This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals to your holiday table. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this stuffing is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or holiday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A timeless, comforting recipe passed down through generations.
- Packed with aromatic flavors from fresh herbs and a buttery vegetable sauté.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like sausage, nuts, or dried fruit.
- A perfect balance of crispy edges and moist, tender bites.
- Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Homemade Breadcrumbs for Stuffing:
- 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread, homemade or store-bought)
Stuffing Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups onion, diced (½-inch pieces)
- 2 cups celery, diced (½-inch pieces)
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
- ½ teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ – 3 cups chicken broth (vegetable stock can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing for about 8 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
- Make the Broth Mixture: Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth (or vegetable stock). In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add them to the broth mixture. Stir to combine.
- Combine with Bread Cubes: Place the dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the broth mixture over the bread, gently folding to combine. Adjust the amount of broth as needed to achieve a moist but not soggy consistency.
- Assemble the Stuffing: Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the dish.
- Bake: Place the stuffing in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring gently every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. The stuffing is ready when the top is golden brown and the inside is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
Variations
- Add Sausage: Brown sausage and mix it into the stuffing for a savory twist.
- Incorporate Fruit: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and richness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free stuffing.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until heated through. For crispy edges, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
Any sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or even cornbread works well. Day-old or dried bread is ideal for absorbing the flavors.
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and assemble the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
How do I dry bread for stuffing?
Cut bread into cubes and let it sit out overnight or bake in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until dry.
Can I stuff this inside the turkey?
Yes, but make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F internally for food safety.
Can I add meat to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage, bacon, or even diced turkey can be added for extra flavor.
What can I use instead of poultry seasoning?
Combine equal parts sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and nutmeg for a homemade poultry seasoning blend.
How do I prevent the stuffing from being soggy?
Add the broth gradually and stop once the bread is moist but not wet.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs add vibrant flavor. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How do I achieve crispy edges?
Bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to crisp up the top.
What can I garnish the stuffing with?
Fresh parsley, sage leaves, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese are great options.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a timeless dish that captures the essence of a cozy holiday gathering. With its flavorful blend of herbs, buttery vegetables, and perfectly moistened bread, this stuffing is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or enjoying a special dinner, this recipe is a must-try for creating cherished memories around the table.
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10-12 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring the nostalgia of home-cooked meals to your table with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing. Made with tender bread cubes, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of classic herbs, this traditional stuffing is a holiday favorite perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Homemade Breadcrumbs for Stuffing:
- 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread, homemade or store-bought)
Stuffing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups onion, diced (1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups celery, diced (1/2-inch pieces)
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon sage (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 – 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable stock as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and sauté for 8 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Season and Combine:
- Stir in poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth.
- Mix with Eggs:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add them to the broth mixture, whisking to combine.
- Combine with Bread Cubes:
- Place dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the broth mixture over the bread, gently folding to ensure the bread is evenly coated. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing:
- Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the dish.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes until golden brown and tender throughout.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bread Cubes: Use stale bread for the best texture, or dry fresh bread cubes in the oven at 200°F for about 20 minutes.
- Moisture Adjustment: Add more chicken broth if the stuffing appears dry during mixing.
- Variations: Customize with add-ins like cooked sausage, dried cranberries, or toasted nuts for extra flavor.
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