Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing

Thanksgiving has many controversial issues surrounding it.  From the accuracy of historical events to what was actually served on the first Thanksgiving table.  However, the most controversial issue to ever become intertwined with this culinary holiday is the Great "Dressing vs. Stuffing" Debate!  In my house, my family always referred to it as stuffing so that is what I call it.  I will be honest with y'all.  If I want stuffing on a weeknight I am probably going to grab my favorite "red box" go-to, but for a special occasion such as Thanksgiving it doesn't get any better than homemade and you will not believe how easy it is.

Let's Get started!



Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing:
*Prep Time: 15 min.  *Cook Time: 30 min. *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of stale French Bread, cubed
• 3 Stalks of Celery, finely diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1-2 c. Chicken Broth
• 4 tbsp. of Unsalted Butter
• 3 tbsp. Oil
• 1/2 tsp. Parsley
• 1/2 tsp. Thyme
• 1/4 tsp. Sage
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

I am aware that "stuffing" comes in all shapes and sizes.  Some have sausage in them, some are spicy, some even have oysters.  I take more of a straight forward approach.  Simple technique, simple ingredients, TONS of flavor.  

So, to begin heat the oven to 325 degrees.

While the oven is heating up, take this time to cube your French bread.  If it is still pretty moist place on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 15 min.

Of course you can use a bag of  bread cubes, but trust me when I say that the fresh(ish) bread is WELL worth the effort!  Another option would be to use cornbread.  Just make your cornbread a day in advance and leave it setting out, uncovered, on the counter overnight.

Next place a skillet over medium/high heat and melt the butter with the oil.
*Here is a tip:  When melting butter to saute vegetables in, wait until the "froth" begins to disappear before adding the vegetables.

While the butter is melting, take this opportunity to prep your vegetables and herbs.

When the froth on the butter has faded, add the vegetables to the butter and oil.
Let them cook until they start to soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Now add the thyme, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper.

Add the sauteed vegetables to the breadcrumbs.

Toss them all together.

Now, one cup at a time, pour the chicken broth over the bread crumbs.
You want the crumbs to be wet, but not mushy.

Mix it all together.
If you feel that it is a little dry, add more broth.

When you are satisfied with the texture place in a greased baking dish.

Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

And there you go!

Look at how beautiful this dish is.  You can see every ingredient in it.  It is rustic and so simple, THIS is what homemade looks like and your family is going to love it!  So instead of reaching for "the little red box" this Thanksgiving give this Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing a try!  You will be so glad you did!

And as always,

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~