The Perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe for Cozy Feasts

Grandma’s secret Thanksgiving stuffing recipe brings comfort straight from her cherished kitchen memories.

Warm aromas of sage and herbs dance through our home during holiday gatherings.

Memories of her hands carefully mixing ingredients still feel vivid and nostalgic.

Carefully selected bread cubes form the foundation of this classic dish.

Generations have savored these delectable flavors passed down with love.

My grandmother’s technique ensures each bite connects us to family traditions.

You’ll want to recreate this timeless recipe that celebrates culinary heritage.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing – Classic, Flavorful, Beloved

• Preserve Family Tradition: Recreate the nostalgic flavors of grandma's classic Thanksgiving stuffing that connects generations through a cherished recipe.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Easily prepare this comforting side dish with basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even novice cooks can master.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, this stuffing complements multiple main courses and satisfies different taste preferences.
• Adaptable Seasoning Blend: Customize the herb mix to suit personal tastes or dietary needs while maintaining the traditional, warm comfort of a homestyle stuffing.

Ingredient List for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Bread Cubes: Classic white or sourdough bread cut into cubes for the base of the traditional stuffing.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for cooking vegetables and adding depth to the recipe.

• Onion, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that add depth and traditional flavor to the stuffing.

• Poultry Seasoning, Thyme, Sage, Salt, Pepper: A blend of classic herbs and spices that deliver a warm, traditional Thanksgiving flavor profile to the stuffing.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch of color and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

Stuffing Assembly Directions from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Step 1: Sauté Veggie Base

Heat a spacious skillet over medium warmth.

• Butter
• Diced onions
• Chopped celery

Cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their rich, savory aroma.

This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes, creating a delicious foundation for the stuffing.

Step 2: Infuse With Flavor Boosters

• Poultry seasoning
• Dried thyme
• Crumbled sage
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in chicken broth and gently stir, allowing the herbs to dance and mingle with the vegetables.

Remove the skillet from heat to let the flavors harmonize.

Step 3: Marry Bread With Broth

Grab a massive mixing bowl and add dry bread cubes.

Slowly pour the herb-infused broth mixture over the bread.

Use a gentle folding technique to coat each cube, ensuring they’re moist but not drowning.

If the mixture seems dry, splash in extra broth until you reach a perfect consistency.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Canvas

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat with cooking spray or butter.

Spread the stuffing mixture evenly, creating a gorgeous landscape of deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 45-60 minutes, giving the stuffing a gentle stir every 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top that promises crispy edges and a tender center.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch your family’s eyes light up with thanksgiving joy.

Tips for Perfectly Moist Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Choose day-old bread or let fresh bread dry out overnight for better texture and absorption of flavors.
• Add broth gradually to prevent soggy stuffing, ensuring bread cubes remain slightly firm and not mushy.
• Chop fresh herbs right before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Cook onions and celery until soft and translucent to release natural sweetness and develop deeper flavor layers.
• Prepare stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing seasonings to meld together for richer taste.

Variations for Grandma’s Classic Stuffing Tradition

• Gluten-Free Stuffing: Replace traditional bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread, ensuring the same comforting texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Harvest Stuffing: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add mushrooms or chestnuts for extra depth and protein, creating a hearty plant-based version.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Stuffing: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano, and add pine nuts or dried cranberries for a unique, aromatic take on the classic recipe.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt content by using salt-free herb blends and low-sodium broth, perfect for those watching their sodium intake while maintaining rich flavor.

Stuffing Serving Tips for the Holiday Table

• Classic Family Feast Companion: Pair this stuffing with roasted turkey for the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving meal, creating a comforting plate that celebrates generations of culinary love.
• Vegetable Side Symphony: Complement the stuffing with roasted brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or green bean almondine to add vibrant colors and nutritious balance to your dinner spread.
• Gravy's Best Friend: Drizzle warm, rich turkey gravy over the stuffing just before serving to enhance its savory flavors and create a moist, irresistible side dish that everyone will adore.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp chardonnay or a light pinot noir to elevate the meal's sophistication and bring out the herbal notes in the stuffing's seasoning.

How to Store Grandma’s Stuffing After the Feast

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled stuffing to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread stuffing in a baking dish, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What bread works best for this stuffing?

Day-old white or sourdough bread is perfect. Slightly stale bread absorbs the broth better and prevents mushy texture, creating a perfect stuffing consistency.

• Can I make stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when ready to cook, ensuring it’s heated thoroughly.

• How do I prevent dry stuffing?

Use enough chicken broth to moisten bread cubes, and stir every 15-20 minutes during baking. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly to maintain moisture.

• Is this stuffing vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe uses chicken broth. To make vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all ingredients are meat-free.

Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s thanksgiving stuffing brings warm memories of family gatherings around a golden-brown table. Hearty bread cubes mingle with savory herbs and rich seasonings, creating a comforting side dish you’ll cherish at holiday meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 cups dry bread cubes (homemade or store-bought)
• 12 cup butter
• 2 cups onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups celery, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings:

• 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (can be fresh or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon sage (can be fresh or dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquid:

• 1 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth (adjust amount as needed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatic vegetables in melted butter over medium heat until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 8 minutes.
2. Infuse the vegetables with a harmonious blend of poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Introduce chicken broth to create a flavorful base, then remove from heat.
3. Transfer bread cubes to a spacious mixing bowl and gently fold the herb-infused liquid into the bread, ensuring even moistening without oversaturating. Adjust liquid quantity if necessary for optimal texture.
4. Prepare a baking dish by coating it with a light layer of grease, then evenly distribute the stuffing mixture to create a uniform layer.
5. Slide the baking dish into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the stuffing to transform into a golden-brown delicacy. Stir periodically during the 45-60 minute cooking process to promote even browning and prevent dry edges.
6. Once achieved the perfect golden hue, remove from oven and optional sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for better texture, ensuring the stuffing doesn’t become mushy when soaking up the broth.
• Try different bread types like sourdough or cornbread for unique flavor variations.
• Sauté vegetables until they’re just translucent to maintain their subtle crunch and fresh taste.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 297 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg