There’s something about Thanksgiving that calls for those timeless comfort foods, and nothing says tradition quite like Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. This recipe brings the cozy aroma of buttery bread, fresh herbs, and savory vegetables straight to your holiday table. If you’ve been looking for a stuffing that’s perfectly crisp on top yet soft and flavorful inside, this is it. Packed with simple ingredients and full of nostalgic charm, it’s the kind of dish that instantly makes everyone feel at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Quick prep with everyday pantry staples.
- Perfect balance of crisp bread and tender, moist interior.
- Fresh herbs give a fragrant, homemade flavor you won’t find in boxed mixes.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
- A traditional recipe with room for creative twists like sausage or apples.
Unlike many modern versions, this recipe keeps things classic, no fuss, no shortcuts, just that warm, cozy flavor that makes Thanksgiving special. Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or a small dinner, this stuffing will earn a spot on your holiday menu year after year.
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 10 cups cubed bread (sourdough or French bread works best, dried overnight or lightly toasted)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
For the vegetables:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 3–4 stalks)
For the flavor:
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the moisture:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (warmed before mixing)
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Rest and serve
Let the stuffing cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Pair it with turkey, gravy, and your favorite holiday sides for the ultimate Thanksgiving spread.
Prep the bread and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into cubes and let them dry overnight on a baking sheet. If short on time, toast them lightly in the oven for about 10 minutes until crisp but not browned. Dry bread soaks up flavors better, which makes your stuffing richer.
Cook the vegetables
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the celery softens. A light seasoning of salt and pepper here builds the base flavor.
Mix everything together
Transfer the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed onion and celery over the bread. Add the chopped herbs, then toss gently. Slowly ladle in the warm broth while stirring until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not feel mushy.
Bake the stuffing
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Serving and Storage Tips
Stuffing tastes best when it’s warm and fresh from the oven. For an inviting presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra chopped herbs before serving. Pair it alongside roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, or even Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets if you’re mixing up your holiday menu with something different.
If you’re storing leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This method keeps the bread from drying out. For quick single servings, a microwave works too, just add a splash of broth before reheating to restore moisture.
Helpful Notes
- Want extra flavor? Mix in cooked sausage, or even diced apples for a sweet touch.
- If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the broth slightly; for a moister texture, add a little more.
- Preparing for a crowd? You can easily double this recipe and bake in a larger dish.
- To save oven space on busy holidays, assemble the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving.
- Gluten-free option: Swap traditional bread for a quality gluten-free loaf. Make sure to dry it out well so it holds together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different bread types for stuffing?
Yes! While sourdough and French bread give the best structure and flavor, you can also use whole wheat or multigrain bread. Just avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can turn mushy.
How do I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread. Let it dry out fully before cubing to prevent a soggy texture. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same.
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing in the oven.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Bake the stuffing as directed, let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven, covered, until warmed through. Freezing before baking is not recommended, as the bread may not hold its texture.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing is one of those timeless recipes that turns a holiday meal into a true family gathering. With its mix of crisp bread edges, tender center, and fragrant herbs, this dish captures everything we love about comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, versatile enough for creative add-ins, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you stick to the classic version, or add your own twist with sausage or apples? Don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family on Pinterest or Facebook. After all, food tastes even better when it’s shared.
you’ll also love this creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip that’s always a crowd favorite.
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Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Classic Thanksgiving stuffing with bread, herbs, and vegetables baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
10 cups cubed sourdough or French bread (dried or lightly toasted)
1 large onion, finely diced
2 cups celery, finely chopped (3–4 stalks)
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cube and dry bread overnight or toast lightly.
2. Melt butter in skillet, sauté onion and celery until softened.
3. Combine bread, vegetables, and herbs in a large bowl. Slowly add broth until moistened.
4. Spread mixture in greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until golden. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Adjust broth for desired consistency.
Add sausage or apples for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg