Heartwarming Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe For All

Thanksgiving gatherings burst with warmth and nostalgia, especially when classic southern cornbread stuffing fills the kitchen with incredible aromas.

This treasured family recipe brings generations together around the table.

Passed down through decades, the stuffing carries memories of laughter and shared moments.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and love, carefully blending simple ingredients into something magical.

Comfort and flavor merge in this cherished dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable celebration.

Savor every spoonful and let the rich, homemade goodness transport you to cherished family moments.

Why Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Feels Classic

• This classic stuffing recipe brings generations together, recreating cherished memories around the holiday table.
• Swap ingredients like adding sausage or using different herbs to match your family's unique taste preferences and make the recipe your own.
• Simple cooking steps and common pantry ingredients mean anyone can master this delicious side dish without stress or complicated techniques.
• Warm, savory flavors and soft, hearty texture guarantee this stuffing will be a hit with guests of all ages, making it perfect for gatherings and special meals.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Holiday Stuffing

• White Bread Cubes: The foundation of the stuffing that absorbs the flavorful liquid and provides a classic texture.
• Day-Old Bread: Stale bread helps the stuffing maintain its structure and soak up the broth mixture.

• Onions, Celery: These vegetables create a savory base and add depth to the stuffing's flavor profile.
• Poultry Seasoning, Thyme, Sage: A traditional herb blend that brings warm, classic Thanksgiving flavors to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the stuffing.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory character of the stuffing.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help hold the stuffing together and create a cohesive texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the classic stuffing.

Making Thanksgiving Stuffing Like Grandma

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Makers

• Diced onions
• Chopped celery

Cook for about 8 minutes until the vegetables become soft and see-through.

Step 3: Sprinkle in the Spice Medley

• Poultry seasoning
• Thyme
• Sage
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir and let the spices dance and develop their flavors for a minute or two.

Step 4: Introduce the Liquid Love

Pour in chicken broth, creating a flavorful bath for your stuffing.

Step 5: Whisk in the Binding Agent

Crack and whisk eggs, then blend them into the broth mixture, creating a silky base.

Step 6: Create the Stuffing Blend

• Add dry bread cubes
• Slowly pour the broth mixture
• Gently fold everything together

Aim for a moist (not soaked) consistency.

If it looks dry, splash in more broth.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread the stuffing evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide into the oven for 45-60 minutes.

Stir gently every 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and tender interior.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Pull out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Watch your family’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips for Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Add broth gradually to prevent soggy or dry stuffing, ensuring perfect texture by mixing gently and checking moisture levels.
• Toast bread cubes lightly before mixing to enhance nutty undertones and create a more complex taste profile.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same rich flavor and moisture.
• Assemble stuffing the night before and refrigerate, allowing spices to meld and intensify the overall taste before baking.
• Mix in toasted nuts or dried cranberries for added crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory herbs.

Store and Reheat Grandma’s Stuffing the Right Way

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer cooled stuffing to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread stuffing in a baking dish, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place stuffing in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of broth, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Holiday Pairings for Classic Stuffing

• Elevate Thanksgiving Stuffing Pairings
• Harmonize Wine Selection: Choose crisp chardonnay or light pinot noir to complement the herb-rich stuffing's savory profile, cutting through buttery textures while enhancing traditional flavors.
• Match Classic Protein Partner: Roast turkey becomes the ultimate companion, with stuffing absorbing meat juices and creating a perfectly balanced thanksgiving plate that highlights traditional culinary connections.
• Boost Side Dish Companions: Cranberry sauce adds tangy brightness, while roasted brussels sprouts provide caramelized contrast, creating a multi-dimensional flavor experience that elevates the entire meal's complexity.
• Enhance Gravy Integration: Rich, warm turkey gravy drizzled over stuffing creates a luxurious moisture layer, binding all thanksgiving elements together with deep, comforting flavors that celebrate family traditions.

Stuffing Variations Inspired by Grandma

• Gluten-Free Stuffing: Replace bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Herb Stuffing: Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock and use mushroom-based sausage crumbles to add depth and protein, creating a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, savory notes.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Stuffing: Substitute bread cubes with riced cauliflower, keeping the classic herb blend and sautéed vegetables for a lighter, keto-friendly version that reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Stuffing: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the traditional recipe into a Mediterranean-style side dish with bright, tangy flavors.

FAQs

• Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day before and refrigerate. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when ready, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is it okay to use different types of bread?

Absolutely! Sourdough, white, or whole wheat bread work great. Just ensure the bread is day-old and slightly stale for better texture.

• Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and ensure all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. The recipe will still be delicious.

• How can I prevent my stuffing from being too dry?

Add chicken broth gradually and fold gently. If it seems dry, add more broth in ½ cup increments until you reach a moist but not soggy consistency.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing brings nostalgic comfort straight from her cherished kitchen to your holiday table. Generations of family memories blend seamlessly with sage-infused bread cubes, creating a warmly spiced side dish you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 16 cups (3.8 liters) dry bread cubes
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) onion, diced
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) celery, 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 ground black pepper

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups (320 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the traditional stuffing.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, introducing diced onions and celery. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence for approximately 8 minutes.
3. Sprinkle poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly, enabling spices to infuse and develop rich flavors for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stream chicken broth into the pot, creating a fragrant liquid base for the stuffing.
5. Whisk eggs separately, then incorporate them into the broth mixture, blending smoothly to create a cohesive liquid.
6. Transfer dry bread cubes into a spacious mixing bowl. Gently cascade the broth mixture over the bread, folding carefully to ensure even moisture distribution. Assess consistency – the stuffing should feel damp but not waterlogged. Incrementally add more broth if the mixture appears too dry.
7. Coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray. Distribute the stuffing evenly across the surface, creating a uniform layer.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, gently stirring every 15-20 minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning.
9. When the top turns golden and the interior feels tender, remove from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture absorption and prevent soggy stuffing.
• Control liquid carefully by adding broth gradually to achieve perfect consistency without making stuffing wet or dry.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock and use plant-based butter to create a delicious vegetarian version.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate flavor complexity and add aromatic depth to traditional stuffing recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg