Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for that perfect stuffing to grace your Thanksgiving table, you’ve come to the right place! Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a cherished family favorite that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. It combines savory flavors with a delightful texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. This stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving; it’s great for family gatherings and even cozy weeknight dinners when you want something comforting.

What makes this recipe so special is not just its incredible taste but also how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious stuffing without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Its classic flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance, leaving more time for family and fun on the big day!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices creates an irresistible aroma that will have your guests raving.
• Versatile Dish: This stuffing pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or even as a stand-alone comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that come together to create a delightful stuffing. Here’s 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 parts about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or what flavors your family loves:

• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Spice it up: Incorporate some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes if your crowd enjoys a little heat.
• Go veggie: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Herb upgrade: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or dill for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

First things first—start by cutting your bread into cubes if you aren’t using pre-made ones. Lay them out on a baking sheet and let them dry out slightly. This step helps achieve that perfect chewy texture while absorbing all those delicious flavors during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Celery

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery, sautéing until they become tender and aromatic. This step is crucial because it brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together your dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs

Pour in the chicken broth gradually while mixing gently. Then add the beaten eggs to bind everything together. The moisture from these ingredients helps keep your stuffing lovely and moist while baking.

Step 5: Bake Your Stuffing

Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. This step creates that beautiful crust while keeping the inside deliciously soft.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe warm as part of your holiday feast or any time you crave something cozy!

Enjoy making this beloved recipe; I’m sure it will become a staple in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Making stuffing can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some pro tips to ensure your stuffing turns out perfectly every time!

• Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs the broth better, leading to a moister stuffing with more flavor. Fresh bread can become too soggy and lose that wonderful texture.

• Sauté your vegetables: Cooking the onion and celery in butter before adding them to the stuffing enhances their flavors and adds depth to the dish. This simple step makes all the difference!

• Don’t skimp on seasonings: Seasoning is key! Adjust the amount of poultry seasoning, thyme, and sage based on your taste preferences. Remember, these herbs are what make your stuffing fragrant and delicious.

• Let it rest: Allow your stuffing to sit for a few minutes after baking. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving much easier.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts, cranberries, or even sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture that will impress your guests.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Presenting your Thanksgiving stuffing beautifully can elevate the dining experience for everyone at the table. Here’s how to serve it up with style!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffing.
• Cranberry sauce: A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce on top adds a sweet-tart element that balances out the savory notes of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These crispy, caramelized sprouts bring a delightful crunch and slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the stuffing.

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with gravy-covered stuffing—a match made in comfort food heaven!

• Green bean casserole: This dish adds a crunchy texture with its crispy onion topping while providing a vibrant green color to your plate.

• Sweet potato casserole: The natural sweetness from sweet potatoes combined with a crunchy topping creates a harmonious contrast that works beautifully alongside savory stuffing.

Enjoy serving this comforting dish at your Thanksgiving table—your family is sure to love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Stuffing is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious side dish without all the last-minute stress. You can make it ahead of time, store it properly, and even freeze it for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the stuffing cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the stuffing in a baking dish and add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
• Cover with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different types of bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free options. Just ensure they are dried out well for the best texture.

How can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?

To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. It will still be full of flavor and just as satisfying!

Can I add other ingredients to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Definitely! You can personalize your stuffing by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, nuts, or sautéed mushrooms. Get creative!

Is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time, stored, or frozen for later enjoyment.

How long does Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this stuffing will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones around a hearty meal, and Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe truly embodies that spirit. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a timeless addition to your holiday feast. I hope you enjoy making this comforting dish as much as I cherish sharing it with you. Happy cooking!