A Last-Minute Thanksgiving Vegetable Stuffing Recipe

Youtube_2_3e2d8a5f-29d6-453d-9720-2bdb313c428b

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this dish is a holiday essential. At ZLINE, we're all about creating recipes that combine flavor, simplicity, and just a touch of magic. Executive Chef Mark Estee’s vegetable stuffing recipe is no exception—it’s perfect for those who want a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and prepare. Let’s dive into this savory dish that might just steal the Thanksgiving spotlight!

Cook Like a Pro with ZLINE

Take your Thanksgiving cooking experience to the next level with a ZLINE Professional Range, trusted by Chef Estee. Engineered for performance and designed with style, ZLINE ranges offer precise control and ample oven space to handle every side dish, main course, and dessert on your menu. Whether you're roasting a turkey or baking this incredible vegetable stuffing, ZLINE appliances ensure your holiday feast is prepared with ease and perfection.

Ingredients You'll Need

Fresh herbs: Sage, thyme, parsley, and rosemary
Bread: A mix of Italian bread and sourdough, for a balance of soft and crusty textures
Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots
Butter: For sautéing and topping
Turkey stock: Homemade for the richest flavor (store-bought works in a pinch)
Seasonings: Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Chop your vegetables into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the dish.
Dice your bread into bite-sized cubes.

2. Make the Turkey Stock (Optional but Worth It!)

For the ultimate flavor, simmer turkey thighs, root vegetable scraps, and herb stems in water for several hours—or even days. Strain the stock, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a generous amount of butter.
Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until tender, but not browned.
Season with salt and pepper, and toss in your freshly chopped herbs for an aromatic base.

4. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes.
Slowly ladle the turkey stock into the mixture, stirring to evenly coat the bread. Aim for a moist consistency, similar to bread pudding. Add more stock as needed.
Season the bread mixture lightly with salt and pepper to layer the flavors.

5. Assemble

Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased casserole dish or foil pan.
Dot the top with small cubes of butter for extra richness.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. This traps steam, ensuring the stuffing cooks evenly and stays moist.

6.Bake It to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Bake the covered stuffing for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove the foil and plastic wrap, then return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.

The Final Touch

Once baked, let the stuffing rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top before serving for a pop of color and flavor. The result? A custard-like interior with a crunchy, golden top—stuffing that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Tips for Customizing

Add-ins: Incorporate sausage, bacon, or even oysters for a twist.
Bread Options: Use what you have on hand—cornbread, baguette, or brioche all work beautifully.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepped a day or two ahead and reheated before serving.

Why It Works

The combination of fresh herbs, turkey stock, and two types of bread gives this stuffing a depth of flavor and texture that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with any Thanksgiving spread.

Follow Along with Chef Mark Estee

From our ZLINE Kitchen to yours, we hope this last-minute Thanksgiving stuffing recipe helps you create cherished holiday memories. Happy cooking—and Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? Click to watch all of Estee’s Thanksgiving recipes!