Best Baked Stove Top Stuffing Recipe

Are you aware that according to a recent survey, over 60% of people consider stuffing to be their favorite part of a holiday meal?

If you're looking for a new way to elevate your stuffing game this year, you'll want to hear about a baked Stove Top stuffing recipe that's been making waves in the culinary world.

This recipe takes the classic Stove Top stuffing mix and transforms it into a delectable dish with a crispy golden top and a medley of flavors and textures that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

But what sets this recipe apart from the rest? Keep reading to discover the secret to creating the best-baked Stove Top stuffing you've ever tasted.

Ingredients

If you're looking to make a delicious baked stove top stuffing, you'll need to gather the following ingredients.

• Start with a box of your favorite Stove Top stuffing mix, or try a brand like Pepperidge Farm.
• You'll also need a baking dish, unsalted butter (or olive oil as a substitute), diced celery, diced onion, and chicken broth (or chicken stock, which can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option).

To begin the recipe, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. Then, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, and cook until they're tender. Next, stir in the chicken broth and the Stove Top stuffing mix, ensuring it's well combined.

Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

Once done, your homemade baked stove top stuffing is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Preparation

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start preparing the stuffing.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and begin sautéing the diced celery and onion with butter in a skillet.

Remember to lightly spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before transferring the stuffing mixture.

These simple steps will set the stage for a delicious and satisfying baked stove top stuffing.

Ingredients Needed

Using your favorite brand of Stove Top stuffing mix, such as Pepperidge Farm, is the first step in preparing this delicious baked stuffing dish.

To create this savory dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 package of Stove Top stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter for sautéing onions and celery
• 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of diced celery and onion
• 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
• Optional: 1/2 pound of crumbled sausage
• Optional: 1 cup of diced apples

These ingredients come together to form a flavorful and satisfying baked stuffing.

The combination of sautéed onions and celery, seasoned with poultry seasoning, along with the Stove Top stuffing mix and chicken broth, creates a comforting and hearty dish.

The addition of crumbled sausage and diced apples adds extra depth and richness to this classic recipe.

Cooking Instructions

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your baked stuffing, begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.

While the oven is heating up, sauté diced celery and onion in unsalted butter until tender, which should take around 4-5 minutes.

Then, combine the sautéed mixture with the stuffing mix and chicken broth, and transfer it to a lightly sprayed baking dish.

Depending on your desired texture, cover the baking dish with foil for a softer, moist stuffing, or leave it uncovered for a crisper top.

Once prepared, bake the stuffing in the preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is thoroughly cooked through.

Baking Instructions

Now that you've prepared the stuffing mixture, it's time to pop it in the oven for a delightful finish.

The baking process will give the stuffing a crispy, golden top layer while maintaining a moist interior texture.

These baking instructions are quick and easy, making it a simple addition to any meal.

Crispy Golden Top

For a crispy golden top, consider leaving the baking dish uncovered during the final stage of baking. This will allow the top layer of the stuffing to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Here's how to achieve that perfect crispy top:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal baking temperature.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to achieve a softer, moist stuffing, or leave it uncovered for a crispy golden top.
• Bake the stuffing for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden brown top.
• Experiment with adding sautéed onions, celery, diced apples, or additional ingredients for a unique touch to the stuffing.

Moist Interior Texture

To achieve a moist interior texture when baking the stuffing, cover the baking dish with foil and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.

Once the stuffing is prepared in a large skillet and brought to room temperature, transfer it to a baking dish and cover it with foil before placing it in the preheated oven. This will help to trap steam and moisture, ensuring a softer texture inside.

Additionally, using a flavorful broth to make the stuffing moist before baking will enhance its overall taste.

After baking, allow the stuffing to cool for a few minutes to further lock in moisture.

Quick and Easy Prep

After ensuring a moist interior texture for your stuffing, the next step is to quickly and easily prepare it for baking. Follow these simple steps to get your stuffing ready to bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it's ready for baking.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed celery and onion with the stuffing mix, poultry seasoning, and chicken broth.
• Place the stuffing mixture into a lightly sprayed baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
• Depending on your preference, cover the baking dish with foil for a softer, moist top or leave it uncovered for a crisper top.

Once you've completed these quick and easy prep steps, your stuffing will be ready to bake, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas and creating a delicious side dish.

Recipe Tips

Consider covering the baking dish with foil to achieve a softer, moister stuffing, or leave it uncovered for a crispier top. When baking the stuffing in the oven, a few recipe tips can enhance the flavors and textures. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your baked stove top stuffing:

These tips will ensure that your baked stove top stuffing is flavorful, moist, and perfectly baked. Whether you prefer a softer, moister texture or a crispier top, these tips will help you achieve the perfect baked stove top stuffing every time.

Variations

For added variety and flavor, you can customize your stove top stuffing by incorporating a range of ingredients and enhancements.

Give your box stuffing a twist on the classic by adding sautéed onions and celery for a savory depth of flavor.

If you prefer a hint of spice, consider mixing in some ground black pepper or cooked sausage for an extra kick.

For a delightful sweetness, diced apples or cranberries can add a delicious twist to your stuffing.

Another option is to personalize your stuffing by incorporating ingredients such as diced vegetables, chopped herbs, or shredded cheese.

To create a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the dish before baking to add a satisfying texture.

Remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add additional ingredients to ensure everything is heated through and the top is golden and crispy.

Additionally, if you plan to refrigerate the prepared stuffing, it may require a few extra minutes of baking to ensure it's thoroughly heated.

These variations will surely elevate your baked stove top stuffing recipe, whether it's paired with a roasted turkey breast or served as a standalone dish.

Storage Guidelines

To properly store your baked stove top stuffing, ensure it has cooled down before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Once the stuffing has cooled, scoop it into a container with a tight-sealing lid. This will help maintain its moisture and freshness.

If you have leftovers and want to freeze them, place the stuffing in a freezer-safe container and store it for 4-6 months. When you're ready to reheat the stuffing, thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven or microwave.

If you're preparing the dish ahead of time, you can make stove top stuffing up to 2 days before serving. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to heat and serve. This will allow the flavors to develop even further.

When you're ready to reheat, simply place the covered dish in the oven and let it sit until it's heated through and ready to be enjoyed.

Make-Ahead Options

After properly storing your baked stove top stuffing in the refrigerator, you can also utilize make-ahead options to ensure it's ready for future meals.

When preparing the stuffing in advance, adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it's heated through. Let the stuffing come to room temperature before baking if it has been refrigerated in advance. Refrigerated stuffing may require a few minutes of additional baking.

The dish can be prepared up to 2 days before serving, just cover the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator until ready to heat and serve. Leftover stuffing can also be frozen and reheated for later use, providing an additional make-ahead option.

These make-ahead options provide flexibility in meal planning and allow you to enjoy the best baked stove top stuffing recipe at your convenience. Whether it's for a busy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, having the stuffing prepared in advance ensures that you can focus on other aspects of the meal when the time comes.

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving the baked stove top stuffing alongside pork chops or pork tenderloin for a delectable and satisfying meal. This versatile dish also pairs excellently with meatloaf, making for a classic comfort food combination. For a traditional feast, you can stuff a chicken with this flavorful stuffing or serve it alongside roast turkey or turkey meatballs. Additionally, you can use it as a topping for a chicken stuffing casserole, adding a delicious twist to a classic recipe. Moreover, this stuffing is perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and pairs wonderfully with boneless prime rib roast.

Feel free to experiment with the Boxed Stuffing to make this stuffing your own. Try adding in some sautéed mushrooms or diced apples for extra flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor it to your preferences to make this stuffing one of the best and your favorite stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Keep Stuffing Moist When Baking?

To keep stuffing moist when baking, adjust temperature for even cooking, use broth for flavor and moisture, and cover with foil then uncover to crisp. Experiment with ingredient variations, cooking time, and seasoning for a fluffy, flavorful result.

Should Stuffing Be Covered When Baking?

When baking stuffing, cover the dish with foil for moist, soft texture. Alternatively, leave it uncovered for a crispy top. Adjust cooking times as needed to prevent burning. Experiment with added ingredients for enhanced flavor.

What Can I Add to Stuffing From a Box?

You can elevate your stuffing with flavorful additions like cooked sausage or diced apples, creating tasty embellishments. Get creative with mix-ins, like chopped mushrooms for savory enhancements and dried cranberries for textural contrasts. Experiment with customized variations to find your perfect pairing.

Should Stuffing Be Soggy Before Baking?

Before baking, stuffing should be moist but not soggy. The right moisture level and pre-baking preparation prevent sogginess. Bake uncovered for a crispy top layer. Avoid adding excess liquid or overmixing. Enjoy the perfect stuffing consistency!