Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ve landed in the right place! Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is one of those cherished family favorites that makes every holiday gathering feel special. The blend of flavors and textures in this stuffing is simply irresistible, and the scent wafting through your kitchen will remind you of cozy family dinners.

This stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any family gathering where you want to serve something warm and delightful. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it a yearly tradition, I promise this recipe will steal hearts and fill bellies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice cooks can whip this up without a hitch.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting flavors that remind them of home.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep ahead of time so you can enjoy more time with loved ones on the big day.
• Deliciously Flavorful: A perfect balance of savory herbs and buttery goodness makes this stuffing truly delectable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up some simple, wholesome ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! These items are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a dish that everyone will love.

For the Stuffing:

• 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups onion (1/2 diced)
• 2 cups celery (1/2 diced)
• 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

One of the great things about this stuffing is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and personalize it according to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the bread: Use cornbread or whole grain bread for a different flavor profile.
• Add fruits or nuts: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a delightful twist.
• Herb it up: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano to mix things up a bit.
• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your bread into cubes. If you’re using fresh bread, let them sit out overnight to dry out slightly. This helps achieve that perfect chewy yet moist texture. If you’re short on time, store-bought dry bread cubes work just as well!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your butter. Add the onions and celery, cooking until they’re soft and translucent. This step is crucial because sautéing enhances their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for your stuffing.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a big bowl, combine your sautéed veggies with the bread cubes. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until all the bread is coated with those delicious seasonings.

Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs

Pour in your chicken broth slowly while stirring. Then add in the beaten eggs. The broth keeps everything moist while the eggs act as a binding agent, so don’t skip this step! Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Removing the foil halfway through allows it to crisp up on top—just how we like it!

Step 6: Serve with Love

Once golden brown, let your stuffing cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve it warm alongside your favorite holiday dishes and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!

I hope you enjoy making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe as much as I do! It’s more than just food; it’s about sharing warmth and love around the table. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Making stuffing can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure that your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing turns out perfectly every time!

• Use stale bread: If you have leftover bread, let it sit out for a day or two to dry out. Stale bread absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings better and adds a more robust texture to your stuffing.

• Sauté vegetables in butter: Cooking the onions and celery in butter before mixing them into the stuffing enhances their flavors. This step adds a rich depth of taste that makes your stuffing truly stand out.

• Taste as you go: Before baking, take a small spoonful of the stuffing mixture to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. This ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and meets your flavor preferences.

• Don’t overmix: When combining all ingredients, gently fold them together instead of stirring aggressively. Overmixing can lead to a mushy texture—aim for a light hand to keep that ideal balance of chewy and moist.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your stuffing to sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in an even tastier dish when served.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Presenting your Thanksgiving stuffing beautifully can elevate your holiday dinner. Here are some ideas on how to showcase this classic dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making your stuffing visually appealing.
• Sliced green onions: These add both flavor and crunch, providing a nice contrast to the soft texture of the stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their crispiness complements the soft texture of the stuffing while providing a slightly bitter contrast that balances the meal.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these potatoes pair wonderfully with stuffing, allowing guests to enjoy both together in each bite.

• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the savory richness of the stuffing and turkey, adding a refreshing element to each mouthful.

• Green bean casserole: This classic side brings together tender green beans with creamy mushroom soup, making it a delightful addition alongside Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress everyone at your holiday table! Enjoy every moment spent with family and friends as you share this timeless recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance or store any leftovers to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep your stuffing fresh and flavorful for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve used a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the stuffing cool completely and then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label each bag with the date and contents, and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• Consider freezing in individual portions for easy reheating later!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For oven reheating, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.

Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for every egg. This will help bind the ingredients together just like eggs would.

How do I ensure my Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe turns out moist?

To achieve a moist stuffing, be sure to add enough chicken broth gradually while mixing until you reach your desired consistency. It’s important not to drown the bread cubes—just enough to soak them well!

What type of bread works best for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

A mix of whole grain and white bread works wonderfully! The variety adds texture and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite types of bread.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes! For a vegetarian-friendly option, vegetable broth is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor in your stuffing.

How can I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. Just keep an eye on moisture levels as you mix in new additions!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your Thanksgiving table! There’s something truly special about sharing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing with loved ones—it’s a comforting reminder of cherished family traditions. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists! Happy cooking!