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#### Directions:
##### 1. **Prepare the Bread**
Start by cutting the loaf of stale bread into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, don’t worry—you can toast the cubes in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to dry them out slightly. This will give them the perfect texture to soak up all the wonderful flavors in the casserole without becoming too soggy.
##### 2. **Cook the Vegetables**
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes. This step brings out the earthy flavors of the herbs and creates a flavorful base for the stuffing casserole.
##### 3. **Mix the Casserole Base**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cubed bread, cooked turkey, and fresh cranberries (or cranberry sauce). Stir everything together, making sure the bread cubes are well-coated with the mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, beaten egg, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and turkey mixture, stirring gently to combine. The bread cubes should begin to soak up the liquid, but the mixture should still hold its shape.
##### 4. **Assemble the Casserole**
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the mixture down gently to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
For an extra bit of texture, sprinkle some toasted pecans over the top of the casserole. The nuts will add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy, savory stuffing.
##### 5. **Bake**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly. You can even broil it for the last 2 minutes to get a perfectly crispy top.
##### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to slice into squares. Serve this creamy, savory stuffing casserole as the star of your Thanksgiving meal—or any other day you’re craving that comforting, holiday flavor.
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### Why We’re Obsessed with This Casserole
Now that you know how to make this Thanksgiving stuffing casserole, let’s explore why it has become such an obsession in our household. Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:
#### 1. **It’s Comfort in a Dish**
There’s something so incredibly comforting about a stuffing casserole. The warm bread cubes soaked in turkey broth and cream, the tender vegetables, and the savory turkey all combine to create a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s the kind of food that brings back cherished memories of Thanksgiving, and we just can’t get enough of it.
#### 2. **It Uses Leftovers in the Best Way**
Thanksgiving leftovers can sometimes feel like a challenge to get through, but this casserole is the perfect way to repurpose those turkey leftovers. Instead of simply reheating the turkey, we use it as the star of the casserole, creating a new and exciting way to enjoy those leftovers. It’s a fantastic way to avoid food waste while still enjoying the flavors of Thanksgiving.
#### 3. **Versatility**
This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can add or subtract ingredients based on what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can easily swap them out for dried cherries or even leave them out entirely. You can use different cheeses, like gouda or Monterey Jack, to give the casserole a different flavor profile. It’s a dish that’s as adaptable as it is delicious.
#### 4. **It’s Perfect for Any Gathering**
Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a large holiday gathering, this stuffing casserole is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make in large batches, and the flavors are so rich that everyone will be asking for the recipe. It’s the kind of dish that can elevate any meal, making it feel festive and special, even when Thanksgiving has passed.
#### 5. **It Keeps the Thanksgiving Spirit Alive**
There’s something magical about the way this casserole brings the spirit of Thanksgiving to life. The flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberries evoke the warmth and togetherness of the holiday. Even when the season officially ends, we find ourselves making this dish time and time again because it keeps the holiday spirit alive in our home.
### Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving may come and go, but the memories—and the food—don’t have to end with the holiday. This stuffing casserole is the perfect way to continue the celebration long after the last slice of pumpkin pie has been eaten. It’s the dish that has become a staple in our home, bringing comfort, joy, and the spirit of Thanksgiving into our lives on a regular basis.
So, if you’re obsessed with keeping the Thanksgiving flavor train rolling, try this recipe. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and—most importantly—absolutely delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it on Thanksgiving Day or as part of an extended celebration, this stuffing casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household too. After all, Thanksgiving isn’t over until we say it is!
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