Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a time-honored classic that brings warmth and comfort to every holiday table. With its delightful mix of chewy bread, aromatic herbs, and savory flavors, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving and other festive occasions. This stuffing is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for easy adaptations. Whether you’re preparing a big family feast or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Stuffing
• How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Bread Cubes and Seasonings
• Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Classic Turkey Pairing
• Savory Gravy Drizzle
• Side Salad Accent
• Cranberry Sauce Twist
• Stuffing Muffins
• How to Perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Reheating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe special?
• Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?
• How do I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
• Is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless Flavor: This stuffing boasts a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the natural taste of bread, creating a dish everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip this up without a fuss.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This stuffing tastes even better the next day! It’s ideal for sandwiches or served alongside other dishes.
• Feeds a Crowd: With enough servings for 15 people, it’s perfect for large gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: This allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture in the stuffing.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for dicing vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

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)

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onions and celery into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the diced onions and celery. Cook until they are softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Bread Cubes and Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry bread cubes with poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that all bread cubes are seasoned.

Step 4: Add Broth and Eggs

Pour in the sautéed vegetables along with any remaining butter from the skillet. Slowly add chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl then fold them into the stuffing mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty side dish alongside your favorite holiday meals!

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Serving Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some tasty ways to present this classic dish.

Classic Turkey Pairing

• With Roast Turkey: Nothing complements stuffing better than a beautifully roasted turkey. The juicy turkey pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the stuffing.

Savory Gravy Drizzle

• Topped with Gravy: A rich, homemade gravy drizzled over the stuffing adds moisture and depth. It’s a comforting addition that your guests will love.

Side Salad Accent

• With Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad can balance the richness of the stuffing. Choose greens like arugula or spinach with a simple vinaigrette.

Cranberry Sauce Twist

• Served with Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the savory flavors of the stuffing, making it an excellent side option.

Stuffing Muffins

• As Stuffing Muffins: Bake leftover stuffing in muffin tins for individual servings. This fun presentation is easy to serve and great for leftovers!

How to Perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

To ensure your Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs moisture better and enhances flavor. Let your bread cubes sit out overnight before using them.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the taste of your stuffing. They bring a burst of freshness that dried herbs can’t replicate.
• Don’t Skimp on Broth: Adding enough chicken broth ensures your stuffing stays moist. Adjust the amount based on your preferred consistency.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Properly sautéing onions and celery enhances their sweetness and flavor, giving depth to your stuffing mixture.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing can elevate your meal. Here are some popular options that work well together.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the savory flavors of the stuffing.
2. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds crunch and creaminess, making it a favorite alongside Thanksgiving stuffing.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Simple roasted Brussels sprouts add a delicious caramelized flavor that contrasts nicely with the stuffing’s texture.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet potato dish topped with marshmallows provides a delightful sweet contrast to savory stuffing.
5. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn offers sweetness and bright color to your plate, balancing heavier dishes beautifully.
6. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed in honey add a pop of color and flavor, enhancing your Thanksgiving spread.
7. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac ‘n’ cheese is always a hit at family gatherings and pairs wonderfully with hearty stuffing dishes.
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash: For a unique twist, stuffed acorn squash brings seasonal flavors and makes for an eye-catching presentation on any table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, some common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect stuffing every time.

• Using stale bread: Make sure to use fresh or properly dried bread. Stale bread can lead to a mushy texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t overlook the seasonings. They are crucial for flavor; always measure them out for the best taste.
• Not sautéing vegetables: Sautéing your onions and celery enhances their flavors. Skipping this step can result in a bland stuffing.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Gently mix the stuffing to prevent it from becoming too dense. Overmixing can lead to a tough consistency.
• Ignoring broth amounts: The right amount of broth keeps the stuffing moist. Adjust based on how dry your bread is to achieve the perfect balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Pack in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe special?

This stuffing recipe combines classic flavors with a moist texture, making it a cherished dish at holiday gatherings.

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

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

How do I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to add ingredients like sausage, nuts, or dried fruits to create your unique version of this classic dish.

Is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread instead of traditional bread cubes.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is not just delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether you stick to the classic method or add your twist, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any holiday table. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it to make it uniquely yours!