Fresh Bread Stuffing

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Servings: 10 Difficulty: Advanced
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Hearty, savory stuffing with crispy bacon and herbs
Fresh Bread Stuffing recipe image
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Fresh Bread Stuffing

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 10 Calories: 66.5

Description

This classic fresh bread stuffing is a comforting side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Made with day-old bread, savory cooked bacon, and aromatic vegetables like onions and celery, it offers a rich texture and deep flavor. The addition of eggs and butter ensures the mixture holds together beautifully while staying moist inside. Seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil, this stuffing provides a robust taste profile that complements roasted meats. It is easy to prepare using pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for any meal. Serve it inside the turkey or baked in a casserole dish for a golden, crispy top.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
  2. Break the fresh bread into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Dice the bacon and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it is browned but not yet crisp.
  4. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the grease behind.
  5. Dice the onion and celery, then add them to the skillet with the bacon grease.
  6. Sauté the onion and celery until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked bacon and sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread chunks.
  8. Pour the remaining bacon grease over the bread mixture.
  9. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the butter, poultry seasoning, basil, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and black pepper.
  10. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and mix gently until evenly combined.
  11. Add warm water a little at a time, mixing until the stuffing holds together when squeezed but remains moist.
  12. If stuffing the turkey, rinse the bird, salt the inside, and loosely pack the stuffing into the cavity.
  13. If baking separately, transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish.
  14. Coat the outside of the turkey or the top of the baking dish with additional butter, salt, and pepper.
  15. Roast the turkey according to weight guidelines, or bake the stuffing in the dish for 30-45 minutes until the center reaches 165ðF (74ðC) and the top is golden brown.
  16. If using leftover stuffing, shape it into balls and place them around the turkey for the last 1-1.5 hours of roasting to crisp up.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 66.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.8g2%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 122.8mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 12.2g5%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 2.2g5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, use day-old bread that is slightly stale to absorb the moisture without becoming mushy.

Ensure the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165ðF (74ðC) for food safety, especially when cooked inside poultry.

You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version, using olive oil instead of bacon grease.

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Feel free to add dried cranberries, chopped apples, or nuts for additional texture and flavor.

Keywords: stuffing, bread, bacon, onion, celery, herbs, thanksgiving, holiday, side dish, homemade, savory, roast turkey, comfort food, crispy, moist, traditional, oven baked, garlic, oregano, basil
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