We’ve always loved the comforting warmth of our Jones Stuffing Recipe a timeless favorite that originated from family gatherings and holiday feasts. This savory dish combines hearty ingredients like bread herbs and aromatics to create a flavorful side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
What makes our version stand out is its versatility and ease you can customize it to suit your tastes while keeping that classic homemade charm. We’re excited to share how this stuffing elevates your meal with minimal effort so let’s dive in and make it together.
Ingredients
As we dive into the heart of our Jones Stuffing Recipe, we focus on the fresh, flavorful ingredients that make this dish a holiday favorite. These carefully selected components ensure a perfect balance of textures and tastes, allowing you to customize while preserving its comforting essence.
We organize the ingredients in the order they are typically used during preparation, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Onions: 2 medium onions, finely diced – these form the aromatic base, sautéed first to build flavor.
- Celery: 3 stalks, chopped – added alongside onions for a crisp, fresh crunch that enhances the stuffing’s texture.
- Bread: 8 cups of day-old bread cubes (preferably from a sturdy loaf like French or Italian bread) – we recommend toasting them lightly for better absorption of flavors.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted – melted and used to sauté vegetables, providing rich, savory depth.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh sage and thyme – these herbs infuse the stuffing with the classic, earthy notes that define our Jones Stuffing.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – incorporated early to release its pungent aroma and complement the herbs.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups, low-sodium – added towards the end to moisten the mixture, with options to adjust for desired consistency.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten – mixed in to bind the ingredients, ensuring the stuffing holds together when baked.
- Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – season to taste, allowing for personalization based on your preferences.
| Servings | Onions (medium) | Celery (stalks) | Bread (cups) | Butter (cups) | Fresh Herbs (cups each) | Garlic (cloves) | Chicken Broth (cups) | Eggs (large) | Salt (tsp) | Pepper (tsp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 0.5 | 0.25 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 |
| 6 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 0.75 | 0.375 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 0.75 |
| 8 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 1 | 0.5 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Equipment Needed
With our fresh ingredients assembled for the Jones Stuffing Recipe, we now turn to the essential tools that make preparation seamless and enjoyable. Gathering the right equipment ensures we achieve that perfect, golden-crusted stuffing with minimal fuss, allowing us to focus on the comforting aromas and flavors that define this holiday favorite.
To prepare our Jones Stuffing Recipe efficiently, we recommend the following key items. We’ve organized them in the order of use to streamline your cooking process:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy, 4-quart bowl for combining bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables. We find this size ideal for tossing ingredients evenly without spills.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a durable cutting board paired with a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife to finely chop onions, celery, and herbs. This setup speeds up prep and ensures precise cuts for better texture.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet for sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic in butter. Opt for one with a heat-resistant handle to prevent burns.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring tools for accurate portions of broth, herbs, and other ingredients. Accuracy here is crucial for balancing flavors in our stuffing.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish, preferably oven-safe up to 400°F, where we bake the stuffing to achieve that irresistible crispy top and tender interior.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant spatula for stirring mixtures on the stovetop and transferring to the baking dish. We prefer wooden spoons to avoid scratching pans.
- Oven and Timer: A conventional oven preheated to 350°F, equipped with a reliable timer to monitor baking time. This ensures our stuffing bakes evenly for 30-40 minutes, depending on desired crispness.
By having these tools ready, we guarantee a smooth process that highlights the homemade charm of our Jones Stuffing Recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing our flavorful Jones Stuffing Recipe step by step to ensure a perfectly textured and aromatic dish.
Prep Work
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to maximize their flavors and textures. Start by taking the day-old bread cubes and spreading them on a clean surface to dry further if needed—this ensures they absorb flavors without becoming soggy. Next, we finely dice the onions and chop the celery into even pieces, aiming for about 1/2-inch sizes to promote even cooking and release their natural sweetness and crunch. Mince the garlic and roughly chop the fresh herbs like sage and thyme to enhance the earthy aroma that defines our stuffing. In a separate bowl, we whisk the eggs until smooth and measure out the low-sodium chicken broth to have everything ready for seamless assembly.
Cooking
We now cook the base components to build layers of flavor in our Jones Stuffing. Heat the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts and begins to foam, then add the diced onions and chopped celery. Sauté these aromatics for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently with a spatula until they turn golden and release a warm, savory scent that fills the kitchen. Once softened, incorporate the minced garlic and chopped herbs, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to bloom their flavors and create a fragrant mixture that forms the heart of our homemade stuffing.
Assembling and Baking
With our cooked elements ready, we assemble and bake the stuffing to achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior. In a large mixing bowl, combine the day-old bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture, then pour in the whisked eggs and low-sodium chicken broth. Toss everything thoroughly until the bread is evenly coated and the mixture holds together, evoking a comforting blend of herbaceous notes and subtle richness. Transfer this to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the stuffing emits an irresistible, toasty aroma. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Jones Stuffing Recipe is its flexibility for busy holidays or family gatherings. We often prepare it in advance to lock in flavors while freeing up time on the big day. Below, we outline the steps to make this comforting dish ahead without compromising its crispy exterior and moist interior.
Preparing the Stuffing in Advance
To maximize freshness and ease, follow these steps:
- Assemble the mixture early: After sautéing the aromatics like onions, celery, and garlic in butter as detailed in our preparation section, combine them with the day-old bread cubes, fresh herbs such as sage and thyme, eggs, and chicken broth in a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly moistened, then transfer the mixture to your baking dish.
- Cool and store properly: Allow the assembled stuffing to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. This step works best if done up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Freezing for longer storage: If you need to prepare our Jones Stuffing Recipe even further ahead, freeze the uncooked mixture. Place it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking to maintain texture.
Baking from Make-Ahead
When you’re ready to serve:
- Preheat and adjust: Remove the stuffing from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). If it appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
- Bake as usual: Follow our original baking instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold. This ensures a golden, crispy top while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
By planning ahead with these methods, we make our Jones Stuffing Recipe a stress-free staple that enhances any meal with its herbaceous aroma and satisfying texture.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring the Jones Stuffing Recipe and how it brings families together during celebrations. It’s a timeless favorite that combines ease with mouthwatering results.
By adapting it to your tastes, you’ll discover endless ways to make it your own staple. Let’s keep the tradition alive and enjoy every flavorful bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jones Stuffing Recipe?
The Jones Stuffing Recipe is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for family gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving. It features a mix of bread, herbs, and aromatics for a flavorful, customizable option that delivers a homemade appeal with ease.
What are the key ingredients for Jones Stuffing?
Key ingredients include day-old bread cubes, diced onions, chopped celery, unsalted butter, fresh herbs like sage and thyme, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, and eggs for binding. These fresh components create a moist, flavorful stuffing that’s simple to prepare.
What equipment is needed for the Jones Stuffing Recipe?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, cutting board, skillet, measuring cups, baking dish, and spatula. These tools are used in sequence to streamline prep and cooking, ensuring a smooth process for this homemade favorite.
How do I prepare the Jones Stuffing Recipe?
Start by drying bread cubes and prepping veggies like onions, celery, and herbs. Sauté aromatics in butter, mix everything with broth and eggs, then bake until crispy outside and moist inside. The whole process takes about 1 hour for a delicious result.
Can I make Jones Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture in advance, cool it, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from chilled or frozen, adding extra time for a golden, crispy top and tender interior.
How many people does the Jones Stuffing Recipe serve?
This recipe typically serves 6-8 people as a side dish, but you can easily adjust quantities based on your needs. It’s versatile for small family meals or larger holiday feasts.
Can I customize the Jones Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely, tailor it by swapping herbs, adding nuts or dried fruits, or using different bread types while keeping the core method intact. This flexibility ensures it suits your preferences without losing its classic flavor.