In this particular recipe I will be showing you how to make stuffing for Thanksgiving that is baked in a casserole dish but there are also instructions for baking it in a turkey. The addition of fresh herbs really makes the flavors pop!
You can dry fresh, cubed bread in the oven by laying them out on a cookie sheet and baking them at 275°F for about 20 minutes (depending on the size of the bread cubes). Give them a stir halfway through baking. We don't want them too toasted or brown, just dried out. Let them cool and either use right away in this recipe or store them in zip-top bags. This step can be done up to a week in advance.
For the Stuffing:
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium heat and melt the butter.
Add the celery and onion to the pan and cook until soft and translucent (but not browned), about 5 to 10 minutes.
Place the bread cubes in a big bowl and add the vegetables, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Pour the broth over the bread mixture. You may not need to use the entire 2 ½ cups liquid (we want to moisten it, but not soak it). Give it a bit of a toss.
Place the mixture into a 9" x 13" baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 more minutes or until golden brown on top.
Serve & enjoy!
Notes
Fridge Storage: Store any leftovers in a covered container and place in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
Freezer Storage: Once cooled, transfer to a covered container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat the stuffing in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F. For the oven method, first cover in foil and bake for about 20 minutes (you can add a splash of broth if needed). Take the foil off and continue baking until crispy on top and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Alternative Baking Method - Inside the Turkey or Chicken: This stuffing recipe can be baked with your favorite roast chicken or turkey recipe. Instead of placing the bread mixture into a casserole dish in the oven to bake, you could also stuff a turkey or chicken cavity with the uncooked mixture and have it bake with the poultry--until the poultry is cooked and the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.