An easy Turkey Stuffing recipe with sage, thyme and rosemary that you will want on your table this year and every year for Thanksgiving!
When it comes to Thanksgiving, it simply would not be complete without the turkey stuffing (or dressing!) on the table. Whether it’s stuffed inside of the turkey or baked in the oven, turkey stuffing is an essential part of what makes Thanksgiving so special.
Last year I shared my recipe for savory Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and lots of fresh herbs with you, so this year I decided to go back to the basics and share this more classic version that is quick and easy to make.
I’ve heard from some of you that making homemade stuffing from scratch is a little intimidating. I used to feel the same way years ago before I had ever tried making homemade turkey stuffing, only to discover that Turkey Stuffing is one of the easiest things you could possibly make! Promise!
This classic turkey stuffing recipe is made with simple ingredients! Here is a brief overview of what makes up this delicious Thanksgiving side dish. For the full list of ingredients and all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
As Thanksgiving approaches home cooks everywhere are gearing up to make turkey with all the trimmings. And for many of us that means whipping up a batch of flavorful, aromatic stuffing to complement the bird.
Stuffing, also known as dressing, is a beloved side dish that brings warmth and tradition to the holiday table. Though recipes vary, the basic components include bread, broth, and seasonings. But when it comes to eggs, should they make the ingredient list or not?
I decided to do some investigating on whether eggs are really necessary for delicious turkey stuffing. Here’s a look at the purpose eggs serve, along with tips for making great stuffing without them.
Why Recipes Often Call for Eggs
Flipping through stuffing recipes, you’ll notice eggs frequently included. Usually two per batch, though amounts may vary.
So why add eggs? There are a few reasons:
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Binding Power: Eggs act as a binder to hold the stuffing together, preventing it from being overly dry and crumbly. The proteins coagulate during cooking to set the stuffing.
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Moisture: In addition to broth, eggs provide moisture and tenderness. They help ensure stuffing doesn’t turn out dense or dry.
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Richness: Eggs lend extra richness, fat, and protein. The yolks provide a velvety texture.
So in traditional recipes, eggs play an important role. But are they absolutely essential? Let’s take a closer look.
Making Great Egg-Free Stuffing
While eggs may be customary, you can certainly prepare tasty stuffing without them. Here are some tips:
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Use Plenty of Broth: Chicken, turkey, or veggie broth keeps the stuffing moist. Go for 1 1/2 – 2 cups per 8-10 servings.
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Toast the Bread Well: Get nice crisp, toasted bread cubes. Bakery bread or homemade work best.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Onions and celery get soft and impart flavor. Cook them in butter for bonus richness.
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Add Extra Fat if Needed: A bit of olive oil, melted butter, or rendered turkey fat supplements the eggs.
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Bind with Potatoes: Mashed spuds or a puree like cooked squash or pumpkin can bind.
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Bake Thoroughly: Cook the stuffing until lightly browned and crisp on top.
With these tricks, you can absolutely craft rich, ultra-flavorful stuffing minus the eggs! It just may take a little finessing to get the texture right.
Stuffing Recipe Examples With & Without Eggs
To give a better idea of how eggs are utilized, let’s compare a few top-rated stuffing recipes.
Classic Bread Stuffing with Eggs
- 13-15 cups bread cubes
- Chicken broth
- Onion and celery
- Poultry seasoning
- 2 eggs
The eggs help create a moist, “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.
Traditional Stovetop Dressing
- Bread cubes from toasted white bread
- Chicken broth
- Onion, celery, sage
- No eggs
This highly-rated egg-free recipe gets rave reviews for its classic flavor.
Optional Egg Stuffing
- Bread cubes
- Chicken broth
- Onion, celery
- Herbs & spices
- 2 eggs (optional)
The eggs are optional in this one. The author says it will still be moist and flavorful without them.
So whether you’re following your grandma’s time-tested recipe or want to try something new, eggs aren’t a must. With the right techniques, you can make phenomenal turkey stuffing this Thanksgiving with or without the eggs.
Handy Tips for Making Ahead & Storing
With all you have going on for Thanksgiving dinner, getting a head start on the cooking is key. Here are some tips for preparing stuffing in advance:
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Make the bread cubes 1-2 weeks before. Leave them out overnight to dry out.
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Chop aromatics like onion and celery the day before. Store in the fridge.
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Mix everything but don’t bake. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.
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Bake straight from fridge on Thanksgiving Day. Add a bit more broth since cold stuffing will absorb more liquid.
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Let baked stuffing cool completely before storing leftovers in the fridge. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
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Freeze leftovers in serving portions for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
With a little planning, you can get a head start on this Thanksgiving essential. Follow these tips for stress-free stuffing!
Satisfy Cravings with a Classic
When it comes to turkey time, a comforting bowl of old-fashioned bread stuffing never disappoints. Though eggs are often included for moisture and richness, they can be omitted. With flavorful bread, plenty of broth, and the right technique, you can absolutely craft egg-free stuffing full of holiday spirit.
Best Bread For Stuffing
Using slightly old and dry bread will hold up better when combined with the other ingredients and baked, and prevents the stuffing from getting soggy and mushy. You can make homemade fresh bread from scratch to use for the stuffing, or you can buy a 1 pound loaf of bread from the grocery store. The key to good stuffing is to use at least day-old bread! In addition to using bread that is slightly old and stale, we bake it to dry it out even more.
At least one day in advance, cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Arrange on a baking sheet and allow to sit, uncovered on the counter, to dry out. Stale, dried out bread works the best! When you are ready to put your stuffing together, place the baking sheet of dried bread crumbs in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread starts to brown.
When you are making a meal for a holiday, it is so helpful to do as much prep ahead of time as you can. Here are some simple ways to save time on this stuffing by making it ahead of time!
- Dry your bread out up to two weeks in advance. This step doesn’t take much hands-on time, but since you want to use old bread anyways, is beneficial to do ahead of time.
- Prepare your stuffing casserole and pour it into a casserole dish. Rather than baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to bake it, take it out of the fridge, uncover it, and bake according to the recipe directions.
- If you want to prepare it more than two days in advance, prepare the stuffing and put it in a disposable or aluminum baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. If you are freezing this recipe, I do not recommend putting it in a glass or ceramic baking dish due to the risk of it shattering in your oven when you go to bake it. You will need to add extra cooking time if you are baking the stuffing from frozen.
Turkey Stuffing Variations and Additions
This is the best turkey stuffing recipe! Not only is it simple to make, but it can be changed to make it your own. You can add things like sausage, walnuts, and cranberries, make it without celery and onions, change up the herbs, and get creative… the variations are endless! To make a vegetarian stuffing, simply use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth. All you need to know is that this easy, classic turkey stuffing made with bread can be made by anyone and will be enjoyed by everyone!
Yes! Just use gluten-free bread and be sure to double check your other ingredients to make sure they are gluten free.
Yes! See my steps above for making this stuffing recipe ahead of time.
Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled if you are serving a larger group or want to guarantee leftovers. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish.
The Best Stuffing You’ll Ever Make | Epicurious 101
FAQ
Should I add eggs to my stuffing?
Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy. Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you’d like, to achieve your desired consistency.
Does stuffing contain eggs?
However, the most traditional and popular type of stuffing is sage and onion (with or without sausage meat), which is made with breadcrumbs, onion, sage, salt, pepper and Egg.
How do you keep turkey stuffing from getting soggy?
We recommend a two-to-one ratio of bread to all other ingredients to ensure the perfect texture for your stuffing. For an overly moist stuffing, a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven should slowly evaporate a surplus of liquid — just be sure that the stuffing isn’t covered with foil so that the moisture can escape.
How do you get stuffing to stick together?
The bread is the binder that holds the stuffing together, and when the add-ins outnumber the binder, it’s tough for the stuffing to hold together. Follow this tip: Play it safe by using about twice as much bread as other ingredients, like veggies, dried fruit, grains, nuts, and meat.
Do you add eggs to stuffing?
Some stuffing recipes call for eggs because eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold together more. I don’t add eggs to my stuffing recipe, but if you’d like to try it, whisk 2 eggs and add them to the cooled stuffing mixture so you don’t get scrambled eggs in with your stuffing.
Do you put eggs in turkey stuffing?
Stuffing also known as dressing, is a beloved side dish traditionally served at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The main ingredients are bread cubes and seasonings, but recipes vary when it comes to adding eggs. So do you need to put eggs in turkey stuffing?
How do you make turkey stuffing?
· Bread: This old-fashioned turkey dressing recipe starts with lightly toasted white bread. · Butter: Butter adds moisture, richness, and flavor. · Vegetables: You’ll need one chopped onion and two stalks of chopped celery for flavor and texture. · Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy.
Do eggs make stuffing moist?
While eggs do contribute to the texture of stuffing, the overall texture can still be achieved by using other binding agents or ingredients such as broth, butter, or oil. 4. How do I ensure my stuffing stays moist without eggs? To maintain moisture in your stuffing without eggs, consider adding a bit more broth or stock to your recipe.
Should I make turkey stuffing before Thanksgiving?
Many dishes don’t taste as good if made well in advance of Thanksgiving day but stuffing is very forgiving and resilient. See recipe below for complete instructions. Turkey is a simple, uncomplicated meat that lends itself well to plenty of savory stuffing and gravy as side dishes!
Are there egg-free stuffing options?
There are a variety of egg-free stuffing options available for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. One popular option is to simply omit the eggs and add more liquid, such as broth or apple cider, to the stuffing mixture. This creates a moist and flavorful stuffing without the incorporation of eggs.