Mrs. Cubbison's Stuffing Recipe: A Thanksgiving Classic Reimagined
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without the comforting aroma and delightful taste of stuffing. And for many, that means relying on a beloved brand: Mrs. Cubbison's. While their mixes offer convenience, many cooks want to elevate the classic stuffing recipe to the next level. This article explores the base Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix, providing variations and tips to create a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving side dish.
Understanding the Mrs. Cubbison's Base
Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mixes provide a solid foundation, containing seasoned bread cubes, herbs, and spices. This pre-mixed base saves significant preparation time, allowing you to focus on customizing the flavors to your liking. However, the key to unlocking its full potential lies in understanding what to add and how to adapt the instructions.
Beyond the Box: Enhancing the Flavor Profile
While the original mix is delicious, adding fresh ingredients dramatically enhances the overall taste and texture. Consider these additions:
- Sautéed Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots are classic choices, adding sweetness and depth. Sautéing them before incorporating them into the stuffing adds a delightful caramelization.
- Fresh Herbs: Enhance the herbaceous notes by adding fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A handful of chopped fresh herbs goes a long way.
- Nuts and Seeds: Adding toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruits: Dried cranberries, apples, or apricots provide a sweet and tart contrast to the savory stuffing. Chopped fresh apples sautéed with the vegetables work exceptionally well.
- Meat & Poultry: For a heartier stuffing, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or even leftover turkey or chicken. Crumble the meat before mixing it into the stuffing.
Variations on the Mrs. Cubbison's Theme
Here are a few popular variations on the classic Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing recipe:
1. Savory Sausage Stuffing:
- Ingredients: 1 box Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix, 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casings), 1 onion (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 1 cup chicken broth.
- Instructions: Sauté sausage, onion, and celery until browned. Combine with stuffing mix and broth according to package directions. Bake as directed.
2. Apple Cranberry Stuffing:
- Ingredients: 1 box Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix, 1 apple (diced and sautéed), ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp maple syrup.
- Instructions: Sauté apples until softened. Combine with stuffing mix, cranberries, broth, and maple syrup according to package directions. Bake as directed.
3. Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing:
- Ingredients: 1 box Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix, 1 cup wild rice (cooked), 1 cup sliced mushrooms (sautéed), ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Sauté mushrooms until softened. Combine with stuffing mix, cooked wild rice, broth, and parsley according to package directions. Bake as directed.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing
- Don't overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid breaking down the bread cubes.
- Proper moisture: Use enough broth to moisten the stuffing without making it soggy. You may need slightly more or less than the package instructions recommend depending on the added ingredients.
- Baking time: Check for doneness before the minimum baking time suggested on the package. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Resting: Allow the stuffing to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld.
By understanding the base Mrs. Cubbison's stuffing mix and incorporating fresh ingredients and creative variations, you can transform a simple boxed mix into a Thanksgiving masterpiece that your guests will rave about. Remember to experiment and find the combination that best suits your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
