Growing up, my own mother taught me how to make this stuffing. She’d hand me a bowl filled with bread cubes and let me be the one to mix in all the lovely ingredients. I vividly remember the laughter and stories shared while we hovered over the kitchen counter together. Now, as I prepare this dish in my own home, it’s become a link between past, present, and future—tales from yesterday blending with today’s memories, serving as glue for new traditions and stories interwoven with every spoonful.
What I appreciate about this stuffing is its simplicity yet depth in flavor—much like a cherished family member who’s reliably consistent yet always manages to surprise you. It’s the thyme and sage that take you to those cool autumn days, while the onions and celery offer a comforting familiarity. And let’s not forget that glorious golden crust on top, masterfully complementing the soft, savory interior.
This recipe is my little secret weapon whenever I need to unite my family over a shared meal as it evokes all those cherished memories. The kitchen gets abuzz with energy as the bread browns in the oven and the aroma permeates our home. My kids, now old enough to help, get just as excited as I did all those years ago. Sometimes, I even catch them stealing a cube of bread before it’s ready, just as I used to.
So, next time you’re planning a family gathering or just want to treat yourself to some cozy cooking, give this stuffing a try. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition, a memory, a conversation starter. Let it work its charm on your table; I promise it’ll bring warmth to your heart in every bite.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 16 cups Dry Bread Cubes (3 large loaves for homemade)
- 2 cups Onion (diced into 1/2″)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 tsp Sage (fresh or dried)
- 3 tsp Poultry Seasoning
- 2 cups Celery (diced into 1/2″)
- 1 1/2-3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Parsley (fresh for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
Directions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. Slice the bread into cubes, approximately 1/2″ to 3/4″. Lay them on a baking sheet and let them dry in the oven for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Once the bread cubes are dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool. If prepared in advance, store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the onions and celery, cooking them until they become tender, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and salt along with 1½ cups of the chicken broth. Take it off the heat. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir them into the onion mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry bread cubes and sprinkle the chicken broth mixture over them. Gently fold the ingredients, ensuring the stuffing is moist but not saturated. If necessary, add more chicken broth.
- Lightly grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with nonstick spray and spread the stuffing evenly inside. Bake for 45-60 minutes, making sure to stir every 15-20 minutes until it reaches a golden color on top.
- Once completed, take the dish out of the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Revel in this comforting family favorite!
Storing Suggestion:
To store leftovers, place the stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Tips:
If you prefer a wetter stuffing, feel free to add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. For a little extra richness, try adding a tablespoon of melted butter before baking. If you like your stuffing crispy, bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes of the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions:
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken. Consider garnishing with additional herbs like rosemary for an enhanced flavor profile. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad can complement the dish beautifully. Pair with a crisp white wine or iced tea for a refreshing balance.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If thyme isn’t your taste, rosemary can serve as a fragrant alternative. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Gluten-free bread cubes can be used for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this comforting dish without worry.
Seasonal Variations:
Incorporate roasted winter squash or chestnuts to give the stuffing a seasonal twist during the cooler months. In spring, consider adding fresh peas for a pop of color and sweetness. During summer, diced bell peppers offer a delightful brightness and added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of dry bread cubes?
It’s vital to use dry bread cubes as they help absorb the flavors and liquids without becoming mushy. If using fresh bread, dry it in the oven at a low temperature until it’s crisp.
Is it possible to make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bread cubes several days in advance and store them in a cool place within an airtight container. The entire stuffing can be assembled a day ahead, kept in the refrigerator, and baked fresh on the day of serving.
What can I do if my stuffing turns out too dry?
If your stuffing seems dry after baking, gradually add warm broth until desired moisture is achieved. Cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional few minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the extra liquid.
Do I need to use fresh herbs, or can I opt for dried ones?
Fresh herbs always provide a more robust flavor, but dried herbs are convenient and last longer. If using dried herbs, be sure to use about one-third less than the recipe calls for in fresh herbs to avoid overpowering flavors.
Can I freeze cooked stuffing?
Yes, cooked stuffing freezes well. Once it has cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and you can store it in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
How can I customize this stuffing to suit my taste?
The beauty of stuffing lies in its adaptability. Feel free to toss in toasted nuts or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Dried cranberries or apples can introduce a hint of sweetness, providing a delicious contrast to the savory elements.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 16 cups Dry Bread Cubes (3 large loaves for homemade)
- 2 cups Onion (diced into 1/2")
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/2 tsp Sage (fresh or dried)
- 3 tsp Poultry Seasoning
- 2 cups Celery (diced into 1/2")
- 1 1/2-3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Parsley (fresh for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Cut the bread into cubes, about 1/2" to 3/4". Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry in the oven for about an hour, tossing occasionally.
- Once done, take them out and set aside to cool while preparing the other ingredients. If you make the breadcrumbs in advance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Now, raise the oven temperature to 350°F. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion and celery, cooking until they become tender and translucent, which should take about 8 minutes.
- Mix in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, and salt along with 1½ cups of chicken broth. Remove from heat and whisk the eggs in a bowl, stirring them into the onion mixture.
- In a large bowl, combine your dried bread cubes and pour the chicken broth mixture over them. Carefully fold everything together, ensuring the stuffing is moist but not swimming in liquid. If it's too dry, add a bit of leftover chicken broth.
- Coat a 9"x13" baking dish with nonstick spray and spread your stuffing evenly into it. Bake for 45-60 minutes, checking and stirring every 15-20 minutes until it's beautifully golden on top.
- When it’s ready, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this family favorite!
