Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

There is nothing quite like the comfort and nostalgia that comes with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This beloved classic brings together a perfect harmony of savory herbs, tender vegetables, and buttery bread cubes baked into a golden, crispy delight. Every bite is like a warm hug from your family’s heart, making this stuffing not just a side dish but the soul of the holiday table. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, this recipe delivers that timeless, mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create complex flavors and comforting textures. Each component plays an essential role, from the rustic bread cubes providing a soft yet crispy base, to the fresh herbs that infuse the stuffing with fragrant warmth.

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed (about 10 cups): Stale bread soaks up the flavors beautifully without turning mushy.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables while enhancing the flavor.
• 1 large onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the stuffing mix.
• 3 celery stalks, diced: Provides crunch and a fresh, herbal note.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the dish with a gentle pungency and warmth.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Offers bright color and a lively herbaceous kick.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Infuses earthy, woody notes essential to classic stuffing.
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped: Gives the stuffing that quintessential Thanksgiving aroma.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors thoroughly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Introduces a subtle piney fragrance to round out the herbs.
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Binds everything together for a perfect texture.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Spread the cubed stale bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This step dries out the bread, ensuring it soaks up broth perfectly without turning soggy while baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs

While your bread is drying, melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary, letting everything cook another minute so those herbs release their fragrant magic.

Step 3: Combine and Moisten

Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl and pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the top. Add the beaten eggs and gradually stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, combining everything gently. The goal here is to moisten the bread cubes without creating a mushy mess; adjust the broth amount if you feel the mixture needs a little more moisture to come together nicely.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. As it cooks, the top will turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy texture that contrasts delightfully with the soft, flavorful interior. This final step transforms simple ingredients into something truly special and satisfying.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. For a bit of extra texture and flavor, consider a light dusting of toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts if you like a little crunch contrast with every bite.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving mainstays like roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce. The rich, savory flavors of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe complement the tender turkey perfectly, while balancing the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and the creamy potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the stuffing in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squash, making it a beautiful centerpiece on your holiday table. You could also shape the stuffing into individual muffin tins for personal servings that get crispy on the edges, perfect for casual family gatherings or buffet-style dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy those comforting flavors again without any hassle. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, stuffing freezes beautifully. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 minutes. To restore some crispiness, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium heat with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

While stale bread is preferred because it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy, you can use fresh bread if you dry it out first by toasting it in the oven. This replicates the dryness needed for the perfect stuffing texture.

Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any depth of flavor.

Can I prepare Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe a day in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing the day before. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh on Thanksgiving day to enjoy that crispy, golden top and warm inside.

What if I want to add sausage or other proteins?

Adding cooked sausage can give a delicious savory boost to the stuffing. Brown the sausage before adding your vegetables and proceed with the recipe as usual. It’s a great way to customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe for your family’s tastes.

How can I make the stuffing less moist if it feels wet?

If the mixture seems too wet before baking, add a handful more toasted bread cubes to absorb excess moisture. It helps maintain a pleasant texture and prevents sogginess after baking.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason why Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has stood the test of time—it combines simplicity with soul, filling your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with happy memories. I truly hope you give this cherished recipe a try and let it become a part of your holiday tradition, bringing warmth and joy to your family’s table for years to come.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic, savory side dish featuring golden, toasted bread cubes mixed with sautéed aromatics and fresh herbs, all moistened with broth and baked to crispy perfection. This comforting recipe combines traditional flavors like sage, thyme, and rosemary to complement your holiday meal beautifully.

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Ingredients

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Bread and Base

• 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed (about 10 cups)

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Other Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent the stuffing from sticking during baking.
2. Toast the Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes to dry them out and help them become crispier, ensuring the stuffing holds texture well; then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking them for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a fragrant aroma.
4. Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
5. Combine Mixture with Bread: Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the mixing bowl.
6. Add Eggs and Broth: Gently mix in the beaten eggs and broth until the bread cubes are moistened but not soggy; adjust the amount of broth if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
8. Bake: Bake the stuffing uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, ensuring the inside is cooked through and flavorful.

Notes

• Using stale bread helps absorb the broth better without becoming mushy.
• You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
• Make sure not to over-moisten the bread to keep the stuffing from becoming too soggy.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce quantities as dried are more concentrated.
• This stuffing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered with foil to retain moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American