Nana’s Heartwarming Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp autumn leaves and cozy memories swirl around this classic thanksgiving stuffing recipe that captures generations of comfort.

Our traditional family’s thanksgiving stuffing recipe carries deep roots of warmth and nostalgia.

Savory herbs and perfectly toasted bread cubes blend into a delectable side dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Passed down through decades, this recipe honors cherished culinary traditions with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Each forkful transports you to grandmother’s kitchen, where love seasoned every carefully prepared dish.

Tender and fragrant, this stuffing transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

Dive into this timeless recipe and recreate the magic of home-cooked comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• White Bread, Sourdough Bread: Provides sturdy foundation for absorbing flavors, choose day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture absorption.
• Whole Wheat Bread: Adds nutty depth and extra nutrition, select fresh bakery bread for best results.

• Onion, Celery: Create flavor base with sweet and earthy undertones, select firm and crisp vegetables for maximum crunch and taste.
• Garlic: Enhances overall savory profile, pick fresh cloves with tight, unblemished skin.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps sauté vegetables, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, select freshly ground pepper for more intense taste.
• Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary: Deliver classic herbal notes, choose fresh herbs for vibrant, aromatic impact.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture, select large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens bread and adds depth, opt for low-sodium versions for balanced seasoning.

Prep Tools For Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining bread cubes and ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for toasting bread cubes evenly in the oven.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions, celery, and garlic with butter.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size for baking the stuffing perfectly.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps keep the stuffing moist during initial baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping herbs and vegetables.

How To Make Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Easily

• Oven Preparation

Warmth fills the kitchen as the oven gently heats. Bread transforms into golden, crispy cubes ready to become a delicious masterpiece.

• Veggie Magic

Butter sizzles in a pan, welcoming chopped onions and celery. Fragrant garlic joins the party, creating a delightful aroma that promises comfort.

• Flavor Symphony

Herbs dance across the toasted bread cubes, blending with the sautéed vegetables. Each ingredient whispers family traditions and warmth.

• Moisture Harmony

Broth cascades over the bread, creating a rich, cohesive mixture. Eggs bind everything together, promising a creamy and luxurious texture.

• Golden Perfection

The baking dish becomes a canvas of culinary art. Covered initially, then unveiled to create a crispy golden top that beckons everyone to the table.

• Celebration Moment

A few moments of cooling allow flavors to settle. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top signal the final touch of love and tradition.

Helpful Tips For Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Crispy Bread Base Trick: Toast bread cubes at a low temperature to remove moisture without browning, creating a perfect texture that absorbs flavors while maintaining a light, airy structure.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Chop fresh herbs right before adding to the stuffing to maximize their aromatic oils and intense flavor profile, giving the dish a vibrant, garden-fresh taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more complex and delicious side dish.
• Dietary Flexibility: Easily convert this classic recipe to gluten-free by using gluten-free bread cubes, or make it vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and adding extra mushrooms for depth.
• Moisture Management: If the stuffing seems too dry, add a bit more broth gradually; if too wet, sprinkle in a few more toasted bread cubes to achieve the perfect consistency that's moist but not mushy.

Serve Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe With Style

• Festive Holiday Plate Pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey, creating a classic thanksgiving centerpiece that brings warmth and traditional flavors to the table.
• Gourmet Garnish Adventure: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped herbs like parsley or sage on top, adding a vibrant green pop and enhancing the stuffing's aromatic profile.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to create a balanced and satisfying holiday meal that delights every palate.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Use remaining stuffing to create delicious next-day sandwiches or stuff into chicken breasts for a creative culinary twist that extends the thanksgiving experience.

Store Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Safely

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the container sealed tightly.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Stuffing can be frozen for 1-2 months, providing quick future meal options without losing taste quality.
• Reheating Success: Warm refrigerated stuffing in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture and restore original texture.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare stuffing mixture one day before baking and store covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add eggs and broth until just before baking to maintain optimal bread consistency and prevent soggy results.

Legendary Grandmas Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing recipe brings nostalgic comfort from generations of family gatherings. Hearty bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and delicate seasonings combine to create a classic side dish that connects hearts around the holiday table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 loaf (16 oz / 453 g) day-old bread, cubed (white, sourdough, or French bread)
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken or turkey broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Bread Preparation: Meticulously spread bread cubes across a baking sheet, dehydrating them in a 250°F oven until completely crisp and dry without achieving color, ensuring uniform texture throughout.
2. Aromatic Base Development: Melt butter in a skillet, gently sauté onions and celery until translucent, introducing minced garlic during the final moments to intensify the foundational flavor profile.
3. Seasoning Integration: Combine toasted bread cubes with sautéed vegetables, thoroughly incorporating parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, ensuring every morsel receives an even distribution of herbs and spices.
4. Moisture Equilibration: Gradually stream warm chicken broth over the bread mixture, folding gently to maintain structural integrity. Whisk eggs into the composition, creating a cohesive binding that prevents dry pockets while maintaining delicate texture.
5. Baking Technique: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover to achieve a golden, crispy surface during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and allow the stuffing to rest for 10 minutes, permitting flavor melding and structural stabilization. Optionally garnish with fresh herb sprigs before presenting to enhance visual appeal and aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Bread Drying Technique: Ensure bread cubes are completely dried but not browned by using low oven temperature around 250°F, spreading them evenly on a baking sheet for uniform texture.
• Vegetable Sauté Secrets: Cook onions and celery in butter slowly until soft and translucent, adding garlic at the last minute to prevent burning and maximize aromatic depth.
• Moisture Management: Add warm broth gradually and mix gently to prevent soggy stuffing, controlling liquid absorption for perfect consistency without making the mixture too wet.
• Herb Balance Tip: Crush dried herbs between fingers before adding to release more intense flavors, and adjust seasoning proportions based on personal preference while maintaining traditional herb blend.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg