Are you tired of bland, boring stuffing that puts your guests to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner table with this mouthwatering Italian-Style Turkey Stuffing that combines the rich flavors of ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes! This isn't just another side dish - it's a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for your secret recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a golden color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and celery to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir to distribute the herbs evenly and allow the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors.
- Add bread cubes to the skillet and gently fold them into the turkey mixture, ensuring even distribution. The bread will start to absorb the meat and vegetable juices.
- Slowly pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. The broth will help bind the ingredients together.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating a smooth top surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional Italian herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy, while slightly dried bread absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Don't Oversoak: When adding chicken broth, add it gradually and mix gently. You want the bread to be moist, not soggy. The goal is a tender stuffing with some texture.
- Maximize Flavor: Toast your bread cubes lightly before mixing for an extra depth of flavor and slight crispiness.
- Customize Your Herbs: While the recipe calls for Italian seasoning, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to personalize your stuffing.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Perfect Browning: For an extra crispy top, broil the stuffing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestion: This stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken, or can even be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish by substituting the ground turkey with mushrooms or additional vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg
