Description
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic American holiday side dish featuring toasted bread cubes combined with a flavorful mix of butter, sautéed onions, celery, aromatic herbs, and broth. Baked until golden and moist, this traditional stuffing recipe brings comforting and savory flavors to your festive table, with an optional fresh parsley garnish for a burst of color.
Ingredients
Scale
Stuffing Base
- 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white or sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2½–3 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10–15 minutes until they are lightly crisp. Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables and Seasonings: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 7–8 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried sage, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning. Continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes to release the aromas, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the butter and vegetable mixture over the toasted bread cubes. Add the beaten eggs and 2½ cups of broth to the bowl. Gently stir to evenly moisten the bread. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add more broth until the texture is soft but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the combined stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving warm as a comforting and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving or other festive meals.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it; just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- For a twist on the classic, add cooked sausage, diced apples, or dried cranberries to the mixture before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use day-old bread for better texture, as fresh bread can become too soggy.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
