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A white bowl filled with classic bread cubes, celery, and onions for stuffing recipes.

How to Make Stuffing Recipes Like a Pro (2025)

This guide provides the steps and tips needed to create a flavorful and moist stuffing for your holiday meal. Mastering stuffing involves balancing textures, using quality ingredients, and following proper preparation methods.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Drying Bread Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Stuffing Base
  • 8 ounces Homemade garlic croutons (stale bread) About 6 cups
  • 4 tablespoons Butter 57g
  • Onions Chopped
  • Celery Chopped
Seasoning and Liquid
  • 1.75 cups Chicken or vegetable broth 415ml
  • Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley) Chopped
  • Poultry seasoning To taste
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. Dry your bread cubes. Leave them out for 1 to 2 days, or toast them at 250°F for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Dry bread results in light, fluffy stuffing.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions and celery until they are soft and fragrant. This creates a rich flavor base.
  3. Place the cooked vegetables into a large bowl. Add the dry bread cubes, chopped fresh herbs, and your chosen seasonings. Mix everything gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  4. Add the chicken or vegetable broth. Start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Do not over-liquidate the mixture.
  5. If stuffing the turkey, fill the cavity just before roasting. If baking outside the bird, place the mixture in a greased dish and spread it out to allow the top to brown.
  6. Bake the stuffing in the turkey or in the dish until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is important for food safety.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

Notes

To achieve the best texture, avoid using fresh bread; stale or day-old bread absorbs liquid better. When adding broth, start small; you can always add more liquid, but you cannot easily remove excess moisture. Stuff the turkey immediately before roasting to maintain food safety standards.

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