If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving stuffing that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a cherished tradition in our family. Each bite brings back memories of laughter, love, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between chewy and moist, sweet and savory, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about this stuffing is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing for a bustling family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this stuffing fits any occasion perfectly. Plus, it can be made entirely from scratch or with some simple shortcuts if you’re pressed for time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this stuffing is beginner-friendly!
Family Favorite: The delightful flavors will have everyone asking for seconds at your holiday table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—no stress involved!
Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of herbs and fresh veggies creates a rich taste that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather around! These wholesome ingredients are what make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe so special. They are all easy to find and come together beautifully to create that classic stuffing flavor we all adore.

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 best things about this stuffing recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or what your family loves best.

Add Some Fruit: Toss in some dried cranberries or apples for a touch of sweetness.
Include Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
Go Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
Spice It Up: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your bread into cubes if you’re not using pre-made cubes. Let them sit out to dry overnight if possible; this helps them absorb all those delicious flavors without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in your diced onions and celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re soft and fragrant—this step really enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your stuffing.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a big bowl, combine your sautéed veggies with the bread cubes. Then add poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Don’t forget those two whisked eggs—they help bind everything together! Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown—this crispy topping is what dreams are made of!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for that beautiful finishing touch. Let it cool slightly before serving, then watch as everyone digs in with smiles on their faces!

Enjoy making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe—it’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Making stuffing from scratch can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you’ll create a dish that your family will cherish for years to come!

Use day-old bread: This helps the bread to absorb the broth and flavors more effectively without becoming mushy. Fresh bread can lead to overly soggy stuffing.
Sauté your vegetables: Cooking the onions and celery in butter before adding them to the mixture enhances their flavor and gives your stuffing a delicious depth.
Let it sit before baking: Allowing your stuffing to rest for about 30 minutes after mixing will let all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Make sure to taste your mixture before transferring it to the oven. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
Consider add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a pop of sweetness, or nuts for an extra crunch. Just be sure they complement the overall flavor profile!

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Presenting Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing in an inviting way not only makes it visually appealing but also heightens the excitement of enjoying this beloved dish.

Garnishes

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness.
Chopped green onions: For a mild onion flavor, add some chopped green onions on top just before serving.
Cranberry sauce: A small side of homemade cranberry sauce offers a tart contrast that wonderfully complements the savory stuffing.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: These crispy, caramelized veggies provide a lovely textural contrast and their slight bitterness balances the richness of the stuffing.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with stuffing; don’t forget the gravy!
Green bean casserole: This comforting dish adds another layer of flavor with its crunchy topping and creamy sauce, making it an ideal match.
Sweet potato casserole: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with savory dishes like stuffing, creating a delightful harmony on your plate.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll have everything you need to create an unforgettable Thanksgiving meal centered around Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving stuffing is perfect for meal prep, making your holiday cooking a breeze. You can prepare it in advance, store it properly, and reheat it to enjoy with your festive feast.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

Cool the stuffing thoroughly before freezing.
Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes your Thanksgiving day much less hectic!

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

A mix of white bread and whole wheat is great for added texture. Stale bread works best as it absorbs flavors without getting too mushy. Just cut it into cubes and let it dry out before using.

How can I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even different herbs according to your taste preferences! It’s very versatile, so play around with ingredients you love.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is truly special because it brings back warm memories of family gatherings and shared laughter around the table. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dish as much as I do! It’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread that everyone will love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create some wonderful memories this Thanksgiving!