If there’s one dish that brings everyone around the table with smiling faces and warm hearts, it’s the comforting magic of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe. This classic stuffing captures the essence of holiday traditions with its perfectly seasoned bread cubes, tender sautéed celery and onions, and that golden, crispy top that makes each bite pure joy. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or making it for your very first Thanksgiving, this recipe will become a cherished staple that fills your kitchen with aromas of nostalgia and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward, but together they create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and inviting color. From the crunchy bread cubes to the fragrant poultry seasoning, every element plays a key role in making this stuffing truly unforgettable.
- 13–15 cups dry bread cubes: French bread works best here for that ideal chewy yet crispy texture after baking.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Brings a fresh crunch and mild peppery flavor that balances the richness.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once softened and caramelized.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice for warmth.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning: The essential herb blend that gives this stuffing its classic Thanksgiving profile.
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful without being soggy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for a cohesive, sliceable dish.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure your stuffing doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This foundational step might seem simple, but it’s key to a uniformly cooked stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped celery and diced yellow onion and sauté for 10 to 12 minutes until they become fragrant and tender. This step releases wonderful aromas and softens the veggies, creating a flavorful base.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the dry bread cubes with your sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning to distribute the flavors evenly. Then pour in the chicken stock and crack the eggs into the mixture. Gently stir to coat every bread cube, making sure the eggs are well incorporated and the bread soaks up the moisture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top will transform into a golden-brown crust that’s crisp to the touch, locking in all the deliciousness inside.
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your stuffing’s presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top right before serving. Not only do they add a burst of color, but their fresh herbal notes highlight the comforting flavors baked inside.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with a classic roast turkey, gravy, and your favorite cranberry sauce. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green bean casserole, letting the savory and fresh textures complement each other beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This personal touch turns a traditional dish into a delightful and thoughtful starter or side, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, cool the leftover stuffing to room temperature and store it in an airtight container. Properly refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to save stuffing for future meals, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag, sealing tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making holiday prep easier next time around.
Reheating
To bring back that crisp top, reheat stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. For faster results, microwave portions covered with a damp paper towel but keep in mind the oven method preserves the original texture best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While French bread is recommended for its texture, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even a mix. Just be sure the bread is dry or toasted to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to use poultry seasoning?
Poultry seasoning gives the stuffing its signature flavor, but you can substitute with sage, thyme, rosemary, or a homemade blend to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make this stuffing without eggs?
Yes, eggs help bind the stuffing, but if you prefer to skip them, increasing the chicken stock slightly can maintain moisture, or try a flax egg substitute for a similar effect.
How do I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Simply swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and omit any meat drippings. The butter and herbs will still create a delicious, hearty stuffing everyone will love.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top on the stuffing?
Baking uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes helps create that perfect golden crust. For extra crispiness, you can broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug. Every bite carries the essence of tradition, comfort, and family love. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe at your next holiday feast—it’s sure to become a treasured part of your celebrations year after year.
Print
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing is a classic, savory side dish made with crispy French bread cubes sautéed with aromatic onions and celery, then combined with rich butter, poultry seasoning, and chicken stock before being baked to golden perfection. This hearty stuffing pairs beautifully with turkey and other holiday dishes for a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 13–15 cups dry bread cubes (French bread recommended)
- 2 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp poultry seasoning
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
Others
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for the stuffing.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté them for 10–12 minutes until they become fragrant and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dry bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery. Season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and add the two large eggs. Gently stir to evenly coat the bread with all ingredients without crushing the cubes.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly and bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, indicating it is cooked through and perfect for serving.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the stuffing cool slightly before serving as a delicious traditional side for your Thanksgiving turkey.
Notes
- Use stale bread or dry it out in the oven beforehand to achieve the best texture.
- You can prepare the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit eggs or use egg alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your broth.
- This stuffing can also be cooked inside the turkey cavity, but baking separately yields a crispier texture.
