Introduction to Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
The smell of a holiday meal is special. Homemade stuffing is comforting. It is a taste of tradition. But cooking a big meal, like for Thanksgiving, takes a lot of time. What if you could make great homemade stuffing quickly? This recipe shows you how to make a Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing. It tastes like you spent a long time making it. You will save time without losing any flavor!
Why Make This Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
This recipe saves a lot of time. You get real homemade taste fast. It is full of savory herbs, tasty vegetables, and has a golden, buttery top. We use common items from your kitchen to make something great. Everyone will love this recipe. It is good for any meal, from quick dinners to holidays. It frees up your kitchen time. You can use that time for other dishes or enjoy time with your family.
How to Make Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your bread is stale. If it is not, toast it in the oven for a few minutes. Get all your ingredients ready and chopped.
Ingredients of Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
- Bread crumbs: Stale bread, cut into cubes or plain store-bought stuffing mix.
- Butter: Unsalted, for cooking and flavor.
- Onion: Yellow or white, chopped finely.
- Celery: Chopped finely.
- Garlic: Minced.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Low sodium, for moisture and richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, rosemary (or dried ones).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Add-ins: Chopped apple, cooked ground chicken or beef, dried cranberries.
Directions of Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
- Cook Aromatics: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery. Cook until they are soft (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells good.
- Add Bread & Broth: Stir in the stale bread cubes or stuffing mix. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Start with less and add more as needed. The bread should be wet but not soggy.
- Season & Mix: Add fresh or dried herbs, salt, and pepper. If you are using optional items like chopped apple or cooked ground chicken, add them now. Mix gently until everything is mixed well.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Put the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Bake it uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The top should be golden brown and crispy. If you like wetter stuffing, cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
This stuffing goes well with roasted chicken, turkey, or lamb. It is great for any holiday meal. It also makes a tasty side dish for a Sunday roast.
How to Store Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
Store leftover stuffing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Warm it gently in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
Do not add too much broth. A slightly drier mix before baking makes for better texture. You can always add a little more if it is too dry after baking. Use your favorite herbs. Poultry seasoning works well if you do not have individual herbs. If your bread is not stale, toast it quickly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This stops it from becoming mushy. Always taste the mixture before baking. Add more seasoning if needed.
Variations of Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
- Ground Chicken & Apple Stuffing: Add cooked, crumbled ground chicken and chopped Granny Smith apples.
- Cranberry Pecan Stuffing: Mix in dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Mushroom & Leek Stuffing: Cook sliced mushrooms and leeks with your other vegetables for an earthy taste.
- Spicy Kick: A little bit of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
Can I prepare this Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the stuffing mix up to one day before. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Then bake it when you are ready to eat.
What kind of bread is best for Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing?
White sandwich bread, sourdough, or challah bread works well. Cube the bread and let it get stale. Or lightly toast it. This stops the stuffing from becoming mushy.
Can I make this Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter to make it vegetarian or vegan.
Classic Quick 30-Minute Homemade Stuffing
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pan or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- from 8-10 slices Stale bread cubes white bread or sourdough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion chopped finely
- 2 celery stalks chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using fresh bread, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden and dry.
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Remove the pan from heat and gently mix in the stale bread cubes.
- Gradually add 1.5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, mixing gently until the bread is moist but not soggy, adding the remaining broth if necessary.
- Incorporate the sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper, mixing gently until combined, then taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy; for a wetter stuffing, cover with foil for the initial 15 minutes before uncovering for the remaining time.
- Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes before serving.