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Ina Garten Turkey Stuffing – Savory, Herby, and Perfect for the Holidays

Ina Garten Turkey Stuffing recipe

Ina Garten’s turkey stuffing is a savory bread-based casserole dish typically made with dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, sausage, herbs, chicken stock, and eggs. It’s baked separately from the turkey for food safety and to achieve the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds crusty bread (sourdough, French, or country), cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 pound sweet or mild Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 cups yellow onions, chopped

  • 1½ cups celery, chopped

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • to 3 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)

  • Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped apples for sweetness

  • Optional: ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bread cubes

Cut bread into cubes and let them sit out overnight to dry, or toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp. Place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with bread cubes using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onions and celery. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine the stuffing

Add the cooked vegetables to the bread and sausage. Toss well. Add beaten eggs and 2½ cups of chicken stock, stirring gently to moisten. The mixture should be damp but not soggy. Add more stock as needed.

Step 5: Transfer to baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer stuffing mixture into it. Spread evenly and cover with foil.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.