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Try make-ahead stuffing this Thanksgiving to save time and oven space. Who doesn't love a low-maintenance side dish?
Can You Make Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can absolutely make stuffing ahead of time. It's a great way to get a jumpstart on Thanksgiving cooking and it frees up much-needed oven space. This stuffing can be made up to three days in advance.
Make-Ahead Stuffing Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this make-ahead stuffing:
· Butter: This make-ahead stuffing starts with a cup of butter.
· Vegetables: Onions and celery are cooked in butter until fragrant and tender.
· Bread crumbs: Use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own at home.
· Seasonings: This stuffing is seasoned with salt, poultry seasoning, ground black pepper, dried thyme, and dried sage.
· Broth: Turkey or chicken broth keeps this make-ahead stuffing nice and moist.
How to Make Stuffing Ahead of Time
You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this make-ahead stuffing:
Cook the vegetables in butter, then add the bread crumbs and seasonings. Stir in the broth to moisten. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
How to Store Make-Ahead Stuffing
When the stuffing has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Use Make-Ahead Stuffing
If you're stuffing your turkey, simply place this stuffing in the cavity of your bird and cook according to your recipe.
If you're using this stuffing as a side dish, bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes.
More Make-Ahead Inspiration
Hungry for more mouthwatering make-ahead inspiration? We've got you covered. Get ahead on your holiday cooking with these recipe collections:
· 15 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Desserts to Save Your Sanity
· 9 Classic Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Casseroles
· 10 Easy Make-Ahead Appetizers To Save You Time This Thanksgiving
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"I used sourdough bread crumbs," says Emily Kahler Rehberg. "The only thing I added different from the recipe was about a cup of chopped fresh mushrooms. I have had a TON of compliments."
"It was great as a make-ahead dressing," according to LOISTOO. "Since my holiday meals are a pretty big production, I made this dressing 3 days in advance, which was wonderful."
"This recipe was a cinch to put together at the last minute," raves PumpkinPie. "I used challah (egg bread), but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. This was a simple recipe but with all of the traditional flavor I was looking for."
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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1 cup butter
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2 cups chopped onion
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2 cups chopped celery
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16 cups dry bread crumbs
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1 tablespoon salt
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2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon dried sage
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2 cups chicken broth, or as needed
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
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Melt butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
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Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in bread crumbs, salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, thyme, and sage until well mixed.
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Stir in enough chicken broth to moisten.
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Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Spoon into large resealable bags and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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To Bake:
Place stuffing in the cavity of your turkey and cook according to the recipe you're following, baking any extra in a casserole dish alongside.
To bake all stuffing outside of the turkey, bake in greased casserole dishes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
540 | Calories |
17g | Fat |
80g | Carbs |
15g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 16 | |
Calories 540 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 17g | 22% |
Saturated Fat 9g | 43% |
Cholesterol 31mg | 10% |
Sodium 1321mg | 57% |
Total Carbohydrate 80g | 29% |
Dietary Fiber 6g | 20% |
Total Sugars 8g | |
Protein 15g | 30% |
Vitamin C 2mg | 2% |
Calcium 215mg | 17% |
Iron 5mg | 30% |
Potassium 286mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.