Every family has that one recipe that feels like the heart of the holidays, and for me, it’s Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. The scent of buttery bread cubes mingling with onions, celery, and fresh herbs instantly fills the kitchen with warmth. This dish is golden and crisp on top, yet moist and savory inside—a true taste of tradition. Each forkful feels like a hug from Grandma herself, reminding us why some recipes never fade from the table. This is one you’ll want to pin for your holiday board and return to year after year.
Why You’ll Love It
- Homemade from scratch: Fresh bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and herbs make this stuffing taste authentic and timeless.
- Golden and crispy: The top bakes to a delightful crunch while the inside stays moist and savory.
- Perfect with turkey: A classic companion to roasted turkey and gravy that completes the Thanksgiving spread.
- Easy to customize: Add sausage, nuts, or dried fruit to make it your own.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble a day in advance and bake when ready, saving time on the big day.
- Family tradition: A recipe that brings comfort, nostalgia, and cozy holiday memories.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed sourdough or French bread (stale or lightly toasted)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 3–4 stalks)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread Cut the bread into cubes and let them dry overnight, or toast them lightly in the oven until crisp. This helps the cubes absorb broth without turning mushy.
- Sauté the vegetables In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until tender and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix the stuffing Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs. Gradually pour in warm broth, tossing gently until the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Bake until golden Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy alongside turkey and gravy.
Variations to Try
- Savory sausage stuffing: Add cooked turkey sausage for extra richness.
- Nutty crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Sweet and savory: Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Herb lovers: Increase the sage and thyme for a more fragrant stuffing.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use high-quality bread for the best texture and flavor—sourdough or French bread works beautifully.
- Taste as you go before baking to adjust seasoning to your liking.
- If you prefer extra moist stuffing, add more broth until the bread cubes are soft but not soggy.
- Prepare it ahead of time by assembling everything a day before and baking fresh on Thanksgiving.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day. - Q: What kind of bread works best?
A: Sourdough or French bread gives the best balance of structure and flavor. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread. - Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing is the kind of recipe that brings comfort, nostalgia, and togetherness to the holiday table. With its crisp golden top, savory herb aroma, and moist, flavorful center, it’s a side dish that truly steals the show. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own creative twist, this recipe is one you’ll return to every year. Save this cozy stuffing recipe to your holiday board so it’s ready when Thanksgiving arrives!
