If you are searching for that perfect comfort food to elevate your Thanksgiving feast, look no further than Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This classic dish brings together the warm, savory flavors and nostalgic aromas that instantly remind you of home and family gatherings. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a timeless side that balances the rich turkey and gravy with tender bread cubes infused with fragrant herbs and buttery goodness. I’m so excited to share this treasured recipe with you because it captures the very heart of Thanksgiving in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color that brings this dish to life.
- Stale bread (about 10 cups): Cubed bread forms the hearty base that soaks up all those wonderful flavors without becoming mushy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds that irresistible richness and helps soften the vegetables for a perfect savory blend.
- Large onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth once cooked down in butter.
- Celery stalks (3, diced): Offers a subtle crunch and refreshing contrast in every bite.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the stuffing with a warm, aromatic kick that is simply essential.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the dish with color and a hint of freshness.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Introduces an earthy, fragrant profile that elevates every mouthful.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): The herb you can’t do Thanksgiving without, offering a signature savory character.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right peppery warmth without overpowering.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a piney, woodsy note that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 1/2 cups): Moistens the bread and melds all the ingredients together harmoniously.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Help bind the stuffing so each serving holds its shape with a tender texture.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread Cubes
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large baking dish. Then, take your cubed stale bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Pop this in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes to dry out the bread just enough, which is the secret to achieving that ideal texture that’s neither soggy nor dry. Once toasted, transfer these cubes to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Herbs
While the bread dries, melt your butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking gently for about five minutes until everything is soft and fragrant. Then it is time to stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and dried rosemary. Let these herbs and spices mingle with the vegetables for an additional minute, filling your kitchen with that irresistible herbal aroma that is at the heart of Grandma’s recipe.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Moisten
Pour the savory vegetable and herb mixture over your dried bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Next, add the beaten eggs and broth, combining everything gently until the bread is thoroughly moistened but not soaking wet. This step is where you achieve the perfect balance between moist and fluffy—a true hallmark of the best stuffing. If necessary, adjust the broth slightly to get the consistency just right.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your lovingly mixed stuffing into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is gloriously golden brown and crisp. This finishing step is where all the flavors come together into a harmonious symphony of taste and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crisp sage leaves on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the rich stuffing. For a festive touch, a few toasted pecans or a light drizzle of melted butter can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This stuffing shines alongside classic Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetable pot pie. Pair it with cranberry sauce for a tart contrast or creamy mashed potatoes to round out your meal with indulgent textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not bring a little fun to your table? Try baking the stuffing inside a hollowed-out pumpkin or in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also stuff it inside your turkey cavity for a traditional presentation that infuses the bird with extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, pack any leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy those comforting flavors again without any loss of texture or taste.
Freezing
If you want to save stuffing for later, it freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last five minutes of heating. Microwaving works too but may result in softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Yes, but you’ll need to dry it out first by baking the cubes in the oven as directed. This step is essential to prevent the stuffing from becoming too mushy.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it flavorful and completely vegetarian friendly without losing any of the deliciousness.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch—just remember to reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. About one-third of the amount of fresh herbs works well as a substitute.
Is it possible to prepare this stuffing the day before?
Yes, you can mix the stuffing and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Just bake it fresh on Thanksgiving Day for that perfect crispy top and warm inside.
Can I add other ingredients like sausage or nuts?
Definitely, this recipe is wonderfully versatile! Cooked sausage, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or even mushrooms can add exciting flavors and textures to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe to your holiday table. Its heartwarming flavors and treasured aromas make it an unforgettable part of any meal. Whether it’s your first time trying it or you’re revisiting a beloved classic, this stuffing captures the spirit of Thanksgiving perfectly. Gather your loved ones around, serve it up with pride, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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
Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish featuring toasted bread cubes mixed with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs, moistened with broth and eggs, then baked to a golden, crispy finish. This comforting and flavorful stuffing is perfect for complementing your Thanksgiving turkey or festive meals.
Ingredients
Bread
- 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
Others
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Dry Bread Cubes: Spread the cubed stale bread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until the bread is dried out and slightly toasted. Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary. Cook the mixture for an additional minute to release the herbs’ aromas.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the mixing bowl, distributing it evenly.
- Add Eggs and Broth: Add the beaten eggs and chicken or vegetable broth to the bread mixture. Gently mix until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Adjust the amount of broth as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the stuffing mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Bake Stuffing: Bake the stuffing uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and has a crispy texture. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Using stale bread is key to achieving a perfect texture; fresh bread can be dried in the oven as shown.
- Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or nuts.
- Cover the stuffing with foil if it browns too quickly during baking.
- Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
