Classic Turkey Stuffing Recipe
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is bursting with cozy holiday flavors, tender golden bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and a medley of fresh herbs that fill the kitchen with irresistible aroma. It bakes up perfectly—crisp and golden on top with a moist, savory center that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned pro, this stuffing recipe will become the heart of your Thanksgiving table.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 45 mins | 1 hour | 8 | Easy | American | Fall/Holiday |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic holiday flavor: This recipe combines fresh herbs and classic vegetables for a taste that screams Thanksgiving tradition.
- Texture perfection: With a crispy golden top and moist center, it delivers that ideal stuffing consistency.
- Customizable base: Add sausage, apples, cranberries, or nuts to match your family’s taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Save time during the holiday rush by prepping ingredients or baking ahead.
- Family-approved: Passed down through generations, this stuffing is always a crowd-pleaser.
Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe: Classic, Easy & Homemade
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is a flavorful combination of tender bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfectly crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, it’s a must-have dish for your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread (sourdough or French)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped (3–4 stalks)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the bread and let it dry overnight, or toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until firm.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and chopped herbs. Toss well to distribute flavors.
4. Slowly pour in warm broth while mixing gently. Add enough to moisten the bread but avoid making it soggy.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
7. Let the stuffing sit for 5-10 minutes before serving alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or main course.
Notes
Use stale bread or toast it lightly for better texture.
Add sausage, apples, or nuts to customize.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Warm up leftovers in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1506mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread (sourdough or French)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped (3-4 stalks)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Bread Cubes | Let them dry overnight or toast lightly for best texture |
| Onion | Yellow or sweet onion adds mild richness |
| Celery | Adds a refreshing crunch and essential flavor base |
| Fresh Herbs | Use fresh for boldest flavor; dry herbs work in a pinch (reduce quantity by half) |
| Broth | Warm before mixing to help absorb evenly |
| Butter | Unsalted lets you control the salt level precisely |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the bread and let it dry overnight, or toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until firm.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix Stuffing Base: In a large bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and chopped herbs. Toss well to distribute flavors.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in warm broth while mixing gently. Add enough to moisten the bread but avoid making it soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Crisp the Top: Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the stuffing sit for 5-10 minutes before serving alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or main course.
Helpful Tips
- Use stale bread: It absorbs liquid better without turning mushy.
- Mix gently: Overmixing can break down the bread cubes too much.
- Broth control: Add a little at a time to find your ideal moistness.
- Bake uncovered last: This creates that irresistible crispy top.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Prep ahead: Cube and dry your bread days in advance to save time.
- Warm broth trick: Using warm broth helps everything mix smoothly and speeds up baking.
- Layer the flavor: Consider adding garlic or leeks to the sautéed veggies.
- Check seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Recipe Variations
- Sausage Stuffing: Brown Italian sausage and stir it into the mixture for added heartiness and flavor.
- Apple Cranberry Stuffing: Add ½ cup diced apple and ¼ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Nutty Sage Stuffing: Mix in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure broth is gluten-free.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
To make ahead, prepare stuffing through step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, cool baked stuffing completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffing as a classic side dish with roasted turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Present it in a rustic baking dish with sprigs of fresh herbs on top for a festive look. It also pairs wonderfully with green beans, glazed carrots, or cranberry sauce.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this stuffing with a buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try apple cider or sparkling water with lemon. Great side dishes include creamy mashed potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, and cranberry-orange relish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until hot. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boxed bread cubes? Yes, but homemade or bakery bread gives a richer texture and flavor.
How far in advance can I prep this stuffing? You can prep ingredients and assemble the dish 1 day ahead. Store covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Can I cook this inside the turkey? It’s safer to bake stuffing separately to ensure it reaches a safe temperature without overcooking the turkey.
What’s the best bread to use? Sourdough or French bread works great because they hold their shape and add depth of flavor.
How do I keep stuffing moist? Use enough broth to moisten without drowning it. Covering during baking helps retain moisture.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely. Use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through for even baking.
What other herbs work well? Parsley, marjoram, or even a bit of tarragon can enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cup | 250 | 5g | 35g | 10g | 2g | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Grandma-approved Thanksgiving stuffing brings warmth, tradition, and unbeatable flavor to your holiday spread. With its perfect texture and comforting taste, it’s bound to be your new family favorite. Try it this year and watch it disappear from the table!
