Growing up, Stuffing Casserole was always a staple on our Thanksgiving table. I can still remember the comforting aroma wafting through the house as my mom pulled the golden-brown dish out of the oven. The crisp, buttery topping gave way to the soft, flavorful stuffing inside – it was like a warm hug for my tastebuds. Stuffing Casserole was more than just a side dish in our family, it was a tradition that brought us all together.
Even now, as an adult, I still crave that familiar flavor. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to Stuffing Casserole recipe with you. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a holiday staple in your house too.
Table of Contents
Why This Stuffing Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Stuffing Casserole
The secret to an amazing Stuffing Casserole is all in the technique. Many people make the mistake of just baking the stuffing on its own, but that leaves it dry and lackluster. My recipe calls for assembling the entire casserole – the bread, the vegetables, the herbs, the broth – and then baking it all together. This allows the flavors to meld and the textures to develop into something truly special.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread – I like to use a combination of crusty sourdough and soft white bread for the perfect texture.
- Onions – Sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- Celery – Crisp celery pieces provide a lovely crunch.
- Fresh herbs – A mix of sage, thyme, and parsley brightens up the whole dish.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – This keeps the Stuffing Casserole nice and moist.
- Eggs – Binding the ingredients together with eggs creates a casserole that holds its shape beautifully.
Step-by-Step Stuffing Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Stuffing Casserole
This Stuffing Casserole is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. It takes about an hour and a half from start to finish, including baking time. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking dish, and your trusty oven. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by cubing the bread and letting it dry out on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. This helps it soak up all the flavorful broth later on.
2- In a large skillet, sauté the onions and celery in butter until they’re soft and fragrant. This takes around 10 minutes.
3- Transfer the sautéed veggies to a big mixing bowl. Add the dried bread cubes, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.
4- Whisk the eggs and broth together, then pour this liquid mixture over the bread and veggie mixture. Use your hands to gently combine everything, making sure the bread is evenly coated.
5- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and transfer the Stuffing Casserole mixture into it, packing it down lightly.
6- Bake the Stuffing Casserole at 375°F for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Stuffing Casserole is getting the right balance of moisture. You don’t want it to be dry and crumbly, but you also don’t want it to be soggy. Be sure to use just the right amount of broth, and don’t over-mix the ingredients. Also, keep an eye on it in the oven – every oven bakes a little differently, so the timing may vary.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Stuffing Casserole
Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish, but it also works beautifully as part of a cozy weeknight meal. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham for a classic Thanksgiving spread. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a nice glass of red wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Stuffing Casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. You can also bake the whole casserole again at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to crisp up the top.
This recipe also freezes beautifully! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Stuffing Casserole
Creative Stuffing Casserole Variations
There are so many ways to put a personal spin on Stuffing Casserole. Try adding sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries for extra flavor. You could also experiment with different types of bread, like cornbread or challah. For a fun twist, layer the casserole with melty cheese or top it with crispy fried onions.
Making Stuffing Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this Stuffing Casserole gluten-free, simply swap the regular bread for gluten-free bread cubes. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken and omit the eggs. You can also cut down on the butter and use olive oil instead. Just be mindful of the moisture level and adjust the broth accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use stale bread instead of drying it out?
A: Absolutely! Using stale bread is a great way to cut down on prep time. Just be sure to tear or cube it before adding it to the casserole.
Q: How do I know when the Stuffing Casserole is done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown and crispy, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Q: Can I make this Stuffing Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the cold fridge to the oven.
Q: How much Stuffing Casserole should I serve per person?
A: As a side dish, plan for about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup per person. This recipe will serve 8-10 people generously.
Q: My Stuffing Casserole is dry. What can I do?
A: If your Stuffing Casserole comes out a bit dry, try adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth to the mixture before baking. You can also baste it with melted butter or broth halfway through the baking time.
Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 8
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy Stuffing Casserole that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
– 8 cups cubed bread
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced celery, and diced onion.
3. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, beaten eggs, melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. – Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
5. – Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. – Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a heartier dish, you can add cooked sausage or diced chicken to the stuffing.
– Leftover stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – my foolproof recipe for the ultimate Stuffing Casserole! This dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home. The combination of fluffy bread, tender veggies, and aromatic herbs is simply irresistible.
I can’t wait for you to try this Stuffing Casserole. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and delicious holiday season!
