For many, stuffing has stolen the show from turkey and pumpkin pie as the unofficial best dish of Thanksgiving. But if I am being honest, the simplicity of this tasty side dish makes me wonder why more people don't think to come up with an easy stuffing recipe for just one person, so it can be enjoyed in a single serving at any time — even when it's not Thanksgiving. After all, stuffing is the best way to not only use up leftovers, but to also enjoy the best flavors of autumn. Plus, making stuffing barely requires "real" cooking skills, so it's super simple to put together.
Like mashed potatoes for one, you might argue that it is easier to make delicious stuffing from a box. But if you have the ingredients on hand, there is just no excuse. It calls for basics like bread, eggs, and butter, which you probably already have — in addition, you will also need vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, but even milk will do just fine. This recipe also calls for onion and celery, but you can feel free use whatever veggies you have in the refrigerator so you can really make this recipe your own. When you think about it, stuffing is basically perfect for reducing food waste.
Seriously, this easy stuffing recipe is excellent to keep in the back of your mind when a sudden craving for Thanksgiving food pops up. And whether you are spending Thanksgiving alone or just love a tasty homemade side when it's not Thanksgiving, you will be glad you learned how to make it.
- 3 pieces day-old or lightly toasted bread
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon spices of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Before starting, pre-heat the oven to 250 degree Fahrenheit.
1. Tear the bread into crouton-sized pieces. Place in a bowl and set aside.
2. Over medium heat, saute the chopped celery and onion in butter.
3. Continue until lightly browned and the onions are clear.
4. Combine the cooked celery and onion, dried cranberries, minced garlic, and spices in the bowl with the bread. Toss together.
5. Add the broth to the bowl.
6. Lightly beat one egg and fold into the mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated with egg.
7. Place in a small oven-safe container, such as Pyrex bowl or mini cake pan. Bake until the bread turns crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Top it off with fresh herbs and dig into the beauty of stuffing for one.
Remember, stuffing is one of those foods that has a ton of room for customization, so don't be afraid to make it yours. Use your favorite ingredients, or whatever is left in the refrigerator! Here are some tasty ideas to get you started:
Pumpkin Puree
Nothing says "fall" like a stuffing made with pumpkin puree. This is an excellent alternative for egg, especially if you eat a vegan diet or simply don't have any eggs on hand. Use 1/4 cup of pumpkin purée for every egg.
Sausage
If you're a meat-eater, toss chopped, cooked sausage into your stuffing. Breakfast sausage, chorizo, and bacon are also delicious choices.
Pecans
Craving a crunch? Add a handful of nuts like pecans. Walnuts and almonds also work well.
Apricots
Apricots might seem summery, but they can brighten up any stuffing recipe. The same goes for peaches or nectarines. Again, add 1/4 cup chopped fruit to this recipe.
Croissants
Sliced bread isn't your only bread option. Try using a stale croissant, or even a bagel.
Different Breads
If you have multiple types of breads on hand, feel free to combine them. This recipe used rye bread, but you can mix and match with breads like sourdough and pumpernickel.
And just like that, you've got yourself a batch of stuffing all to yourself.
