Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends to come together, share a meal, and create lasting memories. One dish that is often at the center of this festive gathering is stuffing. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a classic that has been passed down through generations. It brings not only fantastic flavors but also nostalgia. Making this stuffing allows you to bring a little piece of your family’s history to your holiday table.

This recipe is classic yet straightforward and is perfect with turkey or as a standalone dish. The wonderful combination of fresh herbs, savory vegetables, and hearty bread creates a comforting taste that feels like home. If you want your Thanksgiving celebration to stand out this year, incorporating this delicious stuffing into your meal can elevate it and give your guests something to rave about. Plus, when your family asks for the recipe after dinner, you can proudly say it’s Grandma’s special recipe!

How to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a straightforward process. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this recipe with ease. Below are the ingredients and step-by-step directions to guide you along the way.

Ingredients

• Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups cubed
• Onion: 1 large, finely diced
• Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks)
• Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary (all finely chopped)
• Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable)
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
• Salt and pepper: To taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Start by cubing your bread into bite-sized pieces. You want them to be about an inch or so high. Let these cubes dry out for a few hours or overnight. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the broth without becoming too mushy.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too much.

3. Add Fresh Herbs: Once the onions and celery are softened, add the freshly chopped herbs—sage, thyme, and rosemary. Stir them into the mixture, allowing them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps release their delicious oils and flavors.

4. Combine with Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Make sure to toss everything well so that the bread is coated with the buttery mixture.

5. Pour in Broth: Gradually add the low-sodium broth to the bread mixture. Start with about two cups, then stir. Keep adding broth until the bread is moist but not soggy. You might not need to use all four cups.

6. Season: Taste your mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the broth can be salty, so it’s wise to add a little bit at a time.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

How to Serve Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Once your stuffing is out of the oven, the aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible. The perfect way to serve it is hot, straight from the baking dish. You can place it alongside your turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

Consider garnishing the stuffing with a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top for presentation. This not only makes it look beautiful but adds to the wonderful herbal aroma.

If your guests enjoy it, you can also serve some additional broth on the side for those who like a bit of extra moisture in their stuffing. Each bite should taste like a slice of Thanksgiving history.

How to Store Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! You can easily store the stuffing to enjoy later. Follow these simple steps:

1. Cooling: Allow the stuffing to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from building up in your storage container.

2. Store: Transfer the stuffing into an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to three days.

3. Freezing: If you want to keep the stuffing longer, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last for up to three months. Remember to label your container with the date!

4. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If it seems dry, you can sprinkle a little broth or water over the top to moisten it before reheating.

Tips to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs will make a big difference in flavor. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs truly capture the essence of stuffing.
• Customize Your Bread: Different types of bread will change the flavor and texture of the stuffing. Feel free to mix different kinds of bread, like adding a bit of rye or whole wheat, for extra flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply complete all the instructions up until the baking step. Cover and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it on Thanksgiving day.
• Add Extras: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding fruits like apples or cranberries, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for an interesting texture and flavor.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the bread and broth mixture, mixing too firmly can break down the bread and make it mushy. Gently folding the ingredients helps maintain a good texture.

Variation

This stuffing recipe is quite versatile. Some variations that you may enjoy include:

• Sausage Stuffing: Brown some sausage in the skillet before adding onions and celery for a savory twist.
• Vegetarian Stuffing: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and consider adding mushrooms for added depth.
• Fruit and Nut Stuffing: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins and nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a more festive touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes! If you or your guests need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Just ensure it’s stale before you use it for the best results.

2. Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount listed for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more potent.

3. Can I cook the stuffing inside the turkey?
Yes! If you prefer traditional turkey stuffing, you can cook it inside the turkey. Make sure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

4. Can I freeze the stuffing before I bake it?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing and freeze it before baking. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking. Adjust your cooking time if it’s still a bit cold.

5. How long can I keep leftover stuffing in the fridge?
You can store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Following this guide, you can create a heartwarming dish that your family and friends will look forward to every Thanksgiving! With its delightful combinations of flavor and texture, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is bound to become a beloved staple at your holiday table. Enjoy every comforting bite, and remember, food tastes better when shared with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Print Recipe

A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with a comforting mix of herbs, vegetables, and bread, perfect as a side or standalone dish.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups cubed bread (sourdough or French)
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cups finely chopped celery (about 3–4 stalks)
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cube your bread into bite-sized pieces and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the finely chopped herbs and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine with Bread: In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and herbs.
5. Pour in Broth: Gradually add the broth to the bread mixture until it’s moist, but not soggy.
6. Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing different types of bread or adding fruits and nuts.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg