Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of comfort and nostalgia with this mouthwatering Granny's Turkey Bread Stuffing! Imagine a side dish so incredible that it steals the spotlight from the main course, with perfectly crispy edges, a tender center, and a symphony of herbs that will make your family fight for seconds. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary heirloom that promises to elevate your holiday feast from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Take the loaf of bread and cut it into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and allow them to air dry for about 1-2 hours, or alternatively, lightly toast them in the oven until they're slightly crisp.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine and allow the herbs to release their aromatic oils for about 1 minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the beaten egg into the chicken broth until well combined.
- Gradually pour the broth mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently to moisten the bread without creating a mushy texture. The bread should be damp but not soaked.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly and loosely to allow for proper heat circulation.
- 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 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a soggy stuffing.
- Don't overwork the bread mixture; gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked and crumbled sausage or chopped chestnuts.
- Always use fresh herbs if possible - they'll dramatically enhance the stuffing's aromatic profile.
- Check the moisture level carefully; the stuffing should be damp but not wet.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, add a bit more broth; for crispier edges, bake uncovered longer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
