Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Published: October 29, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor: This stuffing boasts traditional flavors that evoke nostalgia and warmth.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it alongside turkey, chicken, or as a standalone delight.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for everyone.
Serves a Crowd: Perfectly sized for large gatherings, serving up to 15 people.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or herbs to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking dish
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients evenly without spilling.
Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and browning, enhancing the flavor of the stuffing.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

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)

Seasonings

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

Garnish

1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

Begin by drying out your bread cubes if they are not already stale. Spread them on a baking sheet and allow them to air dry overnight or bake them at a low temperature until crisp.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter until frothy.
2. Add the diced onions and celery.
3. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the dried bread cubes.
2. Pour in the sautéed vegetables along with their butter.
3. Add poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth gradually while stirring until evenly moistened. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl before incorporating them into the mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mix into a greased baking dish:
1. Spread evenly across the dish.
2. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm alongside your favorite main dishes!

Enjoy this delightful Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe as part of your holiday celebrations!

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Serving Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is an essential part of the holiday feast. This stuffing pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, enhancing flavors and creating a comforting experience for everyone at the table.

Pair with Roast Chicken

A succulent roast chicken brings a savory flavor that complements the stuffing beautifully.

Serve with Turkey Gravy

Drizzling turkey gravy over the stuffing adds moisture and richness, making each bite delightful.

Enjoy with Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the savory notes of the stuffing, offering a refreshing contrast.

Accompany with Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans add a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft stuffing.

Pair with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes create a satisfying combination when served alongside flavorful stuffing.

How to Perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Perfecting Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

Use Stale Bread: Older bread cubes absorb broth better, resulting in a moister stuffing.
Saute Vegetables: Cooking onions and celery before adding them enhances their flavors and adds depth.
Customize Seasonings: Adjust herbs according to personal preference for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Incorporating chopped nuts or dried cranberries can introduce delightful texture and sweetness.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Ensure you bake until the top is crispy for added contrast to the moist interior.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Complementing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing with side dishes can transform your meal into a feast. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized, these sprouts add a delicious earthy element to your plate.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness alongside your stuffing.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots bring color and sweetness that balance out savory dishes perfectly.
Creamed Spinach: Rich and velvety creamed spinach adds an indulgent touch while providing nutrients.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with grains, nuts, and spices, this dish offers a unique flavor profile that pairs nicely with stuffing.
Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins can serve as an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweet layer topped with crunchy pecans complements savory flavors wonderfully.
Cauliflower Gratin: Creamy and cheesy cauliflower gratin is a decadent side dish that contrasts well with light stuffing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using stale bread: Fresh bread or properly dried cubes ensure the right texture. Opt for bread that is a few days old, or dry it out in the oven.
Skipping seasonings: Not seasoning adequately can lead to bland stuffing. Make sure to use the full amount of spices and herbs recommended in the recipe.
Not enough moisture: Insufficient broth can result in a dry stuffing. Be generous with your chicken broth, adding a little more if needed.
Overmixing: Mixing too much can break down the bread cubes and create a mushy texture. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Ignoring resting time: Letting the stuffing sit before baking helps flavors meld together. Give it at least 10-15 minutes after mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the stuffing to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Freeze the stuffing for up to 2 months in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

What type of bread is best for stuffing?

A mix of white and whole grain bread works well. French or sourdough adds great flavor!

How do I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced apples, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Is this stuffing recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread cubes in Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth will work well if you’re looking for a plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like nuts or fruits. The balance of chewy and moist textures makes this stuffing a perfect complement to your holiday meal. Give it a try this Thanksgiving!

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