Name: Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups cubed sourdough or French bread; 1 large onion, finely diced; 2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 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 (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly heartwarming and timeless about a classic stuffing that carries the love and tradition of family gatherings. This Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has been a treasured part of holiday meals for generations, combining simple, fresh ingredients to create a comforting side dish bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Its perfect blend of tender bread, savory herbs, and rich butter makes it the ultimate companion to turkey or any festive feast, promising a dish that feels like a warm hug from Grandma herself.

Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. Each element is simple yet crucial, contributing to the wonderful texture, depth of flavor, and beautiful aroma that makes this stuffing unforgettable.

Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups cubed – Use day-old bread for the right dryness to soak up all the flavors without becoming mushy.
Onion: 1 large, finely diced – Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks) – Brings a fresh crunch and balances the softness of the bread.
Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary): 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary, all finely chopped – These herbs infuse the stuffing with that signature earthy, fragrant flavor.
Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable) – This moistens the bread perfectly, making every bite tasty and tender without being soggy.
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their sweetness.
Salt and pepper: To taste – Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube your choice of sourdough or French bread, then let it dry out overnight or toast it lightly. This step is crucial for that perfect stuffing texture. Finely dice your onion, chop the celery, and gather your fresh herbs, making sure everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it gently bubbles. Toss in the finely diced onion and celery, cooking them until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Lightly season with salt and pepper here so the veggies release their natural flavors, which will meld beautifully with the bread later.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Place your cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables over it, then sprinkle in the chopped sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season again with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Now, slowly add the warm broth, stirring gently until the bread is moistened evenly but not soggy – this step brings everything together wonderfully.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top develops a gorgeous golden crust that offers a delightful texture contrast.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the stuffing cool slightly. This little pause allows the flavors to settle perfectly. Serve as a savory side next to your turkey or as part of your festive spread—each forkful is like a loving nod to tradition.

How to Serve Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra herbs on top can brighten the plate and add a pop of color. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of melted butter or a handful of toasted nuts can elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs stunningly with roasted turkey, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes, creating a harmonious ensemble of flavors and textures that complement one another beautifully at the dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try serving the stuffing in small individual ramekins or inside hollowed-out bell peppers. It’s a charming way to present this classic side while adding a modern flair to your holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their delicious flavor and texture for up to three days, perfect for a quick holiday lunch or dinner addition.

Freezing

This Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in, then uncover for a few minutes to crisp the top. This method keeps the texture as satisfying as the first day.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread in this stuffing?

Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread is traditional, you can use any day-old bread you prefer. Just ensure it’s not too soft or fresh to avoid a mushy texture in your stuffing.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a rich, flavorful stuffing full of comforting aromas and tastes.

How can I add extra flavor to this stuffing?

For more depth, consider adding cooked sausage, diced apples, walnuts, or even dried cranberries to the mixture before baking. These additions provide a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time and bake it later?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh on the day of your meal. This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

What is the ideal consistency for stuffing before baking?

The mixture should be moist but not soggy – when you squeeze it lightly, it should hold together without dripping broth. Adjust the broth quantity gradually to get this perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has stood the test of time—it’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. Every step brings you closer to a dish that feels like home and family all in one bite. I truly encourage you to try making it this holiday season and watch it become a new tradition at your table, just like it has been in mine.

Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A classic and comforting Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe featuring cubed sourdough or French bread combined with sautéed onions, celery, fresh herbs, and moist low-sodium broth, then baked to a golden brown perfection. Perfect as a savory side dish for your holiday feast.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the bread and allow it to dry out overnight or toast it lightly for better texture. Finely chop the onion, celery, and fresh herbs to prepare them for cooking.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and chopped celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Combine Ingredients: Place the dried bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture over the bread. Add the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Gradually pour in the warm broth while gently stirring until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
Bake: Transfer the stuffing mix into a greased baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving. This savory side pairs perfectly with turkey and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Notes

Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred stuffing consistency; less broth for a drier stuffing, more for a moister result.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding cooked sausage, diced apples, or toasted nuts to the mixture before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American