Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing: A Classic Holiday Recipe

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a dish of warm, comforting stuffing on the table. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a time-honored recipe that combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and moist side dish. This stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to turkey and all your favorite holiday sides.

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or carrying on a family tradition, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

What Is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a traditional holiday recipe made with cubed bread, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a savory broth. The combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary gives it a classic flavor, while the buttery, crispy top adds an irresistible texture.

This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and pairs beautifully with a Thanksgiving feast or any roasted meat dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce.
• Classic flavor: A nostalgic combination of herbs and butter brings the holiday spirit to life.
• Customizable: Easily adapted for vegetarian or gluten-free preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare ahead and bake when needed, saving time on the big day.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly crisp. Set aside to cool, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Sautéing the Vegetables

4. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
6. Stir in the dried sage, thyme, and rosemary, allowing the herbs to bloom for about 1 minute.

Assembling the Stuffing

7. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the bowl.
8. Drizzle the broth over the mixture, tossing gently to evenly moisten the bread.
9. Mix in the beaten egg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking the Stuffing

10. Spoon the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
• Pair with a rich gravy or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced holiday plate.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed with scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast twist.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze unbaked stuffing: Assemble the stuffing in the dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the baking instructions.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free bread for the loaf.
• Extra flavor: Add cooked sausage, diced apples, or chopped pecans for a twist.
• Herb upgrade: Use fresh herbs (double the amount) instead of dried for a fresher flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, but for the best texture, toast fresh bread cubes in the oven to dry them out.

What if I don’t have all the herbs?
You can substitute a pre-mixed poultry seasoning for the dried herbs.

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a true classic, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every holiday table. Its perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures will have your family asking for it year after year.

Print