, easy, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-thanksgiving-turkey-stuffing-recipe-for-perfect-inside-the-bird-flavor/