Homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is a delicious and comforting side dish that’s a staple at many Thanksgiving dinners. Here’s a basic recipe for traditional stuffing:

Ingredients:

10-12 cups of stale bread, cut into cubes (you can use white, whole wheat, or a combination)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups diced onions
1 1/2 cups diced celery
1 1/2 cups diced carrots
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 teaspoons dried sage (adjust to taste)
1-2 teaspoons dried thyme (adjust to taste)
1-2 teaspoons dried rosemary (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 eggs, beaten (optional, for binding)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Start by toasting the bread cubes. Spread them out on baking sheets and bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are dry and slightly crispy. You can also leave them out overnight to become stale.

In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the dried sage, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring to release their flavors.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the amount of salt needed will depend on the saltiness of your broth.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.

Gradually pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring as you go, until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. You may not need all the broth, so use your judgment.

If you want to bind the stuffing further, add beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until well combined.

Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Thanksgiving stuffing alongside turkey, gravy, and other Thanksgiving side dishes! Feel free to customize this basic recipe by adding ingredients like chopped apples, cranberries, sausage, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.