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Close-up of a white bowl filled with golden-brown homemade stuffing, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Make Stuffing Recipes Like a Pro (2025)

Learn how to make delicious turkey stuffing with these pro tips. This guide covers ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and common mistakes to avoid for a perfect holiday side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Drying Bread 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 1.75 cups Chicken or vegetable broth 415ml
  • 1/2 cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh sage chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 pound Ground sausage cooked
  • 1 cup Cornbread crumbled

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. If using bread, ensure it is dry. You can leave it out for 1-2 days or toast cubes at 250°F (120°C) for 45-60 minutes until dry.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the dry bread cubes (or croutons), sautéed vegetables, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  4. Gradually add chicken or vegetable broth, starting with 1/2 cup, and mix until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed, up to 1 cup.
  5. If using, stir in cooked ground sausage or crumbled cornbread.
  6. You can bake the stuffing in a greased baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Alternatively, stuff the mixture loosely into the cavity of a turkey before roasting.
  7. Ensure stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Notes

Avoid using fresh bread, as it can make the stuffing soggy. Start with less liquid and add more as needed to achieve the desired moisture level. Season generously to ensure a flavorful stuffing. Do not overfill the turkey cavity if stuffing the bird.

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