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
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) on the preparation day.
- Toast the bread cubes in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they achieve a light golden-brown color and become extra crisp.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually pour 3 cups (710 milliliters) of low-sodium chicken or turkey stock into the bread mixture, gently folding to ensure even moisture distribution.
- Grease a 3-quart (2.8 liters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, then carefully transfer the stuffing mixture, covering with aluminum foil.
- 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.
- 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