Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving isn’t truly complete without that soulful, aromatic centerpiece: Grandma’s stuffing. This classic recipe, steeped in tradition, brings a comforting warmth and savory depth to your holiday table that only time-honored ingredients can deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Unforgettable Flavor: Savor the golden, crispy edges and a tender, herb-infused interior in every bite.
• Simple & Straightforward: Easy-to-follow steps ensure a perfect batch every time, even for beginner cooks.
• Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe tastes just like the cherished holiday memories from childhood.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: A guaranteed favorite that will disappear quickly from your Thanksgiving spread.
• Versatile Pairing: Complements roasted turkey, baked chicken, or any festive main course beautifully.
• Effortless Preparation: Uses common pantry staples you likely already have on hand, minimizing grocery runs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare much of it in advance, freeing up precious time on the bustling Thanksgiving Day.

Ingredients Needed for the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing

Crafting this iconic dish requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh, crisp vegetables and good quality broth to maximize flavor and texture.

• 1 cup (200g) bread cubes: Day-old bread works best for absorbing the flavorful broth without becoming soggy. Stale white bread, sourdough, or challah are ideal choices.
• 1/2 cup (100g) chopped celery: Select firm, bright green stalks for a refreshing crunch and aromatic base.
• 1/2 cup (100g) chopped onion: A yellow or sweet onion provides a balanced savory depth to the stuffing.
• 1/4 cup (50g) melted butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning precisely throughout the recipe.
• 1 cup (200g) beef broth: Opt for a good quality low-sodium beef broth to control overall saltiness and infuse rich flavor.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried sage: This classic herb offers the most aromatic and traditional stuffing flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried thyme: A classic pairing with sage, providing earthy, slightly floral notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt: Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter or broth. Always taste before adding more.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper always elevates the overall taste profile.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes that are a holiday essential.

Essential Equipment for Homemade Stuffing

Gathering your tools before you begin streamlines the cooking process. You’ll primarily need a good baking dish and mixing bowls for this straightforward recipe.

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your bread and vegetable components thoroughly and evenly.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful liquid ingredients and spices before pouring.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size that ensures even baking and a beautiful golden crust develops.
• Foil: Necessary for covering the stuffing during the initial baking phase to keep it wonderfully moist.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision ensures the perfect balance of flavors and consistent results.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For safely preparing your celery and onion with ease.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Holiday Stuffing

Follow these simple steps to create a truly memorable stuffing. A little attention to detail ensures a perfect texture and incredible flavor that everyone will adore.

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures a consistent baking temperature from the very start, crucial for even cooking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

2. In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, finely chopped celery, and diced onion. Gently toss these together, making sure they are well distributed. This ensures every bite has a mix of textures and flavors.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

3. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm beef broth, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are fully incorporated and the mixture is fragrant.

Step 4: Moisten the Bread

4. Pour the flavorful liquid mixture evenly over the bread and vegetable blend. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands until all the bread cubes are thoroughly and evenly coated. This is key for a moist, tender stuffing. If it seems too dry, a splash more broth can be added, but be careful not to oversaturate.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

5. Transfer the moistened stuffing mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
6. Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on. This steams the stuffing, ensuring a tender interior. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

7. Allow the stuffing to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

CHECK OUT: Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A sweet and savory side that perfectly complements any holiday meal.

Tips for Success with Homemade Stuffing

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly dried-out bread absorbs liquids better, preventing a soggy stuffing. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 300°F (150°C) before using.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just enough to coat the bread cubes with the liquid mixture. Overmixing can break down the bread, leading to a pasty texture.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the liquid mixture before adding it to the bread. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to match your preference.
• Prevent Dryness During Reheating: If preparing ahead, or reheating leftovers, add a splash more broth before warming to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• Achieve Crispy Top: For extra crispy bits on top, you can broil the uncovered stuffing for a minute or two at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this classic recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it truly your own holiday masterpiece.

• Gluten-Free: Easily swap traditional bread cubes for your favorite gluten-free bread to make this dish accessible for all.
• Vegetarian: Substitute beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version that sacrifices no flavor.
• Flavor Boosters: Consider adding diced apples for a touch of sweetness, dried cranberries for tartness, chopped pecans for crunch, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley, rosemary, or marjoram for an even brighter, more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This savory stuffing is the ultimate accompaniment to your holiday feast, a comforting side that pairs beautifully with many main dishes.

• Classic Pairing: Serve alongside a beautifully roasted turkey or chicken for a traditional holiday meal.
• Hearty Sides: Excellent with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green bean casserole, or a tangy homemade cranberry sauce.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Pair with sparkling cider, warm spiced apple juice, or a festive cranberry-orange punch to complete the holiday experience.

Health Benefits of this Traditional Stuffing

Enjoying this Thanksgiving staple can offer some notable nutritional advantages as part of a balanced meal. It’s a satisfying and flavorful component of your holiday plate.

• Fiber: Contains dietary fiber from the bread and vegetables, which aids in healthy digestion.
• Protein: Contributes a good amount of protein, essential for muscle health and promoting satiety.
• Energy: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout your busy holiday celebrations.
• Nutrients: Onions and celery offer valuable vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants.

Each serving of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing delivers approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your delicious holiday stuffing remains fresh and flavorful for days to come, making leftovers a joy.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat covered in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Stuffing

Here are answers to common queries about making this beloved holiday side dish, ensuring your stuffing experience is flawless.

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately, refrigerating them. Then, mix and bake on Thanksgiving Day. Alternatively, assemble the entire dish and refrigerate overnight, baking it fresh when ready to serve.

What kind of bread is best for stuffing?

Stale white sandwich bread, sourdough, or challah are excellent choices. The drier the bread, the better it absorbs the flavorful liquids without becoming mushy, which is key for perfect texture.

How do I prevent my stuffing from being too soggy or too dry?

The key is balancing the liquid and using stale bread. Ensure bread is adequately stale, mix thoroughly but gently, and cover with foil for the initial bake to lock in moisture. Removing foil at the end creates that perfect crispy top.

Can I add meat to this stuffing?

While this recipe is traditionally meat-free, you can certainly add cooked beef or turkey sausage for extra heartiness, if desired. Just be sure any meat additions are fully cooked before mixing them into the stuffing mixture.

Is it okay to stuff the turkey with this recipe?

For optimal food safety, it’s generally recommended to bake stuffing separately in its own dish. If you do choose to stuff a turkey, ensure both the turkey and the stuffing reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria.

More Delicious Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast

Complete your holiday menu with these delightful recipes that pair perfectly with our classic stuffing, creating an unforgettable meal.

• Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays – Achieve a beautifully golden and juicy turkey with a vibrant glaze, the star of your holiday table.
• Sweet Potato Casserole with a Topping Everyone Fights For – This creamy, sweet, and crunchy casserole is a must-have side that offers delightful contrast.
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin That Converts Every Skeptic – Even sprout skeptics will adore this cheesy, comforting gratin, baked to golden perfection.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of tradition, comfort, and cherished memories all rolled into one savory experience. Whip up a batch this holiday season and savor the classic flavors. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delightful recipes!

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