Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show

Welcome to a holiday classic that truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving! This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show isn’t just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece of tradition and comforting flavors. With every savory bite, you’ll taste memories of past holidays and create new ones. Get ready to bake a showstopper that will delight everyone at your table. This is the best stuffing recipe for your festive feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll cherish this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe for many reasons. First, it captures that authentic, time-honored family flavor, just like grandma used to make. The preparation is simple and straightforward, perfect for busy holiday cooks. Its ingredients are easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, saving you precious time on Thanksgiving Day. This homemade stuffing guarantees a crowd-pleasing side dish that complements any turkey. It truly helps create unforgettable holiday memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Gather your simple, wholesome ingredients to make this incredible Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing. You’ll need:

• 4 cups stale bread cubes (sourdough or French baguette)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh or dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

Stale bread is crucial for this classic stuffing recipe because it absorbs the broth without becoming soggy. Sourdough or French baguette work wonderfully for a great texture. If you use fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven until dry. For fresh herbs, use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for a brighter flavor. Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this straightforward recipe. Gather these basic kitchen essentials:

• Large mixing bowl
• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to prepare your amazing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show. This simple process ensures delicious results every time.

1. Prepare your oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté aromatics: In your large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your holiday stuffing.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in the fresh or dried sage, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning into the sautéed vegetables. Cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to become fragrant. This infusion of spices is key to the distinctive taste of this homemade stuffing.
4. Combine with bread: In the large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with your stale bread cubes. Ensure the bread is truly stale for the best absorption.
5. Moisten the mixture: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth over the bread and vegetable mixture. Toss gently with your spatula or wooden spoon until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix; you want the bread to absorb the liquid without turning mushy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the moistened stuffing mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
7. First bake (covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Baking it covered first helps the stuffing cook through and remain moist.
8. Second bake (uncovered): Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy.
9. Serve and enjoy: Remove the classic stuffing from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the best results with this Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, always use very stale bread. Day-old bread works perfectly; you can even dry it out further in a low oven if needed. Avoid over-moistening the mixture initially; it’s easier to add more broth than to fix soggy stuffing. For a perfectly crispy top, ensure the last 10-15 minutes of baking are uncovered. Always taste and adjust seasonings before baking; you might need more salt, pepper, or herbs. This recipe is fantastic for making ahead; simply assemble it and refrigerate, then bake on Thanksgiving Day. If your stuffing seems too dry, drizzle in a bit more warm broth before serving.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is the ultimate holiday side. Serve it alongside your perfectly roasted turkey, smothered in homemade gravy, and paired with tart cranberry sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.

For storage, allow any leftover stuffing to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes.

Variations

Feel free to customize this classic stuffing recipe:

• Cornbread Stuffing: Substitute half or all of the bread cubes with crumbled cornbread for a sweeter, crumbly texture.
• Hearty Additions: Fold in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled sausage or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and protein.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced apples, or chopped water chestnuts along with the onions and celery for added depth.
• Nutty & Sweet: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or walnuts for a delightful chew and contrast.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and a plant-based butter alternative to make this a delicious vegetarian or vegan-friendly holiday stuffing.

Nutrition Information

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show offers a delightful addition to your holiday meal. The nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Please note that these values are approximate and may change based on specific product choices and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 
  

  Q: What makes Grandma’s stuffing unique?
  This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing uses simple, wholesome, and traditional ingredients to achieve a perfect balance of texture and comforting flavor. It’s a cherished, time-tested recipe.

  
  
• 
  

  Q: Can I use fresh bread?
  No, stale bread is essential for this recipe. Stale bread absorbs the broth much better, preventing the stuffing from becoming a soggy mess.

  
  
• 
  

  Q: How do I prevent dry or soggy stuffing?
  The key is the proper liquid ratio and baking method. Baking covered then uncovered ensures moisture retention and a crispy top.

  
  
• 
  

  Q: Can I bake this inside the turkey?
  For food safety, the USDA recommends that stuffing cooked inside a turkey reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent bacterial growth. It’s not recommended for food safety reasons. The stuffing inside a turkey might not reach a safe internal temperature (165°F / 74°C) before the turkey is done, risking bacterial growth.

  
  
• 
  

  Q: What are popular additions for extra flavor?
  Many people enjoy adding cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced apples, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra flavor boost to their holiday stuffing.

  
  

Conclusion

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of tradition, comfort, and pure holiday joy. With its simple steps and irresistible flavor, it promises to be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, year after year. We encourage you to make this delicious Thanksgiving stuffing recipe a treasured part of your family’s holiday traditions. Get ready to impress your guests and savor every savory, herby bite. Wishing you and yours a joyful and delicious Thanksgiving!

Save

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show

A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe featuring stale bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, baked until golden brown. This savory side dish is perfect for any holiday feast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Oven-safe dish
• Nonstick spray
• Skillet
• Large bowl
• Foil

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread cubes sourdough or French baguette
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 tbsp sage fresh or dried
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an oven-safe dish with nonstick spray.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add onions and celery and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in sage, thyme, and poultry seasoning; cook for another minute.
• In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with stale bread cubes, gradually pouring in chicken broth while tossing gently until evenly moistened.
• Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Notes

For varied texture, consider using a mix of sourdough and French baguette. You can also enhance the flavor by adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Carlos Hernandez

A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine