Creating your traditional Thanksgiving stuffing with these simple, straightforward steps ensures that your dish will be a highlight of the meal:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help create a perfectly baked stuffing.
2. Prepare the Bread: If your bread isn’t already stale, cut it into cubes and spread it on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. This helps improve texture.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté until soft, usually around 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Add in your chicken or vegetable stock, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Eggs: Add the chopped parsley and beaten eggs to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. If you’re using apples, cranberries, sausage, or nuts, mix these in as well.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes to allow a nice crust to form on top.
8. Check for Doneness: The stuffing should be hot and golden brown on the top. A toothpick or fork inserted in the center should come out clean.
9. Cool Slightly: Allow the stuffing to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

With these simple steps, your traditional Thanksgiving stuffing will be ready to wow your loved ones.