Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has been a cherished family favorite for years. It brings together the perfect mix of chewy bread, savory herbs, and a touch of sweetness. This dish is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s great for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or any occasion where you want to serve up something comforting and delicious.

What truly makes this stuffing special is its versatility. You can prepare it from scratch or take a few shortcuts if you’re short on time. No matter how you make it, this stuffing will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and create memories around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this stuffing ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good stuffing! It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance, making your holiday cooking easier and stress-free.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory herbs and soft bread creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry or can find easily at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups onion (1/2 diced)
• 2 cups celery (1/2 diced)
• 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an added texture and flavor boost.
• Go Veggie: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly while keeping all the flavors intact.
• Mix in Fruits: Diced apples or cranberries can add a delightful sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or oregano to give your stuffing a unique twist.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your bread into cubes and letting them dry out. This step is crucial because dry bread helps absorb all those wonderful flavors later on. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dry bread cubes!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they are tender and fragrant. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to our stuffing.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry bread cubes with sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well so every piece of bread gets coated with those lovely spices.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour in chicken broth gradually while mixing gently until everything is moist but not soggy. The goal here is to achieve that perfect balance between chewy and moist.

Step 5: Bind with Eggs

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl before adding them into the mixture. The eggs will help bind everything together while adding richness.

Step 6: Bake it Up!

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. After that, remove the foil for an additional 15 minutes until it’s golden brown on top.

Enjoy making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! It’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a labor of love, but these pro tips will help you achieve that cherished family favorite with ease!

• Use day-old bread: Stale bread absorbs more moisture and flavors without becoming mushy, resulting in a better texture for your stuffing.

• Sauté your vegetables well: Cooking the onions and celery until they’re soft enhances their flavors, adding a rich depth to your stuffing that makes every bite delightful.

• Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme and sage are essential for flavor. They bring warmth and aromatic notes that truly elevate the dish.

• Adjust broth as needed: Depending on your bread’s dryness, you may need to adjust the amount of broth. Start with the recommended amount and add more if necessary to achieve the desired moisture level.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffing to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop out and serve while retaining its delicious texture.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

When it comes to presenting Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, a little thought goes a long way! This dish is not just about flavor; it’s also about making it visually appealing on your holiday table.

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can make all the difference in how your dish looks and tastes!

• Chopped fresh parsley: This bright green herb adds color and freshness, giving your stuffing a vibrant look.

• Sliced green onions: Sprinkling some chopped green onions on top offers a mild onion flavor and a nice pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pairing your stuffing with complementary side dishes creates a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast. Here are some recommendations:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, these sprouts are caramelized to perfection, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft stuffing.

• Sweet Potato Casserole: This sweet yet savory dish topped with pecans adds a delightful sweetness that balances the flavors of the stuffing beautifully.

• Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and brightness, making them a refreshing addition to your meal.

• Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce complements the savory notes of the stuffing and adds a burst of color to your plate.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe this holiday season! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Stuffing is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of a homemade dish without the last-minute rush. You can easily make it ahead of time, store it properly, and save yourself some stress on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Place the stuffing in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the stuffing cool down entirely.
• Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help clarify any uncertainties you may have about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe!

Can I use different types of bread for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match types of bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread. Each type will bring its own unique flavor and texture.

How can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe vegan?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based butter and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for binding.

What can I add to Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped apples, cranberries, nuts, or even mushrooms! These additions will enhance both the taste and texture of your stuffing.

How long does Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe take to prepare?

The total time for this recipe is about 140 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s worth every minute when you taste that delightful blend of flavors!

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in many hearts—and kitchens! Its comforting blend of flavors brings families together during one of the most cherished holidays. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to try out your own variations; cooking is all about creativity! Wishing you a joyous holiday filled with love and delicious food!