Old Fashioned Turkey Stuffing Recipe

A bowl filled with homemade bread stuffing containing chunks of bread, vegetables, and herbs sits on a wooden surface.

This old fashioned turkey stuffing recipe brings timeless holiday flavor to the table. Made with hearty bread, Italian sausage, toasted pecans, and dried cherries, it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Prepare it ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 177kcal

Author Diane Gail

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion chopped
4 stalks celery chopped
1/2 teaspoons dried sage
2 1/2 cups turkey broth separated
1/2 cup finely chopped, cooked sweet italian sausage
1/2 cup pecans chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 slices bread cut in 1" cubes

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables: Cook the onion and celery in butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. This slow sauté builds the flavor foundation for the stuffing.
Bloom the sage: Stir in the sage and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the herbal flavor.
Reduce the broth: Add 3/4 cup of the turkey broth and simmer gently until it reduces by half, concentrating it's savory richness.
Combine the mix-ins: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, toasted pecans, dried cherries, and remaining seasonings with the rest of the broth mixture, stirring well so everything is evenly mixed.
Add the bread: Gently fold the bread cubes into the mixture, turning with a light hand to avoid crushing them while ensuring they absorb the flavorful liquid.
Bake to perfection: Transfer to a well-oiled cast iron skillet, cover, and bake in a 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until hot throughout. Uncover near the end and bake another 20 minutes for a lightly browned, rustic top.
TIP: If using a pre-heated skillet or a baking dish reduce bake time by half.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing the day before to save time and let the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Adjust moisture: Add a little extra turkey broth if the stuffing seems dry before baking.
Toast your nuts: Toast the pecans before adding them for a richer, more aromatic flavor.
Mind your bakeware: A cast iron skillet takes longer to heat; cut bake time in half if using a baking dish.
Customize your mix: Adjust the amounts of sausage, cherries, or nuts to suit your family’s preferences.
Double it for a crowd: This recipe scales up easily for holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Nutrition