Joy Of Cooking Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Easy & Delicious Joy Of Cooking Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Turkey stuffing transforms ordinary meals into memorable gatherings where comfort meets culinary creativity.

Bread-based delights like this classic recipe capture the essence of home cooking with remarkable simplicity.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients weave together a tapestry of rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, tender textures blend harmoniously with crisp edges, creating a side dish that becomes the talk of any festive table.

Warm memories emerge from each spoonful, connecting generations through traditional cooking techniques passed down through family kitchens.

Traditional seasonings infuse depth and character into every bite, making this stuffing more than just a side dish.

Seasonal ingredients work their magic, turning simple components into something truly extraordinary: prepare to fall in love with this timeless culinary masterpiece.

Useful Pointers For Turkey Stuffing Recipe

  • Maximize Moisture: Choose day-old bread at least one day before cooking to help stuffing absorb liquids perfectly.
  • Balance Herb Intensity: Mince fresh herbs super fine so each bite delivers consistent, powerful flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Temperature Check: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the stuffing's deepest section to confirm 165°F safety zone for killing potential bacteria.
  • Season Strategically: Add salt and spices incrementally, tasting between small additions to prevent over-seasoning and maintain subtle ingredient harmony.
  • Liquid Logic: Mix eggs and broth carefully, watching consistency to create a tender, never soggy stuffing that holds its delicious structure.

Storage Advice For Turkey Stuffing Recipe

  • Cool Down: Let stuffing reach room temperature within 2 hours after cooking. Bacterial growth happens quickly at warm temperatures, so spread stuffing in a shallow dish to speed cooling.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Pack stuffing in airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-sealing lids. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent moisture loss and oxidation. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.
  • Freeze Like a Pro: Divide stuffing into single-serving portions for easier reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents, storing up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat to 165°F for food safety.

Creative Twists On Turkey Stuffing Recipe

  • Herb Garden Fusion: Elevate the classic stuffing by incorporating fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage directly from your herb garden, creating a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile that brings the outdoors to your table.
  • Sausage Infusion: Enhance the stuffing with crumbled Italian sausage or chorizo, adding a rich, meaty depth that transforms the traditional recipe into a more robust and satisfying side dish.
  • Harvest Vegetable Medley: Introduce diced butternut squash, chopped kale, and roasted chestnuts to the stuffing, bringing a seasonal touch and nutritional boost that celebrates autumn's bounty.
  • Cornbread Country Style: Swap traditional white bread with crumbled cornbread, mixing in jalapeños and crispy bacon bits for a Southern-inspired version that packs a flavorful punch and adds a hint of spice.

Parting Thoughts On Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Culinary magic happens when classic ingredients merge into comfort classic turkey stuffing.

Bread cubes transformed through careful preparation become golden-edged flavor carriers.

Herbs and seasonings whisper traditional family memories across kitchen counters.

Low-sodium stock binds ingredients with silky smoothness and depth.

Butter caramelizes vegetables into aromatic foundations of deliciousness.

Kitchen wisdom flows through generations when passionate cooks craft this beloved side dish – connecting palates, memories, and pure satisfaction.

Salt, pepper, and love create magic that calls readers to share this cherished recipe, comment with family memories, and spread delectable joy through social media networks.

Experience The Homestyle Magic Of Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Experience The Homestyle Magic Of Turkey Stuffing Recipe
  • Craft Crispy Bread Base: Transforming day-old bread into golden, crunchy cubes creates a perfect foundation for a deliciously textured stuffing that brings maximum flavor and satisfying crunch to every bite.
  • Quick and Foolproof Technique: This recipe offers an incredibly simple method that even novice cooks can master, requiring minimal prep and basic kitchen skills while delivering professional-level results in just about an hour.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal: Combining aromatic herbs, buttery sautéed vegetables, and rich stock, this stuffing delivers a warm, classic taste that instantly feels like a comforting home-cooked meal perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
  • Versatile Make-Ahead Option: With steps that can be completed in advance and flexible baking times, this stuffing recipe provides stress-free cooking that adapts easily to busy kitchen schedules and different meal preparations.

Key Ingredients For Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Bread Base:
  • Day-Old Bread: Stale bread perfect for absorbing flavors and creating a classic stuffing texture. Slightly dried bread works best for maximum absorption.
  • Baking Sheet Bread: Toasted bread cubes that develop a crispy exterior and enhance overall stuffing flavor.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Celery, Onion: Foundational vegetables that provide depth and savory base notes to the stuffing. Fresh, crisp vegetables recommended for best results.
Binding And Seasoning Components:
  • Large Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and provides a rich, smooth texture to the stuffing.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped herbs that add brightness and aromatic complexity to the stuffing.
Liquid And Fat Components:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop golden-brown color when cooking.
  • Low-Sodium Turkey Or Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional flavor depth to the stuffing mixture.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.

How To Prepare Turkey Stuffing Recipe

How To Prepare Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Bread Cubes

  • Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes at least 1 day before cooking
  • Spread cubes on a baking sheet
  • Allow bread to dry out at room temperature
  • Stale or day-old bread works best for optimal texture

Step 2: Toast Bread Cubes

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C)
  • Place bread cubes on baking sheet
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown
  • Stir cubes occasionally to ensure even toasting

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

  • Melt unsalted butter in large skillet
  • Ingredients for sautéing: Finely chopped celery, Diced onions
  • Cook vegetables until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes)
  • Season with pinch of salt and pepper

Step 4: Combine Stuffing Ingredients

  • Transfer toasted bread cubes to large mixing bowl

Add sautéed vegetables

Mix in:
  • Chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley)
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 lightly beaten large egg

Step 5: Add Liquid and Blend

  • Pour low-sodium turkey or chicken stock
  • Gently mix until bread absorbs liquid
  • Ensure even moisture distribution

Step 6: Bake Stuffing

  • Spray 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
  • Transfer stuffing mixture to prepared dish
  • Cover with aluminum foil
  • Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes

Step 7: Finish and Serve

  • Remove foil after 30 minutes
  • Bake additional 10-20 minutes until top turns golden brown
  • Let cool for 5 minutes
  • Serve immediately while warm and crispy
Print
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Joy Of Cooking Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Joy Of Cooking Turkey Stuffing Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Classic turkey stuffing from the Joy of Cooking brings nostalgic comfort to holiday tables. Herb-infused bread cubes mingle with savory onions and celery, creating a traditional side dish that warms family gatherings and delights dinner companions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) French bread, cut into cubes
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Vegetables:

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 5 stalks celery, diced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 5 tablespoons (74 milliliters) butter
  • 6 sage leaves, finely chopped
  • 4 thyme sprigs, leaves chopped
  • 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare rustic bread cubes at least 24 hours in advance, spreading them on a large baking sheet to naturally air-dry and develop a crisp texture.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) on the preparation day.
  3. Toast the bread cubes in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they achieve a light golden-brown color and become extra crisp.
  4. In a large skillet, melt 5 tablespoons (74 milliliters) of unsalted butter over medium heat, then sauté diced celery and onions until they become translucent and tender.
  5. Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs, 3/4 teaspoon (4 grams) of kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon (2 grams) of freshly ground black pepper, and one lightly beaten large egg.
  6. Gradually pour 3 cups (710 milliliters) of low-sodium chicken or turkey stock into the bread mixture, gently folding to ensure even moisture distribution.
  7. Grease a 3-quart (2.8 liters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then carefully transfer the stuffing mixture, covering with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake the covered stuffing for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the top develops a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  9. Serve the stuffing immediately while warm and fragrant.

Notes

  • Stale bread absorbs flavors more effectively and creates a crumbly, rich texture.
  • Start with fresh herbs, chopping them ultra-fine to release maximum aromatic oils.
  • Carefully monitor internal temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
  • Blend egg and broth slowly, creating a balanced moisture level that prevents dryness.
  • Season incrementally, tasting as you go to maintain a delicate flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 293 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 299 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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