Easy Herb and Mushroom Thanksgiving Stuffing with Dried Cranberries
Prepare our easy herb and mushroom stuffing with dried cranberries for a tasty twist on a Thanksgiving classic. Ideal for any holiday gathering!
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl (For combining all stuffing ingredients.)
- Skillet (For sautéing mushrooms and herbs.)
- Baking Dish (For baking the stuffing in the oven.)
- Measuring cups/spoons (For measuring ingredients like broth, bread, and cranberries.)
- Wooden spoon (For mixing the stuffing ingredients together.)
- Oven (For baking the stuffing until golden and crispy.)
Ingredients
- 10 cup bread cubes dry, store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 1 cup onion white, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup mushrooms diced - white button or cremini
- ½ cup cranberries dried
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 eggs large, beaten
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350°FBefore diving into the deliciousness of your Thanksgiving stuffing, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This oven temperature is key for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on your stuffing. You wouldn't want to end up with a soggy mess, right? So, let's get that heat cranking!While your oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your baking dish. Greasing it beforehand will make certain your stuffing slides right out when it's time to serve. Trust me, no one wants a sticky situation at the dinner table.Here's a baking tip: an evenly preheated oven guarantees that your stuffing cooks through uniformly. You don't want some parts overdone while others are still cold. By the time you finish mixing all those beautiful ingredients, your oven will be ready to work its magic.Now, let's set the stage for that savory aroma to fill your kitchen. Picture your family gathering around, excitedly anticipating that first bite. The warmth of the oven isn't just about cooking—it's about creating memories together. So, go ahead and get that oven ready!
- Sauté Vegetables Until TenderSautéing the vegetables is an essential step that brings out their natural flavors and aromas. When you heat up that butter in your skillet, the sizzle alone will have you dreaming of Thanksgiving!Using proper sauté techniques, like keeping the heat at medium and stirring occasionally, guarantees your diced onions, celery, and mushrooms cook evenly until they're tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Isn't that just mouthwatering?Don't forget, this step isn't just about flavor; it's also about vegetable nutrition. Sautéing helps retain vitamins while enhancing their taste, making your stuffing both delicious and nutritious.As the vegetables soften, they release their moisture, infusing the butter with rich flavors that will seep into the stuffing.Can you imagine the aroma filling your kitchen? It's enough to make anyone feel warm and cozy. So take your time here, enjoy the process, and think about how much love you're pouring into this dish.Trust me, those tender veggies will be the heart of your stuffing, bringing everything together for a holiday feast that your family will cherish.Now, let's move on to the next delicious step!
- Combine With Bread CubesNow that your vegetables are perfectly sautéed and fragrant, it's time to combine them with the dry bread cubes. Grab a large mixing bowl and dump in those sautéed goodies along with your dry bread cubes.Whether you've chosen classic white bread cube types or something a bit more adventurous like whole grain or sourdough, this is where they come together to create stuffing magic.As you mix, consider how the flavors will mingle. You can really play around with stuffing variations here! Want to toss in some chopped walnuts for crunch or perhaps some fresh herbs for a pop of freshness? Go for it! Remember, this is your chance to personalize your dish.Next, drizzle the chicken broth over the mixture—don't be shy! You want those bread cubes to soak up that delicious moisture.Then, add your beaten eggs, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a spoon to gently fold everything together until you see a beautiful medley of flavors waiting to be baked.It's almost time to get this stuffing into the oven, and trust me, your guests will be so grateful!
- Add Broth and Eggs MixtureWith your sautéed vegetables and bread cubes combined, it's time to add the broth and eggs mixture. This step is where your stuffing truly comes to life! Pour in that delicious chicken broth, which not only adds moisture but also brings a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. Did you know broth benefits your dish by enhancing the overall taste? It's like a warm hug for your stuffing.Next, crack those eggs into the bowl. Eggs serve a crucial role here, binding everything together and giving your stuffing a lovely texture. You want it to hold together nicely when it's baked, right? So, whisk them up and pour them in.As you combine these ingredients, take a moment to appreciate how they come together, each one playing its part. Stir gently, making sure every bread cube and piece of vegetable is coated.You're creating something special, something your loved ones will savor. Don't you just love the anticipation of that first bite? Keep it simple, and remember: this stuffing will be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy this moment; you're crafting a delicious memory!
- Mix Ingredients ThoroughlyTo guarantee every ingredient is well-distributed, take a moment to mix everything thoroughly. You don't want to bite into a spoonful of stuffing and find all the cranberries clumped together, right?Use gentle mixing techniques, like folding or tossing, to keep those lovely ingredient textures intact. Start by combining the sautéed vegetables with the dried bread cubes and cranberries. As you mix, envision how each flavor will meld together beautifully.Picture this: the buttery mushrooms, the sweet pops of cranberries, and the savory notes from the herbs—all coming together in perfect harmony. It's not just about mixing; it's about creating a cozy blend that'll warm your heart and home.As you pour in the chicken broth and add the beaten eggs, let your hands do the work.Don't rush! Take a moment to feel the different textures—the softness of the bread, the slight crunch of the veggies. This isn't just stuffing; it's a labor of love.Once everything's combined, you're one step closer to a Thanksgiving dish that'll have everyone coming back for seconds. Can you taste it already?
- Add Seasoning to TasteAs you mix your stuffing ingredients, don't forget the essential step of adding seasoning to taste. This is where the magic happens! You've got your savory sautéed vegetables and sweet dried cranberries, but now it's time to elevate those flavors with just the right touch.Start with the poultry seasoning and dried thyme, but don't stop there. Think about what flavor enhancements your family loves. A pinch of garlic powder? A dash of cayenne for some heat?Feel free to explore seasoning variations that reflect your personal touch. Taste as you go—this is your creation, after all! If it feels a bit bland, sprinkle in some salt and pepper, adjusting until it sings with flavor.Remember, each ingredient should complement the others, creating that perfect harmony.And how about a bit of chopped fresh parsley or sage? They can add a lovely freshness that brightens everything up.
Nutrition
Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 10gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 559mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 502IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 3mg