Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, classic holiday side dish that brings the whole family together, look no further than Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe. This beloved recipe is bursting with rich flavors and the perfect blend of textures, making your Thanksgiving feast feel truly special and heartwarming.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Timeless family favorite: This stuffing has been handed down through generations, capturing that nostalgic, cozy feeling of every holiday gathering.
Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of sautéed onions, celery, and buttery richness makes every bite irresistible.
Simple ingredients, extraordinary results: You don’t need fancy ingredients—just fresh, quality basics come together to create magic.
Versatile and forgiving: Whether you like it moist or a little crisped on top, this recipe adapts well, letting you customize according to your preference.

Ingredients & Substitutions

At its heart, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe relies on simple ingredients that work in harmony to create a delicious, hearty dish. Each component adds its own essential texture and flavor—from the sturdy bread cubes soaking up savory juices to the aromatic herbs providing that signature holiday magic.

• Dry bread cubes: We recommend a dense bread like French bread because it holds up well and absorbs the flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness for a balanced taste.
• Celery and yellow onion: These veggies add freshness and slight crunch to contrast the soft bread.
• Poultry seasoning: This classic blend brings out the essence of Thanksgiving with hints of sage and thyme.
• Chicken stock: Opt for low sodium to keep the seasoning just right while adding moistness.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together for a perfect stuffing consistency.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Begin by gently sautéing chopped onions and celery in unsalted butter over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because it softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, which adds a wonderful depth to your stuffing’s flavor base.

Step 2: Combine Bread Cubes and Seasonings

Once your veggies are tender and fragrant, pour the buttery mixture over the dry bread cubes in a large bowl. Toss them well to coat every morsel. Then, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, stirring thoroughly so every cube is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Add Stock and Eggs

Next, stir in the chicken stock to moisten the bread mixture and add richness. Crack in the eggs to help bind the stuffing, giving it that perfect, sliceable texture once baked. Mix everything evenly to combine flavors and moisture beautifully.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Transfer your stuffing mix into a buttered baking dish and pop it into the oven preheated to 350ºF. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is a glorious golden brown. This final step ensures the stuffing is warm and perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of moist interior and crispy edges.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or rosemary not only brightens the look of your stuffing but also adds a lovely herbal note that complements the rich, buttery flavors. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish’s presentation and taste just before serving.

Side Dishes

This classic stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes. Add a vibrant green bean casserole or honey-glazed carrots for a festive, balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, try serving the stuffing inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squashes. You can also bake it in individual ramekins for charming single servings that wow your guests and add a personal touch to the Thanksgiving table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for delicious reheated bites throughout the week after the holiday.

Freezing

This stuffing freezes beautifully—just pack it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for optimal texture and moisture retention before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier top, leave the baking dish uncovered for the last 5 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bringing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe to your holiday table is like sharing a warm hug from the past. It’s a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and tradition all in one satisfying bite. I can’t wait for you to make it, enjoy it, and maybe even add it as a new family favorite to your own celebrations!

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 148 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is a classic savory dish featuring dry bread cubes soaked in a rich mixture of sautéed onions, celery, butter, poultry seasoning, chicken stock, and eggs. Baked to a golden brown perfection, this comforting stuffing is perfect to accompany your holiday turkey and bring warm, traditional flavors to your holiday table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Bread Cubes

• 13–15 cups dry bread cubes (about 2 1 pound loaves, preferably French bread)

Butter and Vegetables

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced yellow onion

Seasonings and Liquids

• 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (low sodium recommended)

Other Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender and translucent, releasing their aroma.
3. Combine ingredients: Place the dry bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm butter, onion, and celery mixture over the bread cubes and stir to coat evenly. Add salt, ground black pepper, poultry seasoning, chicken stock, and eggs. Mix thoroughly so all ingredients are well combined and the bread cubes absorb the liquid evenly.
4. Bake the stuffing: Spread the mixed stuffing evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is cooked through.
5. Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or herbs like rosemary before serving. Serve the stuffing warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

---

Notes

• To make your own dried bread cubes, cut bread into 1-inch cubes and let dry in a large bowl for about 48 hours, stirring once or twice daily, until dry but still slightly soft for optimal absorption.
• Pack the bread cubes tightly into measuring cups to ensure accurate volume; loosely packed cubes will lead to insufficient bread and alter the texture.
• If using store-bought crispy bread cubes, use slightly more to compensate for dryness and achieve the right stuffing consistency.
• Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.