Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the heart of any holiday meal, filled with warm herbs, soft bread cubes, and a touch of buttery goodness that brings everyone to the…

By Julia • October 30, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the heart of any holiday meal, filled with warm herbs, soft bread cubes, and a touch of buttery goodness that brings everyone to the table. You can almost smell the perfect blend of sage, thyme, and onion as it bakes to a golden, crispy top while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

I’ve always loved this stuffing because it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a big, comforting hug from Grandma herself. I like to add extra bits of celery and sometimes toss in some toasted nuts for a little crunch, but the classic mix stays true to the memories it creates every year. It’s one of those dishes where every bite reminds me of family laughter and holiday cheer.

My favorite way to serve this stuffing is right alongside the turkey, letting the savory juices soak in just a little. If I’m feeling a bit fancy, I scoop it into individual muffin tins for perfect little portions that everyone fights over. No matter how you serve it, this stuffing is the kind of dish that makes you want to gather around and go back for seconds (or thirds!), making the whole Thanksgiving feel extra special.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bread: Day-old white or French bread works best here. It soaks up the flavors without turning mushy. You can swap in whole wheat or gluten-free bread if you prefer, just toast it well first.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps soften the vegetables. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based margarine or olive oil.

Celery & Onion: These veggies add crunch and sweetness. If you want extra veggie goodness, try adding chopped carrots or mushrooms.

Herbs: Sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley give that classic stuffing taste. Fresh herbs are wonderful if you have them, but dried herbs work well too—just use slightly less fresh than dried.

Broth: Chicken broth gives a savory base. For vegetarians, vegetable broth is a great substitute. Adding more broth slowly helps avoid soggy stuffing.

Eggs: They bind everything together and help the stuffing hold its shape when baking. If you need an egg-free version, a mix of flaxseed and water can work as a binder.

How Do You Get the Perfect Texture—Moist but Not Soggy?

The key here is balancing how much broth you add and how you handle the bread cubes:

• Toast the Bread: Dry bread toasts better in the oven for 10-15 minutes to firm it up. This prevents it from turning mushy when you add liquid.
• Add Broth Slowly: Start with 2 cups, then add more little by little. Stir gently and check the texture often. The bread should feel moist but still hold its shape.
• Cover While Baking: Bake covered with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep moisture in, then uncover to let the top crisp up beautifully.

This way, you get soft insides with a nice crunchy top—a classic combination that makes stuffing so comforting.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet – perfect for sautéing celery, onions, and garlic evenly without crowding.
• Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of space to mix bread cubes with veggies and broth without making a mess.
• Baking dish (about 9×13 inches) – holds the stuffing neatly while baking and helps create a crispy top.
• Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the herbs and liquids just right for balanced flavor and texture.
• Aluminum foil – covers the dish during baking to keep the stuffing moist before crisping the top.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add cooked sausage for a meaty, rich version that’s great if you want extra protein and flavor.
• Stir in chopped apples or dried cranberries to add a sweet contrast that brightens the herb notes.
• Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty touch that adds texture.
• Use mushrooms instead of celery for a deeper, earthier flavor when you want a vegetarian twist.

Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old white or French bread)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How Much Time Will You Need?

This stuffing recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 45 minutes to bake. You’ll toast the bread first, sauté the veggies, then mix everything together before baking covered and uncovered for a perfect balance of moistness and crispy top.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Toast the Bread Cubes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden and dry. Remove from oven and let the bread cool completely.

2. Cook the Vegetables and Herbs:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion, cooking until soft and translucent — about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, add the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook another 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

3. Combine Ingredients and Bake:

In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable and herb mixture. Stir in the fresh parsley and beaten eggs. Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth, gently stirring and adding more broth if needed, until the bread is moist but not soggy. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish and cover loosely with foil.

Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and crisp. Garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

Can I Use Frozen Bread for the Stuffing?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely and spread it out to dry or toast before using. This helps prevent soggy stuffing by removing excess moisture.

How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip any meat add-ins if you choose to include them. The herbs and butter keep it flavorful and satisfying.

Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can mix everything except the eggs and broth, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, stir in the eggs and broth, then proceed as directed.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crispy texture on top.