Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a stuffing recipe that’s bound to steal the show! Alton Brown’s Thanksgiving Stuffing a la Alton is a delightful blend of savory flavors and comforting textures that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). With its perfectly toasted bread, aromatic herbs, and a buttery vegetable medley, this stuffing is not just a side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that complements any holiday spread. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to stuffing perfection. Dive in and discover how to create a dish that will make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!
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, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a large baking sheet and allow to dry out for about 1 hour at room temperature, or toast lightly in the oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisp.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add dried sage to the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute the herb evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the herb's aromatics.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Pour chicken broth gradually over the bread, gently tossing to ensure even moisture distribution.
- Season the stuffing mixture with salt and pepper, mixing carefully to maintain bread cube integrity.
- 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 foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use a sturdy loaf of bread, such as sourdough or French bread, for the best texture. Stale bread works great, as it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs! While sage is traditional, adding thyme or rosemary can introduce new dimensions of flavor.
- Moisture Control: Be cautious with the chicken broth; add it gradually to avoid making the stuffing too soggy. The bread should be moist but not swimming in liquid.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy top, consider mixing some additional butter or olive oil with breadcrumbs and sprinkling it over the stuffing before the final bake.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
- Resting Time: Allowing the stuffing to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
