She Strengthens

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish: A Timeless Stuffing Recipe

When it comes to Thanksgiving, there’s one side dish that’s a staple in many households: stuffing. And, let’s be honest, it’s often the most anticipated part of the meal. This recipe is a classic, tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

The Secret to Success: Quality Bread

The key to a great stuffing is using high-quality bread. Look for a traditionally leavened, flavorful bread that will hold up well to the other ingredients. For this recipe, we recommend using a combination of wheat and white bread.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the stuffing, cool it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Then, reheat it in the oven until it’s hot and golden brown.

A Savory Blend of Flavors

This stuffing is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of sweet Italian sausage, celery, onions, and herbs. The sausage adds a meaty depth, while the celery and onions provide a nice crunch. And, of course, the herbs add a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (1-pound) unsliced wheat bread loaf
• 1 (1-pound) unsliced white bread loaf
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Heat the oven to 350°F. Cut the wheat bread in half widthwise and remove the crust from one half. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and process into small, rough pieces using a food processor. Repeat with the white bread.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it into pea-size pieces using two forks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter to the pan and melt. Then, add the celery, onions, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the onions are softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked sausage, herbs, and 3/4 cup of the broth to the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the breadcrumbs and stir to combine.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

If using the stuffing in a turkey, let it cool to room temperature before proceeding. If baking separately, add just enough broth to moisten the mixture and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until dry to the touch and golden brown on top, about 20 minutes more.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes