– 1 loaf of day-old bread (white, whole wheat, or a mix)
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon dried sage
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped nuts or dried fruits (optional)
Creating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is easy with these clear steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bread: Cube the day-old bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until it becomes slightly crisp.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they become soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables.
5. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the dried sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, then fold them into the mixture, ensuring it binds well.
7. Optional Add-Ins: If desired, mix in your choice of nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before serving.
These step-by-step instructions will guide you to create this incredible stuffing with ease.