Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table, look no further than Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This beloved dish has been passed down through generations, filled with love and tradition. The combination of chewy bread, aromatic herbs, and savory broth creates a flavor profile that will warm your heart and remind you of family gatherings.

Not just for Thanksgiving, this stuffing can elevate any meal—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes and makes for an excellent side dish year-round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity at Its Best: With straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up without feeling overwhelmed.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Everyone loves stuffing! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance, saving time on the big day!
• Comfort Food Classic: Each bite is packed with nostalgia and warmth; it feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes this stuffing so special. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already! Let’s dive into what you’ll need for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.

For the Base

• 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)
• 1/2 cup butter

For the Vegetables

• 2 cups onion (1/2 diced)
• 2 cups celery (1/2 diced)

For Seasoning

• 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

For Binding

• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about this stuffing recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or dill for different flavor profiles.
• Go Veggie: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Fruit Twist: Add some dried cranberries or apples for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your bread into cubes and letting them dry out. This step is crucial as it helps the bread absorb all those delicious flavors later on without becoming mushy. If you’re short on time, you can toast the cubes lightly in the oven until they’re golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your diced onions and celery. Sauté them until they become tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your stuffing.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine your dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Then add in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth gradually while gently tossing everything together so that every piece of bread gets coated.

Step 4: Bind with Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs before adding them to your stuffing mixture. The eggs act as a binder and give the stuffing its fluffy texture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined—this ensures each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. This final step creates that beautiful crispy layer that everyone loves!

And there you have it! Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is ready to be served alongside all your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Making stuffing can be a delightful, aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and memories. Here are some pro tips to ensure your stuffing is as comforting as Grandma’s!

• Choose the Right Bread: Using a combination of bread types, such as sourdough and whole wheat, adds depth of flavor and texture to the stuffing. The variety will keep it interesting and complement the other ingredients beautifully.
• Let the Bread Dry Out: Ideally, allow your bread cubes to dry for at least a day before using them. This helps them absorb the broth without becoming mushy, resulting in a perfectly balanced stuffing.
• Sauté Your Vegetables: Sautéing onions and celery in butter before adding them to the mixture enhances their flavors. This step brings out their sweetness and ensures they blend harmoniously with the rest of the ingredients.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: The right amount of seasoning is crucial for a flavorful stuffing. Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust based on your personal preferences or experiment with additional herbs for extra zest.
• Bake it Just Right: Cover your stuffing with foil during the first half of baking to retain moisture, then uncover it for the last 20 minutes. This allows for a deliciously crispy top while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Presentation is key when serving this classic dish at your Thanksgiving table! Here are some ideas to make it look as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both the appearance and flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: Serve a small dish of cranberry sauce alongside for guests to add a sweet-tart contrast to the savory stuffing.
• Chopped Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide an appealing crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with traditional stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized adds vibrant color and earthy flavors that complement your stuffing.
• Green Bean Casserole: This creamy side dish brings both texture and richness to the table. The crunchy onion topping contrasts beautifully with the soft green beans.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. They create a comforting base that pairs perfectly with gravy poured over both potatoes and stuffing.
• Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash soup serves as an elegant starter that offers a hint of sweetness, setting the tone for your festive meal ahead.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! Enjoy every moment of this cherished holiday tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you like a crispy top.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of bread for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe traditionally uses white bread, feel free to mix in whole grain or sourdough for added flavor and texture. Just ensure that the bread is dry enough to absorb the broth nicely.

How do I adjust Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe for a smaller group?

To serve fewer people, simply halve the ingredient quantities. This recipe is quite forgiving, so you can adjust seasonings according to your taste while keeping the same delicious result.

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

Yes! If you’re looking for an egg-free version, simply omit the eggs and increase the amount of broth slightly to help bind the stuffing together.

What can I add to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe for extra flavor?

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique twist on this classic dish. Fresh herbs also enhance its flavor beautifully!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining me in making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! This delightful dish brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table, filled with love and cherished memories. I hope you enjoy preparing it as much as my family does. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations; I’d love to hear how your stuffing turns out!