Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2024)

This recipe is: dairy freeegg freenut freevegan

This easy homemade stuffing recipe is made from scratch with croutons and loaded with flavor. It’s baked in the oven and can be made in advance, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Plus, this cranberry stuffing is naturally vegan and dairy free. Makes 12 servings.

Jump to Recipe

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (1)

Homemade stuffing is the best Thanksgiving stuffing

When we first moved to France, I was determined to make Thanksgiving dinner. It was just Marc and myself, but I was going to have everything I wanted.

Of course, I didn’t realize just how few of those Thanksgiving staples you could find in a French grocery store. I quickly realized that there would be no cranberry sauce, no pumpkin pie, and no stuffing unless I made it myself.

But ever since I made that first batch of stuffing from scratch, I won’t make any other kind. We’ve had it for years now.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2)

31 dairy free dinner ideas

Start the new year off right! Sign up to get a full month of easy, dairy free dinner recipes you and your family will love.

Making homemade stuffing isn’t the quickest fix, but it sure is worth the time and effort. You can customize it to suit your taste by changing the herbs or even using different types of bread to make croutons.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (3)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cranberry stuffing recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

For the recipe, we are using unseasoned stuffing mix (breadcrumbs), but you can also use homemade croutons. If you’re making your own, try doing it a day or two ahead of time because that’s the most time-consuming part.

You also want to double check the ingredients of the stuffing mix or breadcrumbs for hidden dairy.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (4)

How to make stuffing for turkey

Sauté the savories. Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add the olive oil, onion, celery, dried herbs and cranberries. Sauté until the onions and celery are soft and translucent.

This should take about 5 – 7 minutes and you should stir as needed to prevent burning. I also like to add a pinch of salt to bring out the juices from the vegetables.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (5)

Moisten the stuffing mix. Put the stuffing mix (or homemade croutons) in a large bowl. Transfer the cooked herb/vegetable/cranberry mixture to the bowl.

Pour about 1 cup of the chicken or turkey broth into the bowl and stir to combine. Continue to add broth until your stuffing is fully moistened and soft.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (6)

Remember you will be baking this, so it will dry out a little while it’s in the oven, so you want it pretty wet.

Bake the stuffing. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake immediately in a 350˚F oven or refrigerate until ready to bake.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (7)

FAQS and tips for making this homemade stuffing recipe

Can I make stuffing the day before Thanksgiving?

Yes. In fact, I would encourage you to do so. It makes things a lot easier. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Does stuffing need egg?

No. There is no reason to add egg to homemade stuffing. If you want it to hold together better, simply add more broth.

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

I honestly don’t think there is a difference other than the names themselves. It seems to be a regional thing, and even though some people say it’s a matter of preparation, I would disagree.

Why is it called stuffing?

Traditionally, Thanksgiving stuffing was prepared to fill the empty cavity of the turkey. It has since become a staple Thanksgiving side dish, and is often prepare in a large baking dish.

Can you make stuffing ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes. You don’t even need to thaw it before baking. Just cook the stuffing from frozen by adding an additional 20 minutes to the cooking time.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (8)

More dairy free Thanksgiving basics

  • Dairy free green bean casserole
  • Dairy free pumpkin pie
  • Vegan scalloped potatoes
  • Healthy sweet potato casserole
  • How to cook a turkey breast

More homemade stuffing recipes

  • Pineapple stuffing
  • Pancetta chestnut stuffing
  • Herb Panko breadcrumb stuffing
  • Baked stuffed pork chops

Print

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (9)

Homemade Stuffing Recipe

★5 Stars☆★4 Stars☆★3 Stars☆★2 Stars☆★1 Star☆No reviews
Print Recipe

This easy, homemade stuffing recipe is made from scratch with croutons and loaded with flavor thanks to all the savories and cranberries. It’s baked in the oven and can be made in advance, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Plus, this almost traditional stuffing is naturally vegan and dairy free. #stuffing #Thanksgiving

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion (sweet or yellow), chopped
  • 6 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried tarragon or sage
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 12-ounce package unseasoned stuffing mix (or about 8 cups ofhomemade croutons)
  • 23 cups reduced-sodium chicken, turkey or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, spices and cranberries. Sauté until onions stirring occasionally until are completely translucent and tender – about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. Place croutons and cooked mixture into a large bowl. Slowly stir in chicken broth – one cup at a time – until croutons have reached desired softness.
  3. Transfer stuffing to a large baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350˚F oven, removing foil for the final 10 minutes.
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 7.9 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 8.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
  • Fiber: 1.9 g
  • Protein: 3.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.3 mg

Keywords: dairy, vegan, easy, Thanksgiving, fall

Published: October 2, 2019. Updated: October 17, 2023.

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I will never recommend a product I don’t use or trust.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (10)

Melissa Belanger

Similar Posts

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Garlic Vegan Naan Bread

Dairy Free Coconut Cupcakes

Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Wings

Chipped Beef Dip Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What kind of bread is best for stuffing? ›

The best bread for stuffing is a sturdy loaf with a tight crumb. Bakery French bread, Italian bread, Challah, and Sourdough are all good choices. When you cut up a 1-pound loaf into cubes, it should fit in an even layer on a single half-size rimmed baking sheet.

Should I put eggs in stuffing? ›

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. Seasonings: This turkey dressing recipe is seasoned with salt, pepper, rubbed sage, and garlic powder.

How to make stuffing Gordon Ramsay? ›

Make the stuffing, melt butter in a large frying pan and gently sauté onion and garlic for five minutes until soft. Stir in the herbs for one minute then add breadcrumbs to absorb butter. Mix in zest, pine nuts and seasoning and cook over medium heat for about seven minutes until crumbs start to brown and crisp.

Is stuffing better moist or dry? ›

You want your stuffing moist but not soggy and certainly not dry. The bread in the stuffing absorbs moisture, but if it's dry (as it should be, see above), it takes some time for the liquid to settle in. I suggest adding a little at a time, say 1 cup of broth for every 4 cups of dry mix.

What makes stuffing unhealthy? ›

Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated. Traditionally, a stuffing would use the giblets of the bird with the addition of sausage meat, a source of starch, such as bread, with some aromatics such as onion, herbs and spices.

Does bread have to be dried for stuffing? ›

This is the base; it's what gives the stuffing structure, and it plays a big role in determining the texture. While you can use almost any bread — cornbread, bagels, or even frozen waffles — to make stuffing, it needs to be dried or “staled” first.

How long to dry out bread for stuffing? ›

Spread bread cubes in even layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Bake until edges have dried but centers are slightly moist (cubes should yield to pressure), 45 to 60 minutes**, stirring several times during baking.

Is it okay to make stuffing a day ahead of time? ›

The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes.

Do you cook stuffing before you stuff? ›

Cook stuffing and immediately place it in your turkey's neck and body cavity.

Should stuffing be soft or crispy? ›

Speaking of texture, that's what stuffing is all about--you want a mix of crispy and soft pieces. We recommend adding stock a little at a time--1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on how much stuffing you're making--and waiting for the bread to absorb the liquid before adding more.

Is it safe to cook stuffing in a chicken? ›

A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. If the stuffing is inside whole poultry, take the poultry out of the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before removing the stuffing. Refrigerate cooked poultry and stuffing within 2 hours.

What's the difference between stuffing and filling? ›

Although most people in America debate on whether the dish should be called stuffing or dressing the people of Pennsylvania call it filling. Essentially filling is the same as stuffing or dressing. The name suggests that it will fill something like stuffing does.

What is Thanksgiving stuffing made of? ›

The BEST traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is easy to make dried bread cubes, sausage, diced vegetables, and chicken broth. It's a great side dish to make ahead of time and it definitely tastes best homemade! Pair this easy homemade stuffing with our popular turkey recipe, homemade rolls, and Thanksgiving pie.

What is bread stuffing made of? ›

Classic stuffing made with bread cubes, seasonings, and held together with chicken stock and eggs. A holiday staple!

What's the difference between stuffing and homemade dressing? ›

"Stuffing is cooked in the cavity of the turkey, so the juices soak into the ingredients, making it more flavorful. Dressing gets cooked on its own and needs extra liquid to make it flavorful." So stuffing is cooked inside the bird. Dressing is cooked outside the bird, usually in a casserole dish.

What is stove top stuffing made of? ›

Stove Top was a revelation in the 70s.

When Stove Top was introduced in 1972 it was the first stuffing mix containing all the ingredients needed to typical dressing in one box. The mixture of vegetables, seasonings, herbs, spices, and baked stuffing crumbs came together in 15 minutes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6525

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.