my mom’s perfect thanksgiving stuffing

My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing: A Family Treasure Passed Down Through Generations

When the scent of buttery bread, herbs, and onions fills the kitchen, you know Thanksgiving is near. Every family has that one dish that ties the whole feast together — for us, it’s my mom’s perfect Thanksgiving stuffing. Golden, moist, and packed with rich savory flavor, this recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s the heart of the holiday table. Passed down from my mother, perfected over the years, and loved by everyone who tries it — this stuffing truly earns its name.

Let’s dive into how to make it step by step, the way my mom always did — simple, traditional, and absolutely delicious.

🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the base:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For flavor and moisture:

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or turkey broth for a richer flavor)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh sage if available)
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon rosemary

Optional add-ins (depending on family tradition):

• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

🥖 Step 1: Prepare the Bread

The key to great stuffing is perfectly dried bread cubes.

1. Slice and cube the loaf into small, even pieces.
2. Spread them out on a large baking sheet.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is completely dry but not browned.
4. Let the cubes cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

(Tip: You can also leave the bread out overnight, uncovered, to naturally dry.)

🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, melt ¾ cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
4. Your kitchen should now smell just like Thanksgiving!

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