Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a classic stuffing recipe, and this one, passed down from Grandma, is a timeless favorite. Made with simple ingredients and packed with comforting flavors, this stuffing is moist on the inside with a deliciously golden, crispy top. Whether you’re serving it at a large family gathering or a small, cozy dinner, this homemade stuffing recipe will surely be the star of your holiday table.

Why Homemade Stuffing is Special for Thanksgiving

What sets Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing apart is the use of homemade breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, giving it a rich depth of flavor and texture. Unlike boxed or pre-made versions, homemade stuffing allows you to control every element – from the type of bread used to the seasonings, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and delicious. It’s also versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps to cater to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

Here’s everything you need to make this beloved dish. Be sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting, to streamline the cooking process.

Homemade Breadcrumbs for Stuffing:

• 16 cups Dry Bread Cubes – about 3 large loaves of bread (homemade or store-bought)

Ingredients for Grandma’s Stuffing:

• ½ cup Butter (for sautéing the vegetables)
• 2 cups Onion – diced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 cups Celery – diced into ½-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons Poultry Seasoning (a blend of sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and black pepper)
• ½ teaspoon Thyme – fresh or dried
• ½ teaspoon Sage – fresh or dried
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 2 large Eggs (acts as a binder for the stuffing)
• 1 ½ to 3 cups Chicken Broth – you can substitute vegetable stock if preferred
• 1 tablespoon Parsley – fresh, chopped, for garnish

this RECIPE

How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs for Stuffing

Fresh homemade breadcrumbs are key to the best stuffing texture. Here’s a quick guide to preparing them.

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Using a serrated bread knife, cut the bread into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, tossing them occasionally to ensure they dry out evenly. The bread should be crisp and lightly browned but not overly hard.
4. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week if preparing in advance.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Now, let’s get started on the main event: Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Stuffing.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, stirring occasionally. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent – this should take around 8 minutes.
3. Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Let the spices blend into the softened vegetables for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, stirring gently to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add them to the vegetable and broth mixture. Stir well to incorporate.
6. Place your dry bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable-broth mixture over the top of the bread cubes and gently fold to combine. The bread should absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. If the mixture looks dry, add more broth, up to ½ cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and spread the stuffing evenly into the dish.
8. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring the stuffing every 15-20 minutes to ensure even baking. The top should be lightly golden and crispy.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture in Stuffing

To achieve the perfect stuffing texture, the key is to ensure the bread cubes are adequately dried and the liquid balance is just right. Here are some tips:

• Dry bread cubes are essential – if your bread is still soft, the stuffing may turn mushy.
• Don’t drown the bread – add the broth gradually, ensuring there is no standing liquid before baking.
• Stir occasionally – stirring the stuffing halfway through baking helps the bottom layers dry out evenly.

Serving Suggestions for Grandma’s Stuffing Recipe

This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad. The stuffing’s savory flavor also complements lighter sides like cranberry sauce or steamed green beans.

Variations on Classic Stuffing

While Grandma’s recipe is a classic, there are several variations you can try to mix things up:

• Add dried fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
• Nuts for crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be folded into the stuffing for added texture.
• Different bread choices: Try using cornbread or sourdough for a distinct flavor twist.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need to prepare this dish:

• Serrated bread knife
• Baking sheet
• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Non-stick cooking spray

How to Store Leftover Stuffing

Leftover stuffing can be just as delicious the next day if stored properly. Allow the stuffing to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

If you wish to freeze the stuffing, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs on Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing up to a day ahead. Just store the uncooked mixture in the refrigerator and bake it fresh on the day of serving.

Can I freeze stuffing?
Yes, cooked stuffing freezes well for up to one month. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

How do I know if my stuffing is too dry?
If the bread cubes aren’t moist enough, slowly add more broth while folding the mixture together, but avoid adding too much liquid to prevent sogginess.

conclusion

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the perfect way to bring warmth and tradition to your holiday table. Its simple yet savory ingredients make it a classic that everyone will love. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your family and friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more timeless recipes!

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