If you’re looking to capture the warm, comforting essence of holiday tradition, you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This classic stuffing shines with its perfect balance of tender, toasted bread cubes and a savory blend of herbs and buttery vegetables. Every bite feels like a hug from years past, bringing together the flavors and aromas that make Thanksgiving so meaningful. Whether it’s your first try or a cherished family routine, this recipe is guaranteed to be a star at your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a beloved dish. Each component plays a key role—bread for bulk and texture, butter and broth for moisture and richness, and herbs for that unmistakable savory aroma.
- Day-old white or sourdough bread (1 loaf, 16 oz): Using day-old bread helps it toast up perfectly, giving the stuffing structure without sogginess.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds luxurious richness and helps soften the vegetables while infusing flavor.
- Large onion (1, finely chopped): Brings a natural sweetness and depth that balances the savory notes.
- Celery stalks (3, finely chopped): Adds subtle crunch and that classic savory freshness.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Gives a gentle punch of aromatic warmth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of mild heat.
- Dried sage (1½ teaspoons): The signature herb that defines Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy, herbal undertones that complement the sage.
- Poultry seasoning (½ teaspoon): A traditional mix that brings the “home” flavor to life.
- Chicken or turkey broth (2½–3 cups): Keeps the bread moist and ties all the flavors together.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Help bind the stuffing and give it structure during baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a pretty pop of green and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they become lightly crisp. This step is essential because it helps prevent your stuffing from turning soggy later and gives a wonderful texture to each bite. Once toasted, transfer them into a large mixing bowl where they will soak up all the tasty flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the finely chopped onion and celery. Cook them for about 7 to 8 minutes until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning, letting everything meld for another 1 to 2 minutes before taking the skillet off the heat. This aromatic mixture is where much of the magic of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe happens.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Moisten
Pour the warm butter and vegetable mixture over the toasted bread cubes. Add the beaten eggs next, followed by 2½ cups of the broth. Gently stir everything together to evenly coat the bread without breaking the cubes too much. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more broth. You want a soft and moist texture, but definitely not soggy—that perfect in-between keeps your stuffing irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your prepared stuffing mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover it with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness that makes Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley is a classic garnish, don’t hesitate to get creative. Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of melted butter on top before serving amps up the richness. These touches elevate the dish visually and taste-wise, creating an inviting centerpiece on your holiday table.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey or ham. It also compliments creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables perfectly. Offering a mix of these sides will ensure your meal is balanced and packed with festive flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, consider serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out roasted pumpkins or bell peppers for a festive touch. You could even bake it in individual ramekins for personal servings that look elegant and inviting. These presentation ideas turn a beloved classic into a conversation starter at any holiday feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, make sure the stuffing has cooled completely to maintain freshness. Reheating leftovers is just as delightful as the first serving, so there’s no need to worry about wasting those delicious bites.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this stuffing freezes wonderfully. Spread the baked stuffing into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a cozy second round of holiday comfort.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil in the final few minutes will help crisp up the top again, refreshing that desirable texture and flavor of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a good-quality gluten-free bread that holds up well when toasted and doesn’t become too crumbly in the mixture. You might need to adjust the broth amount slightly for the best texture.
Is it okay to add sausage or other mix-ins?
Yes! Adding cooked sausage, diced apples, or dried cranberries can add exciting layers of flavor and texture, making this traditional stuffing your own unique creation while still honoring Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe roots.
Can I prepare the stuffing completely ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature first and add a little extra broth if needed to maintain moisture before popping it into the oven.
What’s the best broth to use?
Chicken or turkey broth works beautifully here, as they add savory depth unique to poultry flavors. Homemade broth is ideal, but a high-quality store-bought version will do just fine and save time.
How do I get the top crispy without drying out the stuffing?
Baking covered with foil at first traps moisture, then removing the foil near the end lets the top brown and crisp up without drying out the whole dish. It’s a simple trick that guarantees the best texture for your stuffing.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe to bring warmth, nostalgia, and amazing flavor to your holiday meal. It’s straightforward to prepare, packed with beloved flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your personal tastes. I promise once you make it, this recipe will become a treasured tradition at your table too. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday magic.
Print
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic American side dish featuring toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, all moistened with broth and baked to a golden perfection. This comforting and traditional recipe is perfect for holiday meals and can be customized with optional additions like sausage or dried fruits.
Ingredients
Bread and Eggs
- 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Liquids
- 2½–3 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisp, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 7–8 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the butter and vegetable mixture over the toasted bread cubes. Add the beaten eggs and 2½ cups of broth. Gently stir until the bread is evenly moistened. If it seems dry, add a bit more broth until the texture is soft but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it—just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Add cooked sausage, apples, or dried cranberries for a twist on the classic.
