If you’ve ever longed for a side dish that tastes like pure, nostalgic comfort, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is about to steal your heart (and maybe the spotlight from the turkey!). Perfectly golden on top, moist inside, and packed with all the savory herbs that fill the kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether it’s destined for your holiday table or a cozy Sunday dinner, this is the stuffing everyone asks for year after year, and for good reason—it’s as much about the memories as the flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing lies in its humble ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and tradition. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh herbs, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
- Bread cubes: Day-old white or sourdough bread gives the stuffing its hearty, chewy bite and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Unsalted butter: The secret to a rich, deeply flavorful base—don’t skimp on this ingredient!
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely for the perfect texture.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, subtle crunch that brightens every forkful.
- Garlic: Just enough to give lovely warmth without overpowering the classic herbaceous notes.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to draw out all the other flavors and guarantee a perfectly seasoned stuffing.
- Dried sage: That unmistakable “Thanksgiving” flavor, grounding and earthy.
- Dried thyme: Balances the stuffing with its gentle, green aroma.
- Poultry seasoning: A blend of aromatic spices that elevates the entire dish in one easy step.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Adds moisture—choose a rich, flavorful broth for the most delicious results.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together so every bite holds its shape.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor, sprinkled right at the end.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread those day-old bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 to 15 minutes, just until they’re lightly crisp and golden. This step is essential—it helps the cubes soak up more of the flavorful broth later, without turning mushy. Once toasted, pop them into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Seasonings
While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 7 to 8 minutes until the veggies are soft and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Let everything mingle and bloom for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Veggie Mixture
Carefully pour the buttery, herby vegetable mixture right over the toasted bread cubes. Add the beaten eggs and 2½ cups of your rich broth. Gently give everything a good stir—just until the bread is moistened, not soggy. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add an extra splash or two of broth. This is where the stuffing starts to look (and smell) like Thanksgiving happiness in a bowl!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Scoop all that glorious stuffing mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth it out, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Don’t forget to garnish with a shower of fresh parsley if you like. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Garnishes
While a sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic—and beautiful—you can also top Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing with a few crispy fried onions, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a little grated Parmesan. Each option brings a different pop of color, crunch, or flavor that takes your presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
This stuffing is the quintessential partner for roast turkey, but it also plays well with juicy roast chicken, pork chops, or even a holiday ham. For a full Thanksgiving spread, pair with classics like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. Every bite will feel even more festive with all those lovely sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins transform Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing into adorable single servings, perfect for dinner parties. Try scooping it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers for a fun, seasonal twist. Or, layer leftovers in a Thanksgiving Shepherd’s Pie for something extra special the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first, which helps preserve its texture. A quick stir before reheating will wake up all those wonderful flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing if you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead. Wrap portions tightly (or place in freezer-safe containers) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and the stuffing will taste just as comforting as the day you made it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm stuffing in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through—usually 20 to 25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. If it seems dry, just drizzle on a little extra broth before warming for that perfect moist texture.
FAQs
Can I add sausage or other mix-ins to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage, sautéed apples, or dried cranberries are all delicious options. Feel free to personalize the stuffing for your family’s tradition—Grandma would approve.
What can I use instead of chicken or turkey broth?
Vegetable broth works beautifully if you’re keeping it vegetarian, and still delivers rich, savory flavor. If you want to mix things up, try a mushroom broth for an earthy, hearty twist.
Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free bread and make sure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The result is every bit as satisfying and delicious.
Should I stuff this into the turkey or bake it separately?
This recipe is designed for baking as a side, but you can absolutely use it as a traditional stuffing too. For food safety, make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F if baking inside a bird.
How do I keep my stuffing from turning mushy?
The secret is starting with toasted, day-old bread and adding broth gradually—stop when the mixture is just moistened. Cover while baking to keep it moist, then uncover for the final 15 minutes to crisp up the top.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing hot from the oven and bringing it to your table—every bite is a little taste of home and holiday tradition. I hope you’ll make this recipe a part of your family’s celebrations for years to come!
Print
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any festive table. This traditional recipe combines hearty bread cubes with savory herbs and vegetables for a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Additional Ingredients:
- 2½–3 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toast bread cubes until crisp.
- Prepare Vegetable Mixture: Sauté onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings in butter. Combine with bread cubes, eggs, and broth.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to dish, bake covered, then uncover to brown the top.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- This stuffing can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Experiment with additions like sausage, apples, or cranberries for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
