The Old Fashioned Stuffing is a classic side dish that is commonly served during holiday meals. This traditional recipe features a savory blend of bread, vegetables, and herbs, all baked together to create a delicious and comforting dish. The stuffing is typically made from day-old bread, which is torn into small pieces and mixed with sautéed onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. The mixture is then seasoned with a blend of poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and parsley, giving it a flavorful and aromatic profile. Once all the ingredients are combined, the stuffing is spread out in a baking dish and baked until golden brown and crispy on top, while still moist and flavorful on the inside. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or stuffed into a turkey, the Old Fashioned Stuffing is a timeless and beloved addition to any holiday table.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Stuffing:
The key ingredients for making Old Fashioned Stuffing include:
- Bread: The traditional choice for Old Fashioned Stuffing is white bread. It is important to use slightly stale bread or dried bread cubes to achieve the best texture. Some recipes also call for cornbread, which adds a different flavor and texture to the stuffing.
- Celery and Onions: These two vegetables are the foundation of the stuffing and provide a savory and aromatic base. They are typically sautéed in butter before being mixed with the bread.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Broth is used to moisten the stuffing mixture and add more flavor. It is important to use a good quality broth to enhance the taste of the stuffing.
- Herbs and Spices: Traditional herbs and spices used in Old Fashioned Stuffing include sage, thyme, parsley, and black pepper. These herbs add a delicious flavor to the stuffing and complement the other ingredients.
- Butter: Butter is used for sautéing the celery and onions and adds a rich and buttery flavor to the stuffing. It is also used to bind the stuffing together.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting stuffing that can be enjoyed as a side dish during Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To make Old Fashioned Stuffing, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of diced bread
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are diced, minced, or chopped according to the recipe. This will help ensure that everything cooks evenly and blends well together.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: If you prefer a softer texture for your stuffing, you can sauté the vegetables for a longer period of time.
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the herbs are fragrant.
Pro Tip: The fresh herbs will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your stuffing. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
Remove the skillet from heat and set aside while you prepare the bread.
Expert Tips for Making Old Fashioned Stuffing
When it comes to making old fashioned stuffing, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves. These tips can help ensure that your stuffing turns out delicious and full of flavor. Here are some expert tips for making old fashioned stuffing:
- Use stale bread: Many chefs recommend using stale bread for making stuffing. Stale bread absorbs the flavors and moisture of the other ingredients better, resulting in a more flavorful and moist stuffing.
- Toast the bread: To add even more depth of flavor to your stuffing, consider toasting the bread before using it. Toasting the bread gives it a slightly crispy texture and a nutty flavor, which can elevate the overall taste of your stuffing.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season your stuffing generously. Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary work well in old fashioned stuffing, adding a savory and aromatic taste. Salt and pepper should also be added to taste to enhance the flavors. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Add some crunch: For texture variation, many professional chefs suggest adding some chopped nuts or diced vegetables to the stuffing. Walnuts, pecans, or even diced celery or carrots can add a pleasant crunch to your stuffing and make it more interesting.
- Bake it just right: To achieve the perfect texture and doneness, be mindful of the baking time and temperature. Overbaking can result in a dry stuffing, while underbaking can leave it soggy. Follow the recipe instructions carefully and keep an eye on the stuffing as it bakes.
By following these expert tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful old fashioned stuffing that will impress your guests and be the star of your holiday table.
Reviews
I recently tried the recipe for Old Fashioned Stuffing, and I must say, it was absolutely delightful. As a guy who loves classic comfort food, this dish really hit the spot. The combination of the tender bread, savory vegetables, and the perfect amount of seasoning created a flavor profile that was hearty and satisfying.
What I loved most about this stuffing recipe was its simplicity. The ingredients were easy to find and the preparation was straightforward. I enjoyed the process of sautéing the onions and celery, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was divine. Mixing the vegetables with the bread, broth, and herbs was like creating a symphony of flavors.
When it came time to taste the finished product, I was not disappointed. The stuffing had a wonderful balance of textures – the bread was soft yet still had a bit of a crunch on the edges. The flavors were rich and well-rounded, with a hint of sweetness from the onions and a nice earthiness from the herbs. It paired perfectly with the roast turkey I had made for Thanksgiving, but I could see myself enjoying this stuffing with other meats as well.
I recently came across a recipe for Old Fashioned Stuffing and decided to give it a try. As a lover of traditional dishes, I was excited to experience the flavors of this classic recipe.
The process of making the stuffing was straightforward and easy to follow. I was able to find all the necessary ingredients at my local grocery store, which made preparing the dish even more convenient. The combination of bread, onions, celery, and sage created a wonderful aroma in my kitchen as the stuffing baked in the oven.
When it came time to taste the Old Fashioned Stuffing, I was pleasantly surprised. The stuffing was moist and had a rich, savory flavor. Each bite was filled with the comforting tastes of herbs and vegetables. It paired perfectly with the roasted turkey I served it with. I even received compliments from my family members, who were impressed by the traditional and nostalgic taste of the dish.
I highly recommend trying the Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe. It is a delicious and satisfying side dish that will bring a taste of the past to your holiday table. Whether you are a fan of classic recipes or simply want to try something new, this stuffing is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors of this timeless dish!
I recently tried the Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of flavors and textures created the perfect balance. The bread cubes were soft and soaked in all the savory goodness, while the vegetables added a nice crunch. It was the ideal side dish for a holiday meal.
One thing I really appreciated about this recipe was the use of fresh herbs. The aroma of the rosemary and thyme filled the kitchen as I prepared the stuffing. It added such a fragrant and earthy note to the dish. The herbs also enhanced the overall taste and made the stuffing more flavorful.
Another highlight of this recipe was the addition of dried cranberries. They provided a burst of sweetness that perfectly complemented the savory elements of the stuffing. Each bite was a delightful mix of flavors, and the cranberries added a festive touch that made this dish stand out.
The Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe was easy to follow and the end result was truly satisfying. It brought back nostalgic feelings of family gatherings and holiday traditions. I would highly recommend giving this recipe a try, especially if you’re looking to add a classic and delicious side dish to your next special meal.
As a seasoned cook, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try. When I stumbled upon the recipe for Old Fashioned Stuffing, I knew I had found a winner. This classic dish has been a staple in my family for generations, and I was excited to give it a try.
The preparation process was straightforward and easy to follow. I started by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter until they were soft and fragrant. Then, I added in the bread cubes and mixed everything together. The aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely heavenly.
Once the stuffing was assembled, I baked it in the oven until it was golden brown and crispy on top. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and delicious. Each bite was filled with the rich flavors of the herbs and vegetables, and the bread cubes added a satisfying crunch. It was the perfect accompaniment to the roast turkey I served for Thanksgiving dinner.
I can’t wait to make Old Fashioned Stuffing again for future holidays and family gatherings. It’s a recipe that truly stands the test of time and brings back cherished memories of meals shared with loved ones. I would highly recommend giving it a try to anyone looking for a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish.
The Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe was a big hit in my family! It brought back so many memories of my childhood Thanksgiving dinners. The combination of bread, onions, celery, and butter created a delicious aroma that filled the whole house, making everyone eagerly anticipate the meal. The stuffing had the perfect balance of flavors – not too salty or overpowering, but just the right amount of seasoning to complement the turkey and the other side dishes.
I followed the recipe step by step, and it was very easy to make. The instructions were clear and concise, and the ingredients were readily available in my pantry. I loved the fact that this recipe used simple ingredients that I already had on hand, without any fancy or hard-to-find items. It made the process much more convenient and stress-free.
When it came to the taste, the Old Fashioned Stuffing exceeded my expectations. It had a lovely texture – light and fluffy, with a slightly crispy top. The flavors were well-developed, with a hint of sage and thyme that added a comforting warmth to every bite. The stuffing paired wonderfully with the turkey, creating a perfect combination of savory goodness.
In conclusion, the Old Fashioned Stuffing recipe is a definite keeper. It is a classic dish that never fails to impress and satisfy the whole family. I highly recommend giving it a try for your next Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. You won’t be disappointed!
