Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
If you are looking for that heartwarming, soul-satisfying centerpiece to your holiday feast, nothing quite compares to the classic, time-honored comfort of the Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This stuffing is a beautiful harmony of buttery bread cubes, savory herbs, and tender sautéed vegetables, all baked into a golden, crisp-topped casserole. Every bite tells a story of family traditions and cozy kitchens, making it the perfect companion to your festive turkey. It’s simple yet rich, inviting, and absolutely irresistible—just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in adding texture, flavor, or that unbeatable homemade charm.
- Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups cubed – Using slightly stale or toasted bread helps the stuffing absorb flavors without turning mushy.
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced – Adds a gentle sweetness and savory depth once sautéed.
- Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped – Contributes a fresh crunch and aromatic bite.
- Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary (all finely chopped) – These fragrant herbs bring that unmistakable Thanksgiving spirit to every mouthful.
- Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable) – Keeps the stuffing moist and infuses it with rich, savory undertones.
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted – For that luscious, smooth base that envelops the veggies and bread.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the wonderful 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—if you have the time, let it dry out overnight for the best texture, or toast the cubes lightly to get the perfect crispness. While your bread sets, finely dice the onion and celery, then chop up those fresh herbs so everything is ready for the next steps. This prep work sets the foundation for the flavor-packed layers of your stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add your diced onion and celery. Cook them gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they reach a tender, translucent stage—the smell alone is enough to get your appetite going. A light pinch of salt and pepper here helps to coax out their natural flavors, which will blend beautifully with the bread and herbs later on.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and place your bread cubes inside. Pour the warm vegetable and butter mixture right over the bread, then sprinkle on all those fragrant chopped herbs. Season again with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly add the broth, stirring as you go, until the bread is evenly moist but not soggy—this balance is key to achieving that perfect stuffing texture that’s moist in the middle with a slightly crisp top.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This last stage crisps up the top layer, giving you that golden, crunchy crust that’s a hallmark of any good stuffing. It’s heavenly when you pull it out and smell those rustic, savory aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Serve
Give your stuffing a few minutes to cool; this helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Whether you’re spooning it alongside turkey or presenting it as a star on the holiday table, the satisfying texture and comforting flavors will remind everyone of cherished family gatherings and that irreplaceable home-cooked love found in every bite of this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of toasted pecans on top can add a fresh pop of color and a delightful crunch that brightens this classic dish. For an added festive touch, scatter some dried cranberries for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with traditional turkey and gravy, but also complements roasted root vegetables, green bean casserole, or a crisp autumn salad. The richness of the stuffing balances well with lighter, fresher sides, making your Thanksgiving plate a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist on presentation, consider baking your stuffing in individual ramekins for personal portions or stuffing it inside roasted butternut squash halves. This adds a layer of sophistication and makes serving effortless while delighting your guests with an unexpected and charming display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the best-case scenario), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your delicious stuffing will stay fresh for up to three days, ready to be enjoyed again with minimal effort.
Freezing
To enjoy this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe long after the holiday, freeze portions in well-sealed freezer bags or containers. Properly frozen, it retains its flavor and texture for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes to restore that freshly baked crisp top. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered to maintain moisture, but reheating in the oven keeps that wonderful homemade texture perfectly intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While sourdough and French bread give a great texture and flavor, you can experiment with other breads like challah or whole wheat. Just be sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted so it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with a good-quality vegetable broth to keep all the rich flavors intact while making it friendly for vegetarians. The fresh herbs and butter ensure it remains deeply flavorful.
How far in advance can I prepare this stuffing?
You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and a deliciously crisp top.
Can I add extras like sausage or nuts?
Definitely! Adding cooked sausage or diced apples before baking adds an exciting layer of flavor and texture. Nuts like pecans or walnuts can also be toasted and sprinkled on top for a lovely crunch.
What if my stuffing turns out too dry?
Next time, simply add a bit more broth when combining the ingredients. You want your bread cubes to be moist but not soggy. If it’s already baked and dry, serving it with a drizzle of warm gravy can help bring back moisture and richness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough making this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe a part of your holiday tradition. It’s that perfect combination of nostalgia, rich flavor, and comforting textures that brings everyone around the table. Give it a try and watch it become the star everyone asks for year after year. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
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Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This classic Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe combines crusty bread cubes with sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic fresh herbs, all moistened with rich broth and baked to a golden crisp. It’s a comforting side dish that perfectly complements your festive turkey dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 cups sourdough or French bread, cubed
- 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 and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the bread and allow it to dry overnight or toast it lightly to remove moisture. Finely dice the onion and celery, and chop the fresh herbs carefully.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery, cooking them until tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the bread cubes. Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture over the bread. Add the chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary, then season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Slowly stir in the warm broth until the stuffing is evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and has a crispy texture.
- Serve: Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty side dish alongside your turkey or other favorite holiday dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of broth depending on whether you prefer a moist or dryer stuffing consistency.
- For a richer flavor, optionally add cooked sausage or diced apples to the stuffing before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- 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: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving Stuffing, Holiday Side Dish, Bread Stuffing, Stuffing with Herbs, Traditional Thanksgiving Recipe
