Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
If you’re looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving dinner extra special, you’re in the right place! This Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has been passed down through generations and is a cherished part of my family’s holiday celebrations. The combination of tender bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and aromatic herbs makes this stuffing a dish that warms the heart as much as it delights the taste buds.
This recipe isn’t just for Thanksgiving, though! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table. You’ll find that once you try this stuffing, it will become a staple in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this stuffing in no time!
- Family-friendly: The delicious flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy days!
- Versatile flavor: The mix of herbs offers an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what we need!
For the Stuffing
- Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups cubed
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced
- Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks)
- Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary (all finely chopped)
- Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable)
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 250 calories, Carbs: 35g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 2g
Variations
The beauty of this stuffing recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
- Add some sweetness: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apples for a delightful contrast.
- Incorporate nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives an extra crunch and richness.
- Go gluten-free: Swap traditional bread with gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
- Boost the veggies: Add mushrooms or carrots for more texture and flavor.
How to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely dicing your onion and chopping your celery. Sauté them together in melted butter over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant—about 5–7 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your stuffing.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your toasted bread cubes with the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Add in the freshly chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together so every piece of bread is coated with those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Add Broth
Pour in the low-sodium broth gradually while mixing gently. You want the bread to soak up all that savory goodness without becoming mushy. This step ensures every bite is perfectly moist—just how we love our stuffing!
Step 4: Bake
Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil for another 15 minutes to achieve that crispy top we all adore. Baking allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s golden brown on top and smelling heavenly, take it out of the oven! Allow it to cool slightly before serving at your holiday table. Your family will be raving about this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe long after the meal is over!
Pro Tips for Making Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Creating the perfect stuffing can be a delightful experience, and with these expert tips, you’ll make a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
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Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs moisture better than fresh bread, resulting in a stuffing that holds its shape while staying wonderfully moist inside.
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Sauté Your Vegetables: Cooking the onion and celery before adding them to the mixture enhances their flavors, giving your stuffing an extra layer of deliciousness.
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Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavors that elevate the stuffing from ordinary to extraordinary. Make sure to chop them finely for even distribution throughout the dish.
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Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on how dry your bread is, you might need more or less broth. Start with 4 cups, but feel free to add a splash more if it looks too dry before baking.
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Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up, making it easier to serve while retaining its wonderful texture.
How to Serve Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Presenting your Thanksgiving stuffing can enhance its appeal on the holiday table. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish:
Garnishes
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts lend a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complement the softness of the stuffing beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized bites bring a rich flavor and slight bitterness that balances perfectly with the stuffing’s savory notes.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, offering comfort alongside the hearty texture of the stuffing.
- Green Bean Casserole: This dish adds a creamy element with crispy onions on top, creating a delightful contrast in textures at your meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the stuffing and other dishes, providing a refreshing burst of flavor.
With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe will not only be scrumptious but also memorable for everyone gathered around your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the season without the last-minute rush. By preparing it ahead of time, you can ensure a stress-free holiday gathering.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the stuffing to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you have a large portion, consider dividing it into smaller containers for easy access.
Freezing
- Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and contents before freezing.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
- For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!
Can I use gluten-free bread for this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cube it and let it sit out for a bit so it can dry out slightly before preparing your stuffing.
How can I customize this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
Feel free to add different vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, or mix in nuts for added crunch. Adjust the herbs according to your taste preferences too!
Can I make this stuffing without butter?
Yes! You can substitute melted coconut oil or olive oil in place of unsalted butter while still achieving a delicious flavor.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference. Both will impart great flavor!
How do I ensure my stuffing stays moist?
To keep your stuffing moist, avoid overbaking it and consider adding a little extra broth when reheating if it seems dry.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe as much as I do! It carries the warmth of family traditions and fills your home with wonderful aromas that set the stage for cherished memories. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with loved ones around your holiday table—happy cooking!
Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings family together during the holidays. With its tender bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this stuffing not only captivates your taste buds but also fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days. Whether served as a side at Thanksgiving or enjoyed on a cozy weeknight, this stuffing will surely become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 10 cups sourdough or French bread (cubed)
- 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 2 cups celery (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and celery in melted butter over medium heat until soft (about 5–7 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed veggies, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add broth while gently mixing until the bread absorbs the moisture without becoming mushy.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
