Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the aroma of delicious food fills the air, and the warmth of family gatherings surrounds us. One dish that never fails to steal the show at our table is my butternut squash stuffing. It’s not just a side dish; it’s an explosion of flavors that brings together the sweetness of roasted squash, the crunch of walnuts, and the tartness of cranberries. I remember the first time I made this for my family—everyone was raving about it! It quickly became a staple in our Thanksgiving celebrations. Trust me, this stuffing will not only complement your turkey but also elevate your entire feast. So, let’s dive into making this delightful and festive dish that will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Stuffing Thanksgiving
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this heavenly stuffing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into small cubes for even roasting
- 1 cup bread cubes, preferably day-old for that perfect texture
- 1/2 cup chopped onion, to add a sweet, savory base
- 1/2 cup chopped celery, bringing a nice crunch
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, for a burst of sweetness
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, giving a lovely nutty flavor and crunch
- 1 teaspoon dried sage, for that classic Thanksgiving herb flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, adding an earthy aroma
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance all those wonderful flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for a subtle kick
- 2 cups vegetable broth, to bring everything together
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting the squash to perfection
These ingredients come together to create a stuffing that’s not only delicious but also full of vibrant colors and textures. Make sure to measure everything out so you can enjoy a smooth cooking process!
How to Prepare Butternut Squash Stuffing Thanksgiving
Now, let’s get our hands dirty and bring this stuffing to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dish that your family will fall in love with. Ready? Let’s go!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the stuffing cook evenly and properly. So, don’t skip this step! Just set that temperature and let your oven do its thing while we prep the ingredients.
Roast the Butternut Squash
Next up, grab that beautiful diced butternut squash and toss it in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure every piece is coated; this is what gives it that lovely flavor! Once coated, spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s tender and just starting to caramelize. Seriously, the smell will be heavenly!
Sauté the Vegetables
While your squash is roasting, let’s get those onions and celery cooking! In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped celery. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a wonderful flavor base for your stuffing. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Combine Ingredients
Once the squash is roasted and your veggies are softened, it’s time to combine everything! In that same skillet, add the roasted squash, 1 cup of bread cubes, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and mix everything together gently. Make sure it’s well combined, so every bite of stuffing has that delicious flavor!
Bake the Stuffing
Now, transfer your tasty mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and crisp. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting aroma. Just wait until you take that first bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this scrumptious butternut squash stuffing, here are some practical tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Trust me on this one! Day-old bread is much better for stuffing because it’s a bit drier and holds up better against the moisture from the broth. If you forgot to save some, just lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to achieve that perfect texture.
- Adjust the Herbs: Feel free to get creative with the herbs! If you love rosemary or parsley, toss in a bit of that too. Just remember, fresh herbs are more potent than dried, so you may want to use about three times as much fresh as you would dried.
- For a Vegan Option: Make sure your bread is dairy-free, and you can easily swap out the vegetable broth for a homemade version or any store-bought one that’s vegan. This stuffing is super adaptable!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! You want everything well mixed, but overmixing can turn your stuffing mushy. Just fold it together until combined, and you’ll be golden.
- Let it Rest: If you can, allow the stuffing to sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps everything settle and firm up a bit, making it easier to serve and eat.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a stuffing that not only tastes amazing but also impresses everyone around the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful butternut squash stuffing. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they may vary a bit depending on what you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With its wholesome ingredients, this stuffing not only delivers on flavor but also provides some essential nutrients. It’s a delicious way to add a touch of nutrition to your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up until the baking step, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake it until it’s heated through and golden brown on top. It’s a great way to save time on the big day!
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you or someone at your table has a nut allergy, no worries! You can swap walnuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which will still give you that delightful crunch. If you want to stick with nuts, pecans or sliced almonds are fantastic alternatives too!
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more. If you’re using fresh sage or thyme, just remember to use about three times the amount compared to dried. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried, you’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of fresh. Chop them up finely and mix them in for that burst of freshness!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delightful butternut squash stuffing ready, let’s talk about how to make your Thanksgiving spread even more fabulous! Here are some tasty ideas for dishes and beverages that pair beautifully with your stuffing:
- Roast Turkey: You can’t go wrong with a juicy, herb-infused roast turkey. The savory flavors of the turkey complement the sweetness of the butternut squash stuffing perfectly!
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor, making it a great side to balance the richness of the stuffing. Learn more about making a great green bean casserole here.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart and sweet cranberry sauce is a must-have! It cuts through the flavors and adds a fresh pop to every bite.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a hit. They create a comforting vibe and pair wonderfully with the stuffing.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a vegetarian option, consider serving stuffed acorn squash. It’s visually stunning and adds even more squash goodness to the table!
- Apple Cider: For beverages, a chilled apple cider complements the flavors beautifully. If you prefer something warm, a spiced apple cider is perfect for that cozy touch.
- Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs wonderfully with the meal, enhancing the earthy flavors of the stuffing and turkey.
With these suggestions, your Thanksgiving feast will be a delicious celebration of flavors! Feel free to mix and match to suit your family’s favorites. Enjoy every bite of your festive meal!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this butternut squash stuffing a try! It’s such a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table and is sure to impress your family and friends. I can’t wait for you to experience the warm, comforting flavors that come together in this dish. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Maybe add some spices you love or a different type of nut. I’d love to hear about your personal twists in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to rate it. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others find this delicious stuffing. Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and wonderful food!
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Butternut Squash Stuffing Thanksgiving: 7 Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious butternut squash stuffing perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup bread cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Add the roasted squash, bread cubes, cranberries, walnuts, sage, and thyme to the skillet.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Adjust herbs to taste.
- For a vegan option, ensure the bread is dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butternut squash stuffing thanksgiving
