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A close-up of a baking dish filled with golden brown homemade stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Make Stuffing Recipes Like a Pro (2025)

Learn to make perfect turkey stuffing with this guide. It covers ingredient selection, preparation steps, and common mistakes to avoid for a delicious holiday side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Bread Drying Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing Base
  • 8 ounces Homemade garlic croutons or sturdy bread cubes
  • 4 tablespoons Butter 57g
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 1 Celery stalk chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth 415ml
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh sage chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 cup Ground sausage cooked
  • 1 Egg beaten, if using for binding

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prepare your bread cubes by leaving them out for 1-2 days to dry, or toast them in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry. This ensures a light and fluffy stuffing.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
  3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large bowl. Add the dry bread cubes, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
  4. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, starting with about 1/2 cup, and mix until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed, a little at a time.
  5. If using, stir in cooked ground sausage or the beaten egg.
  6. For baked stuffing, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. For stuffed turkey, fill the turkey cavity loosely just before roasting.
  7. Bake the stuffing in a dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. If stuffing the turkey, ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

Avoid using fresh bread, as it can lead to a soggy stuffing. Ensure your stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety, whether baked in a dish or inside the turkey. Stuff the turkey just before roasting to prevent bacterial growth.

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