Get ready to become the holiday hero with John Tortore's legendary Christmas Stuffing that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This isn't just another bland side dish - this is a flavor-packed, perfectly seasoned stuffing that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. With a crispy golden top and a moist, herb-infused interior, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that captures the warmth and magic of the holiday season.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the bread into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or use slightly stale bread for better texture.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add sage and thyme to the skillet, stirring to combine and release the herbs' aromatic oils. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The bread should be damp but not soaked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and lightly pressing down.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and texture to set.
Tips
- • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture - it absorbs flavors more effectively and prevents a soggy stuffing. • Sauté your vegetables in butter until they're soft and translucent to develop deeper, richer flavors. • Don't overdo the chicken broth - add it gradually to ensure your stuffing is moist but not wet. • For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs or a handful of toasted nuts. • Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. • If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil earlier or broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
