How can I moisten stuffing without broth? (2023)

How do you add moisture to stuffing?

The bread in the stuffing absorbs moisture, but if it's dry (as it should be, see above), it takes some time for the liquid to settle in. I suggest adding a little at a time, say 1 cup of broth for every 4 cups of dry mix. Give it a good stir, then let it sit for a minute. The stuffing should be moist, but not wet.

The simple answer is yes, it's usually okay to substitute vegetable stock with water. In most recipes that call for vegetable stock, its main advantage over water is that it provides flavor, which is especially important if you're making vegetarian or vegan food that's missing the richness from meat.

Cooking Instructions

Empty the sachet into a bowl, adding 425ml of boiling water, mixing well. Add a large knob of butter if desired. 3.

Fruit, especially dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, figs and apricots can seriously improve a dreary box of stuffing. That bit of sweetness plays beautifully with other flavors on the table. I've found that fresh fruits like apples and pears are stellar as well.

This is actually optional – you can skip this bit. Pour boiling water to just above the stuffing mix level. The same amount you'd use if you were stuffing meat, or using a traditional oven-baked method. If in doubt, just add it slowly, you'll see the packet plumping up into stuffing.

Stuffing should be moist, not dry, because heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Once the bird is stuffed, it should be placed immediately in an oven set no lower than 325°F. Check out the cooking chart for recommended cooking times for stuffed turkey of various sizes.

To prepare stuffing, bring 1 1/4 cups of water or chicken broth and 3 tablespoons of butter to a boil. Stir in 3 cups of stuffing mix. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Taste and add salt, as needed.

Be sure to add a little broth or butter before reheating to prevent drying out. Transfer stuffing to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a piece of parchment paper. Microwave for two to three minutes, stirring after each minute to make sure the stuffing heats evenly.

If you don't have broth on hand and want a little more flavor than just plain water, try subbing in 1 cup of water plus 1 tablespoon of butter for every cup of chicken broth in your recipe.

If you need a chicken broth substitute, you can use the same amount of white wine or a combination of water with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter. For beef broth, combine water with 1 tablespoon soy sauce.

What can I use if I don't have any broth?

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Keep stuffing tightly covered with foil and bake until mostly heated through, about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until crispy edges form, about 10 to 20 minutes longer.

Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy. Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture.

Using fresh or dried herbs is one of the best ways to add flavor to stuffing. Not only is it super easy, but you don't need a lot to beef up your recipe. Fresh herbs are available at most supermarkets at Thanksgiving, but dried ones work just as well. Try parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary or anything else you fancy.

The basic ingredients.

After you pick your base, you'll need the basics to give stuffing it's flavor and texture. Sauteed onions and celery in butter will give it flavor and a little crunch, and a good chicken or vegetable stock will add more flavor and help keep the dish from drying out.

Dried stuffing is basically large, dried, seasoned pieces of bread. Process some into fine crumbs in your food processor and you've got a savory, herby substitute for seasoned breadcrumbs!

Saucepan: Bring: 1-1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) margarine or butter (Decrease margarine or butter measure to 2 tbsp. If desired) to boil in medium saucepan. Stir: In stuffing mix; cover. Remove: From heat.

Heat the oven to 350°F and transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish (or, you can keep it in the dish that it was originally cooked in). If it seems dry, you'll want to add a splash of broth. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake again until crisp, 15–20 minutes.

Insert a food thermometer into the center of the stuffing to make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165 degrees that could then cause food poisoning.

Do not refrigerate uncooked stuffing. If stuffing is prepared ahead of time, it must be either frozen or cooked immediately. To use cooked stuffing later, cool in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours. Use it within 3 to 4 days.

Can you over mix stuffing?

Never over mix or your stuffing will end up mushy. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and combine with 1 cup of the chicken stock. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and toss to distribute. I find using my hands to be the best way to mix the stuffing without mushing it up.

While you can use almost any bread — cornbread, bagels, or even frozen waffles — to make stuffing, it needs to be dried or “staled” first. Any attempts to make stuffing with soft, fresh baked bread will result in a bread soup with a soggy texture. Follow this tip: Stale, dried-out bread makes the best stuffing.

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush. Curtis Stone says to pour it on a large sheet tray and spread it out. Bake it on high heat to crisp it up, but make sure it doesn't burn.

Option 1: A Chafing Dish

It's an obvious solution, but chafing dishes are perfect for keeping food warm on a buffet. Fancier versions will also look lovely in your food display. Consider a chafing dish for your mashed potatoes, casseroles or stuffing.