Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Name: Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian Bread, cubed and dried overnight; 1 cup Celery, chopped; 1 cup Onion, chopped; 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dried Sage; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 4 Large Eggs, lightly beaten; 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

BY :

Amaya

Posted On :

September 24, 2025

DINNER

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the comforting aroma of Grandma’s stuffing wafting from the oven. This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations, brimming with flavor and tradition. It’s the kind of stuffing that evokes warm memories of family gatherings, laughter around the table, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal. This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it’s a story, a legacy, a taste of home. The perfectly toasted bread cubes, the fragrant blend of herbs, the succulent savory vegetables – all come together to create a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Get ready to experience the magic of Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing, a recipe that’s sure to become a treasured part of your own Thanksgiving traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned Thanksgiving chef or a first-timer looking for a foolproof recipe, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a stuffing so delicious, it will be the talk of the Thanksgiving table.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. The base recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add some sausage or cranberries? Go for it! Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The possibilities are endless! Secondly, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of fresh herbs, savory vegetables, and perfectly toasted bread creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The herbs, especially the sage and thyme, add a unique depth that complements the other flavors beautifully. Thirdly, it’s easy to make. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and simple to follow. The detailed instructions make it foolproof, minimizing the chance of any mistakes. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it’s a recipe that makes memories. The warmth and nostalgia it evokes are priceless, transforming a simple side dish into a cherished tradition that you can pass on to your own family for years to come. Just imagine the happy faces around your table as everyone savors every bite of this delicious stuffing. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Consider adding this to your Thanksgiving feast for an elevated traditional dish!

Why You Should Try This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

There are countless stuffing recipes out there, but Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing stands apart for its unique combination of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and exquisite taste. You won’t find any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here; just fresh, wholesome ingredients, skillfully combined to create something truly special. Trying this recipe is an opportunity to experience a taste of Thanksgiving tradition, a culinary journey that connects you to the heart of the holiday. It’s a chance to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving past and create new memories to cherish for years to come. This isn’t just about making stuffing; it’s about creating a connection to your family history, to the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals, and to the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a recipe guaranteed to become a staple on your Thanksgiving table, year after year. It’s the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey and all the other delicious dishes. Preparing this will elevate your Thanksgiving meal to something truly exceptional!

Ingredients and Utensils for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This section details the ingredients and utensils you’ll need to make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing. Accurate measurements and quality ingredients are key to success. Preparing ahead of time will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Ingredients:

1 pound Italian bread, cubed: Choose a sturdy Italian bread; its texture holds up well during baking. Cubing the bread should be done at least a day before, allowing it to dry thoroughly. This prevents a soggy stuffing. Keyword: Bread cubes
1 cup chopped celery: Fresh celery adds a crispness and subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Keyword: Fresh celery
1 cup chopped onion: Yellow onion is traditional, but you can experiment with white or even red onion for a different flavor profile. Keyword: Chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides brightness and a vibrant green color to the stuffing. Keyword: Fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage is a quintessential Thanksgiving herb. Its earthy aroma adds a warm, comforting touch. Keyword: Dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme complements the sage and adds a hint of lemony aroma. Keyword: Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for maximum flavor impact. Keyword: Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt: Use kosher salt for better control of saltiness. Taste and adjust as needed. Keyword: Salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the stuffing. Keyword: Unsalted butter
4 large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs bind the stuffing and add richness. Keyword: Beaten eggs
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option): Chicken broth adds depth of flavor, while vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly. Keyword: Chicken broth, Keyword: Vegetable broth

Utensils:

Large skillet: For sautéing the celery and onions.
Large bowl: For mixing the stuffing ingredients.
9×13 inch baking dish or similar sized roasting pan: To bake the stuffing.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and herbs.
Aluminum foil (optional): To cover the stuffing if it browns too quickly.

Detailed Steps for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Follow these steps for the perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. Remember, precision and attention to detail are key to creating a delicious and memorable dish.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the stuffing bakes evenly and to a perfect golden brown. This is a crucial first step.
Prepare the bread: If you haven’t already dried your bread cubes overnight, toast them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are completely dry and slightly crisp. This prevents a soggy stuffing. Avoid using fresh bread.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender-crisp.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cooked celery and onion, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to distribute the herbs and seasoning evenly. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Add the eggs: Add the lightly beaten eggs to the bread mixture and stir gently to combine. The eggs act as a binder, holding the stuffing together. Don’t overmix.
Add the broth gradually: Gradually pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring constantly until the bread is evenly moistened. Avoid adding too much broth at once; you want the bread to be moist but not soggy. The mixture should hold its shape.
Bake the stuffing: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized roasting pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the stuffing to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Serving warm is best, but leftovers are excellent as well!

Tips and Variations for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This section offers tips to avoid common stuffing mistakes and explores delicious variations to personalize your Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. Experimentation is key to making this recipe your own.

Don’t over-soak the bread: This is the most common mistake. Add the broth gradually and stop when the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, you may need to adjust the quantities.
Add protein: Enhance your stuffing with cooked sausage, ground meat, or even shredded chicken. Keyword: Sausage stuffing
Add sweetness: Dried cranberries or chopped apples add a touch of sweetness and tartness that balances the savory flavors. Keyword: Cranberry stuffing
Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice adds warmth and depth. Keyword: Spiced stuffing
Make it vegan: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure your butter is vegan. Consider adding nuts or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Keyword: Vegan stuffing
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread cubes. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Bake it in the turkey: For extra flavor and moistness, bake the stuffing inside the turkey during the last hour of cooking. Make sure to adjust cooking times.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

While the exact nutritional values depend on the specific ingredients used, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing generally provides a good source of carbohydrates from the bread, fiber from the vegetables and herbs, and protein from the eggs. The herbs offer various health benefits. The nutritional profile makes it a filling and satisfying side dish, but moderation is always key.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings): These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Consult a nutrition calculator for more accurate information.

Calories: Approximately 250-300
Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
Fat: Approximately 12-15 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
Fiber: Approximately 3-4 grams

Benefits of Ingredients:

Celery: Low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Onion: Contains antioxidants and beneficial compounds.
Parsley: A good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
Sage: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Thyme: Rich in antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make the stuffing?

You can prepare the stuffing ingredients up to a day in advance. Store the combined stuffing mixture in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Can I freeze Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffing for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking, adding a bit more broth if needed.

What kind of bread is best for stuffing?

A sturdy bread like Italian or sourdough works well. Avoid overly soft or delicate breads that will become mushy.

How do I know when the stuffing is done?

The stuffing is done when it’s golden brown on top and heated through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add other vegetables to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop them to a similar size as the celery and onions.

In conclusion, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition, a taste of home, and a guaranteed way to impress your guests this Thanksgiving. This detailed guide has provided you with everything you need to create a stuffing that’s both delicious and memorable. Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know in the comments how it turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and pin it to your Thanksgiving board on Pinterest! Check out our Pinterest board for more delicious Thanksgiving ideas! Happy Thanksgiving!

For more delicious Thanksgiving recipes, you might enjoy our Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Cinnamon Sugar or our Best Pumpkin Pie recipe! And if you’re looking for some fun spooky treats for Halloween, you can check out our Halloween Deviled Eggs or our Halloween Dirt Cups.