Stuffing(For 11 To 12 Pound Turkey)
A savory stuffing featuring tender bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and vegetables. This versatile dish complements roasted turkey beautifully, offering warm, comforting flavors with a hint of herbs and seasoning. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, it can be baked separately or used as stuffing inside the bird.
Ingredients
- 30 slices bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup broth, milk or water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet. Add chopped onion, green pepper, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in seasonings, beaten eggs, and broth, milk, or water if not stuffing the bird.
- Combine the vegetable mixture with bread cubes, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful stuffing, consider using day-old bread or a mix of whole grain and white bread. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or nuts for added texture and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste to ensure the stuffing complements the turkey perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with a roasted turkey and is perfect alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For a complete meal, serve with green beans or a fresh salad. Leftover stuffing can also be used as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a base for a savory casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a covered dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffing(For 11 To 12 Pound Turkey) contains roughly 511 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, adding extra time if needed to ensure it heats through.
What can I use if I don't have broth?
If you don't have broth, you can substitute with milk or water. For added flavor, consider using vegetable stock or even apple juice for a hint of sweetness. This will still yield a moist stuffing while keeping the flavors balanced.
Can I freeze the stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffing before baking. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).