Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
There’s something magical about a dish that takes you straight back to cherished family gatherings, and for me, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is that kind of nostalgic classic. Every forkful brings together the comforting aroma of toasted bread, savory herbs, and buttery vegetables—creating a symphony of flavors that feels essential at any holiday table. This recipe embodies everything wonderful about Thanksgiving: warmth, tradition, and a seriously delicious side you’ll want all year round. Let’s dive in and make Grandma proud!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing tastes wonderfully complex, its ingredient list is delightfully straightforward. Each component adds something special—whether it’s richness, crunch, or that signature savory kick—that works in harmony to create holiday magic.
- Bread: Start with a loaf (about 14 oz) of day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes—the perfect base for absorbing flavor while holding its structure.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup that adds a lush, buttery backbone to the whole dish, enhancing every bite.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped; gives the stuffing its sweet depth and aromatic flavor.
- Celery: 3 stalks, chopped; their subtle crunch and freshness are non-negotiable in a good stuffing.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; brings gentle heat and savory aroma for extra complexity.
- Fresh sage: 1 tablespoon, chopped; this herb brings true stuffing flavor and cozy vibes.
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped; for that woodsy, earthy note you expect and crave.
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped; adds brightness and a pop of color.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to make all the ingredients sing together beautifully.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for warmth and a subtle bite.
- Chicken or turkey broth: 2 1/2 cups, or more as needed; this moistens the bread and infuses each piece with holiday essence—swap for veggie broth if you’re keeping things vegetarian.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten; these hold everything together with a soft, custardy touch.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Step 1: Toast the Bread
This is where Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing gets its hearty base and irresistible texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread those bread cubes on a baking sheet, and toast for 10–15 minutes. You want them dry and lightly golden—perfect for soaking up all the incredible flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While your bread toasts, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for about 7–8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more—this unlocks its aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Seasonings
Here’s where the magic of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing really starts to come alive! Stir in the sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper with the sauteed veggies. Let them mingle for a minute or so—your kitchen will smell like pure Thanksgiving.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Transfer your golden bread cubes into a large mixing bowl, then pour the veggie and herb mixture right over the top. Gently toss everything together while gradually adding the broth, making sure every cube is perfectly moistened but not soggy. Finally, stir in the beaten eggs—these will help the stuffing set while staying tender inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden, crisp in spots, and begging to be the star of your Thanksgiving spread.
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Garnishes
Scatter extra chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the finished stuffing for a pop of color and fresh, herbal aroma. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can also awaken all the beautiful flavors you worked into Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.
Side Dishes
Pair this stuffing with traditional mains like roast turkey or glazed ham, and round out your feast with classics like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted Brussels sprouts. Honestly, it’s so good you might find yourself scooping seconds before even touching the turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch, or stuff mushrooms or roasted squashes with the mixture for a show-stopping vegetarian main. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is also fantastic baked in muffin tins—a hit with kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing feels like a little gift after the big day. To keep it tasting its best, store cooled Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on the holiday hustle, freeze baked (and fully cooled) stuffing in portions wrapped tightly with foil and stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the stuffing’s fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat it in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes for larger amounts. For a crispier topping, remove the cover for the last few minutes. Splash on a bit of extra broth if the stuffing seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While white or sourdough bread is classic for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, whole wheat, brioche, or even a multigrain loaf will work—just keep the cubes a little on the dry side so they don’t turn mushy.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
You bet! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken or turkey broth, and you’ll have a vegetarian version of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Can I add sausage or mushrooms?
Definitely—feel free to customize. Browned sausage or sautéed mushrooms mix in beautifully, giving heartiness and extra depth that pairs wonderfully with the herby bread base. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
How can I prep everything ahead?
Simply assemble the stuffing up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, bake as instructed, possibly adding a few extra minutes if it goes into the oven cold.
Why does my stuffing sometimes turn out soggy?
It’s usually a sign of too much liquid or bread that wasn’t fully dried out. Stick to the toasting instructions and add broth gradually—stop when the cubes are evenly moist but not saturated, so your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to spark memories and create new traditions, you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing. Gather your loved ones, savor those comforting flavors, and let this classic become a beloved staple at your own holiday table. Give it a try—you just might find it’s impossible to wait for Thanksgiving to whip up a batch!
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. This flavorful stuffing is made with a blend of herbs, onions, celery, and savory broth, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old white or sourdough bread (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetables. Add broth and toss gently until moistened. Stir in beaten eggs.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Variations: Add cooked sausage or mushrooms. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
