Thanksgiving
Nixing store-bought croutons and drying it yourself makes a big difference. Here’s how to do it.
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Published Nov. 3, 2022.
Stuffing is arguably your Thanksgiving table’s MVP.
The key to a really good stuffing? Nix the store-bought croutons and dry out your own bread.
DIY dried bread makes for a sturdier, tastier stuffing. It couldn’t be easier!
Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly. Here’s how to do it.
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- Cut bread into ½-inch cubes.
- Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 250 degrees.
- Spread bread cubes in even layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets.
- Bake until edges have dried but centers are slightly moist (cubes should yield to pressure), 45 to 60 minutes**, stirring several times during baking.
**Times will vary depending on your bread choice. Hearty white bread will take 45-60 minutes. A more dense corn bread takes 50-60 minutes.
You can dry your bread up to two days in advance! Once cooled, store your bread cubes in a zipper-lock bag and keep them on your counter.
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