Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Wonderful Comfort

Table of Contents

The smell of Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing baking in the oven is enough to bring the whole family into the kitchen. Crisp golden bread cubes soak up a savory blend of broth, butter, and fresh herbs, filling every corner with holiday warmth. This recipe has been cherished for decades, offering the kind of flavor that feels like home. Whether served inside the turkey or baked in its own dish, Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing is the side dish everyone looks forward to each year.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

This stuffing is hearty, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic. It delivers a crisp top with a moist, tender center that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy. In addition, the recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients but leaves plenty of room for creativity, whether you want to add sausage, nuts, or a touch of sweetness from dried fruit. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that honors tradition while letting you make it your own.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Pantry & Fresh Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Day-old sourdough or French bread, cubed	10 cups
Yellow onion, finely diced	1 large
Celery, finely chopped	2 cups (3–4 stalks)
Unsalted butter, melted	½ cup (1 stick)
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth	4 cups
Fresh sage, chopped	2 tbsp
Fresh thyme, chopped	2 tbsp
Fresh rosemary, chopped	1 tbsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

Flatlay of bread cubes, celery, onion, butter, broth, and herbs for stuffing

Substitutions

You can swap sourdough with cornbread or multigrain loaves for different textures. Moreover, olive oil works instead of butter for a lighter option. For vegetarian or vegan versions, use vegetable broth and dairy-free margarine. Gluten-free bread cubes create an equally tasty option for guests with dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Simple steps to make Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing golden, moist, and delicious.

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your bread cubes by drying overnight or lightly toasting.
Step 2:
Next, melt butter in a large skillet, then sauté onions and celery until tender, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3:
After that, mix bread cubes with sautéed vegetables, herbs, and seasoning in a large bowl. Gradually add broth until evenly moistened.
Step 4:
Finally, transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more until crisp and golden.

Hands mixing bread cubes, onions, and celery for Thanksgiving stuffing

Pro Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

For the best texture, don’t press down the mixture in your pan; leaving space helps steam escape and keeps it fluffy. In addition, taste and season the mixture before baking so flavors balance. Dry your bread fully before combining it prevents sogginess. If cooking inside a turkey, always confirm the stuffing reaches 165°F with a food-safe thermometer from the USDA.

Variations & Substitutions for Grandma’s Stuffing

Add browned sausage for a savory boost, or fold in chopped apples and dried cranberries for sweetness. Pecans or walnuts create crunch, while cornbread changes the flavor profile to something more Southern. Furthermore, for vegan stuffing, olive oil and vegetable broth replace butter and chicken stock. Gluten-free bread works just as well for holiday tables with diverse needs.

Serve Grandma’s Stuffing With

This stuffing shines alongside roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, tart cranberry sauce, and green beans. It also pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. For balance, a fresh cranberry sauce helps cut through richness, as noted by the NIH on healthy holiday meals. A lighter option like what does a chicken salad contain balances the heaviness of the feast.

Plate of Grandma’s stuffing with parsley, turkey, and cranberry sauce

Storage & Reheat

Cool leftovers fully before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To reheat, bake covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. According to the FDA on food storage safety, cooling quickly before refrigeration keeps stuffing safe to enjoy.

Nutrition

Each serving (about 1 cup) contains around 250 calories, 10 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, and 5 g protein. These values may vary depending on bread type or optional add-ins.

FAQs

What are common stuffing mistakes to avoid?

Many cooks use bread that’s too fresh, which can cause sogginess. Skimping on broth often leads to dryness. Another mistake is forgetting to taste the mixture before baking, which risks under-seasoning. Using stale bread, balanced liquid, and a seasoning check will give you great results.

What is the secret to good stuffing?

The secret lies in using high-quality bread and fresh herbs. Stale bread absorbs liquid without falling apart, while herbs like sage and thyme give depth. Adding broth gradually ensures moisture is perfect, and baking uncovered at the end creates a golden, crisp finish.

Who makes the best stuffing for Thanksgiving?

The best stuffing often comes from family kitchens. Passed-down recipes, like Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing, carry tradition and personal touches. The “best” depends on flavor memories, whether it’s a sausage-rich version or one loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Is it better to make stuffing the night before Thanksgiving?

Yes, preparing it ahead saves time and lets flavors blend. Assemble the mixture, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh on Thanksgiving Day. This way, you enjoy convenience without losing the crisp top and soft interior that makes stuffing special.

More Like This

For more holiday-worthy dishes, try what does a chicken salad contain if you want something light alongside the turkey, lemon cakes Great Gatsby recipe for a vintage-inspired dessert, mango cherry protein punch as a refreshing holiday drink, and sweet potato taco bowl recipe for a colorful vegetarian-friendly side.

Save This Recipe for Later

If Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing has you craving holiday flavors already, don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Thanksgiving board, share it with friends, or leave a comment about your favorite variation.