Homemade Bell’s Stuffing Mix Recipe

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Bell’s Stuffing Mix story started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of sage, rosemary, and thyme seamlessly blended with the laughter and chatter of our family’s matriarchs. Under the tutelage of seasoned hands and loving hearts, I first learned the intricacies of creating this quintessential holiday dish.

What Is Bell’s Stuffing Mix?

Bell’s Stuffing Mix is a popular pre-made stuffing mix brand commonly used in the United States, especially during the holiday season. It is typically made from a blend of dried bread cubes, herbs, and seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably a mix of white and whole grain for texture and flavor diversity), cubed
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped (for a subtle sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon of Bell’s Seasoning (the star of the show, embodying a perfect blend of sage, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, pepper, and nutmeg)
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (acts as a binder)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until dry but not toasted. Stir occasionally to ensure even drying. Once done, transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, sautéing until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process not only softens the vegetables but also unlocks their sweet, aromatic flavors.
3. Combine with Bread: Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread cubes. Sprinkle the Bell’s Seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper over the mix. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of the seasoning and vegetables.
4. Moisten the Mixture: Drizzle the chicken broth over the bread mixture, starting with 1 cup and adding more as needed. The goal is to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The mixture should be just moist enough to stick together when pressed.
5. Bind the Ingredients: Pour the beaten eggs over the stuffing mix. This will help bind everything together during baking. Gently fold the ingredients until well combined, careful not to mash the bread cubes.
6. Bake the Stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10-20 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.

Tips:

• Bread Quality Matters: Combining bread types can add depth to the stuffing. Ensure the bread is dry to absorb the flavors better.
• Customize: To personalize your stuffing, feel free to incorporate additional ingredients such as roasted chestnuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Moisture Control: The key to perfect stuffing is in the moisture balance. It should be moist but not wet. Adjust the broth amount as needed.
• Safety First: If you choose to stuff your bird with this recipe, ensure both the stuffing and the bird reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses.

What To Serve With

Main Courses:

• Roasted Turkey: The quintessential pairing for stuffing. The savory flavors of the stuffing complement the richness of the turkey.
• Baked Chicken: A simple roasted or baked chicken goes beautifully with stuffing, especially when the bird’s juices season the stuffing.
• Ham: The sweet and smoky glaze of the ham is nicely balanced by the herby and savory profile of the Bell’s stuffing mix.
• Cornish Hens: Individual game birds like Cornish hens make an elegant presentation with a personal serving of Bell’s stuffing mix.
• Pork Roast: A hearty pork loin or pork chops can withstand the bold flavors of stuffing; consider a fruit glaze like apple or cherry for a nice sweet-tart contrast.
• Stuffed Peppers or Squash: For a vegetarian alternative, serve the stuffing inside bell peppers or squash, providing both a vessel and a flavorful side.

Vegetable Sides:

• Green Bean Almondine: This dish adds a crunchy, nutty texture, and the green beans bring brightness to the meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthiness and slight bitterness offer a great counterpoint to the rich stuffing.
• Glazed Carrots: Carrots’ natural sweetness parallels the subtle sweetness sometimes found in stuffing.
• Creamed Spinach: The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a luxurious side that pairs well with Bell’s stuffing mix.

Starchy Sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: A staple in many holiday meals, the creamy potatoes complement the firmer stuffing texture.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Provides a lovely counterbalance to the savoury and herby stuffing.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, sweet sauce that cuts through the richness of the stuffing and the main meat dish.

Breads And Rolls:

• Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Useful for sopping up gravy and perfect for a post-meal mini sandwich with leftovers.
• Cornbread: Offers a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that contrasts nicely with a more traditional stuffing.

Salads:

• Cranberry Walnut Salad: Adds refreshing crispness and tang to the meal.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons create a pleasing texture contrast.
• Roasted Beet Salad: Provides a deep, sweet earthiness and vibrant colour.

Desserts:

• Pumpkin Pie: To end the meal, pumpkin pie’s sweet and spicy flavors wrap up a traditional holiday dining experience.
• Apple Crisp: Warm, comforting, and ideal for autumn and winter gatherings.

Wine Pairings:

• Chardonnay: Its full-bodied richness complements the stuffing and poultry nicely.
• Pinot Noir: A classic choice for turkey that also pairs well with stuffing.
• Riesling: Its sweetness can balance the salty savoriness of the stuffing.

Health Benefits

• Fiber: Depending on the specific recipe or version (e.g., whole wheat versions), Bell’s Stuffing may offer dietary fibre in the bread component. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight by promoting a feeling of fullness.
• Herbs and Spices: The mix contains various herbs, such as sage, thyme, and marjoram, along with spices. These contribute to the stuffing’s aromatic flavor profile and have health benefits. Sage, for example, has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, while thyme is known for its antimicrobial effects.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the bread and additional ingredients used, stuffing can contribute to your intake of essential nutrients, such as iron for healthy blood cells, calcium for bone health, and B vitamins for energy metabolism.

Caloric And Nutritional Consideration

• Calories and Fats: As with many traditional stuffing recipes, the mix, once prepared, can be relatively high in calories and fats, mainly if additional ingredients like butter are used. Portion control is critical to enjoying it as part of a balanced meal.
• Sodium: Pre-packaged mixes often contain added salt, contributing to the overall sodium content. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, so it’s important to moderate consumption and balance it with plenty of vegetables and whole foods.

Final Thoughts

Bell’s Stuffing Mix is a delicious and time-honored addition to any celebratory table. Its comforting taste of tradition has made it a staple in many households, particularly around the holidays. Its unique blend of herbs and spices infuses a simple dish with deep, memorable flavors that resonate with festive cheer.

More Stuffing Recipes:

• Stuffing For Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe