Name: Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2–3 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp dried sage; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2–2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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If you ask me for the secret to a truly unforgettable holiday meal, I’ll tell you: it’s all about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing. This traditional bread stuffing is pure comfort baked right into every bite, with tender cubes of bread, sautéed onions and celery, a hallmark blend of herbs, and just the right amount of richness from butter and broth. Whether you grew up with this aroma wafting through your childhood kitchen or you’re looking to start a new favorite tradition, this stuffing is the kind of cozy side dish that immediately feels like home.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These time-honored ingredients are what make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing universally loved. Each element plays a vital role, combining to create a harmonious mix of texture, flavor, and that irresistible aroma that signals “holiday” from the very first whiff.

Day-old white bread: Provides the classic texture—soft inside with toasty edges—that soaks up all the flavors without becoming mushy.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables while delivering that nostalgic, buttery taste.
Onion: Infuses every forkful with a gentle sweetness, bringing unmistakable homemade flavor.
Celery: Adds crunch and a savory, fresh note that balances the richness of the stuffing.
Garlic: Delivers depth and a bit of warmth, supporting the herbaceous flavors beautifully.
Dried sage: The signature holiday herb—don’t skip this! It’s key to that traditional stuffing flavor.
Dried thyme: Lends an earthy layer and works hand-in-hand with the sage for classic stuffing taste.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste as you go to ensure it’s just right.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balance to the herbs and vegetables.
Fresh parsley: Gives the dish color and a pop of brightness at the end.
Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: Moistens the bread cubes and infuses everything with savory goodness—use homemade or the best quality you can find.
Eggs: Help bind the stuffing, giving it structure without losing all that fluffy, tender character.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast them for roughly 10 to 15 minutes, giving them a gentle shuffle halfway through, until they’re lightly crisp and ever-so-slightly golden. If time’s tight, you can always dry out your bread cubes overnight by leaving them out on the counter in a bowl—either method sets the stage for perfect texture later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the bread is toasting, take out a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the finely chopped onion and celery, and let them sauté together for 7 to 8 minutes. You’re after softened, fragrant vegetables, not browned—think gentle and mellow. Toss in your minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring for another minute until your kitchen smells absolutely magical.

Step 3: Combine and Moisten

Transfer your toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour over the warm buttery vegetable mixture, scatter in the fresh parsley, and gently stir everything together. Next, whisk the eggs into 2 cups of broth, and pour that over the bread while tossing lightly. The goal is even moisture—if it feels a bit dry, add the extra half-cup of broth, a splash at a time, until the stuffing is evenly moistened but not soggy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon in your stuffing mixture, spreading it out gently. Cover the dish tightly with foil—this keeps the stuffing moist and tender. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy in spots. The kitchen will smell like pure holiday bliss!

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing

Garnishes

Give your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few fresh sage leaves right before serving. The green pop looks inviting against the toasty stuffing and adds a fresh scent that’s hard to resist. For a rustic touch, bring the whole dish to the table straight from the oven—those golden edges are something to show off.

Side Dishes

This stuffing is the ultimate holiday team player. Serve it right alongside roast turkey, cranberry sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, and a ladle of rich gravy. It plays well with green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts for a bit of crunch and color. If you’re mixing it up, it’s also divine with roasted chicken or even as part of a vegetarian holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes, it’s fun to surprise your guests with a twist. Try baking individual portions in muffin tins for cute “stuffing cups” or use the mixture to stuff hollowed-out squash halves for an eye-catching centerpiece. Leftover stuffing also makes a fantastic base for mini breakfast hash—just add a fried egg on top in the morning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, keeping that signature flavor and texture intact.

Freezing

This stuffing freezes surprisingly well! Pack cooled stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating—it’ll taste just as homey and delicious as the day you made it.

Reheating

To bring your stuffing back to its holiday-best, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20 minutes). For a crunchy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. Alternatively, single portions reheat beautifully in a microwave, though oven-baking keeps that irresistible crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

You can absolutely swap in whole wheat bread for a heartier, nuttier version. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor and color slightly—some folks love the extra depth it brings to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing.

Is it okay to make it without eggs?

If you or your guests need to skip eggs, the stuffing will still hold together without them—just use a bit less broth and press gently into the dish before baking.

Can I add sausage, apples, or nuts?

This recipe is a perfect canvas for your own touches. Add cooked crumbled sausage, diced sautéed apples, or toasted pecans and walnuts for extra texture and flavor. These additions blend beautifully without taking away from that authentic Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing vibe.

How do I know if the stuffing is too dry or too wet?

You want the bread cubes to be moist but not sitting in liquid. If squeezing a spoonful yields a drop of liquid, it’s too wet—add more bread. If it crumbles apart, add more broth, a bit at a time, until it holds together softly.

Can I stuff the turkey with this stuffing?

While this recipe bakes perfectly in a dish, it can go inside the turkey as well. Just allow extra cooking time—make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F for safety, and avoid over-packing to maintain that fluffy texture we all love in Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing.

Final Thoughts

If your holiday table is missing that one true, comforting classic, give Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing a try. It’s cozy, soulful, and always steals the show with its irresistible aroma and rich, savory flavor. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested side year after year—this is the kind of dish that brings everyone back together, one delicious bite at a time.

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that is full of flavor and comforting textures. This homemade stuffing recipe features a perfect blend of herbs, vegetables, and bread cubes, creating a savory dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes:

1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 10 cups)

Vegetable Mixture:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

2 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Liquid and Binding:

2–2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until crisp or leave out overnight to dry.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft. Add garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and parsley. Add broth and beaten eggs, tossing gently until combined. Adjust broth for desired moisture.
Bake: Transfer stuffing to a baking dish, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.