M always made it with sourdough bread (had to be sourdough) that was cubed, onion, celery, salt, pepper, eggs, boiled turkey giblets and the broth they were cooked in. Oh, and celery salt (seasoning?) I think. Then she baked it till crispy on top.
Dried cranberries work as well or chopped apples. I have never liked stuffing with meat in it--like sausage or oysters. My mind thinks that is what the turkey is for!
I guess I scaled down the stuffing so much from the 'holiday stuffing' that the taste is so boring. If I make basic stuffing again I will have to just jack it up a bit more like the holiday style
Definitely use the stock from the neck, etc. If I don't use sausage I cook up the giblets and they go in the stuffing/dressing. That is if I can control myself and not eat the good parts! They are the best parts of the bird!! IMHO....