Traditional Stuffing
Thanksgiving is one of those meals that you want to have all those flavors you know and love. Stuffing is an essential component of the meal. I grew up with Stove Top stuffing, its not bad but as I got older, I knew I wanted to make my own flavor so that my little family would have a standby nostalgic dish. I never had sausage or oysters in my stuffing so I knew I wanted a vegetable base, similar to a Stove Top mix. My mom also added dried fruits so I made sure to include some apples.
I researched different recipes and my first try was a Pioneer Woman recipe but ended up not enjoying the cornbread aspect. So over the years, I found exactly what works and brings the most “traditional” flavor I can imagine. The recipe is simple and can be gluten free and/or vegan, the recipe includes the alternative ingredients. So grab a bag of bread cubes from the grocery store and make this stuffing! It is so good and simple, you can make it anytime of the year!
Serve it alongside all the Thanksgiving recipes on the blog. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Legit Mashed Potatoes, Spinach and Mushroom Sauté, Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples, Citrus Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce, and even Vegetable Stuffing for a low carb version.
Traditional Stuffing
3 Tablespoons oil
5 carrots, diced
5 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
8 oz package cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 small apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect), diced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
10 cups bread cubes for stuffing, gluten free if desired
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground all spice
2 cups broth of choice
2 large eggs, or flax eggs
- Preheat the oven to 375
- In a large pot, add the oil and heat it at medium-high. Add the carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, apples, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until vegetables are softened and slightly browned.
- Transfer to a large bowl to let cool for several minutes. Stir in the bread cubes, smoked paprika, poultry seasoning, all spice, broth, and eggs. Combine until all mixed together, make sure the eggs are mixed throughout.
- Spray a baking dish and smooth the stuffing into the dish into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are a little browned. Can be prepared a day ahead and warmed in the oven with foil on top at 375 for about 20 minutes.
All chopped up and ready to go
Autumn ingredients showing off
The vegetables and apples are ready when they look like this. Now transfer to the biggest bowl you have.
The remaining ingredients are added in and you just need to mix together. Depending on how dry your bread cubes are, you will need more or less of the broth, add slowly to get your desired texture.
Ready for the oven! Just bake and boom, done.
