Christmas Stuffing Recipe: A Delicious, Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

A delicious Christmas Stuffing Recipe is an essential part of any holiday feast. The key to a great stuffing lies in balancing flavors and textures. Start by toasting cubed bread until golden and slightly crispy. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft, then add fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic base. For added richness, consider incorporating sausage or bacon, which will bring depth to the dish. A splash of chicken broth ensures the stuffing remains moist, while an egg helps bind it together. You can make this dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. The result is a savory, flavorful stuffing with a crispy top and a tender interior. Whether served alongside turkey or ham, this Christmas Stuffing Recipe will be a beloved addition to your holiday spread, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

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Christmas Stuffing Recipe: A Delicious, Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

Christmas stuffing is a classic holiday dish that takes center stage on many dinner tables during festive celebrations. Known for its rich flavors and comforting texture, this side dish complements everything from roasted turkey to ham, and is loved by many for its ability to soak up the savory juices of the meat. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or one with modern twists, Christmas stuffing can be adapted to suit any taste and dietary preference.

In this detailed recipe, we will explore a hearty and flavorful Christmas stuffing that combines savory herbs, vegetables, and a perfect balance of seasoning. This dish can be made ahead of time and is sure to please guests of all ages during your Christmas feast. We’ll also dive into the nutritional information, preparation instructions, and key ingredients.

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Nutrition

Servings: 8-10 servings

• Calories per serving: 250-300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 6-8g
• Fat: 12-14g
• Sodium: 450-600mg
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Please note that the nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, including butter, bread type, and any additional ingredients like sausage or nuts.

Ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients needed for this classic Christmas stuffing recipe:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (approximately 10 cups, cubed) – white, sourdough, or a mix of whole wheat and white
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted
• 1 medium onion – finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery – diced
• 3 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 cup chicken broth – or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley – chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage – chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – chopped (or 1/3 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary – chopped (or 1/3 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• 2 large eggs – beaten
• Optional ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup cranberries – dried or fresh
  • 1/2 cup sausage – cooked, crumbled (for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts – such as pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – for a slight holiday twist

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your delicious Christmas stuffing:

1. Prepare the bread: Begin by cutting the loaf of bread into cubes. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they become dry and slightly golden. This will help prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy when mixed with the broth later. Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and set it aside to cool.
2. Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Combine herbs: Add the fresh or dried sage, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Stir them in with the vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes to release the fragrant oils from the herbs.
4. Mix the stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetable-herb mixture, and chopped parsley. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like cranberries, sausage, or nuts, fold them in at this point.
5. Add the broth and eggs: Pour the chicken (or vegetable) broth over the mixture and toss until all the bread is soaked. Add the beaten eggs and mix until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. This stuffing is perfect for pairing with turkey, ham, or even served as a vegetarian main course. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cuisines: American, Holiday, Traditional

Course: Side Dish

Servings: 8-10 servings

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife (for chopping vegetables and herbs)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring spoons and cups

Tips for the Best Christmas Stuffing

1. Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can become too soft and soggy, while day-old bread is perfect for absorbing the broth without turning into mush. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry it out in the oven.
2. Customize your stuffing: Add or remove ingredients based on your preferences. You can add dried fruit like raisins or apples for a sweet touch, or use different herbs like oregano or marjoram.
3. Make it ahead: This stuffing can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve it.
4. Don’t skip the toasting: Toasting the bread before assembling the stuffing is key to getting the right texture. It helps to dry the bread out and gives it a firm, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender stuffing.
5. Check for seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional herbs to your liking.
6. To make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Make sure the broth is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Christmas stuffing recipe is a perfect side dish for your holiday feast, full of rich flavors and textures. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a large holiday celebration, or a cozy dinner, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with turkey, ham, or as a delicious vegetarian dish, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a truly festive meal.

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.