When it comes to Thanksgiving, no feast is complete without a flavorful, hearty stuffing. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is the ultimate comfort food, combining aromatic herbs, savory vegetables, and perfectly toasted bread cubes. This classic recipe is a nostalgic nod to holiday traditions, promising a dish that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of stale bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until dry. This step ensures they soak up all the flavors without becoming mushy.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in the chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute to release the fragrant oils.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Add beaten eggs and broth, gently mixing until the bread is moist but not overly wet. Adjust the broth as needed.
Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Serving Tips:
Serve Hot: This stuffing tastes best fresh out of the oven. Serve it immediately to enjoy its warm, savory goodness.
Pair with Classics: Complement this dish with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a full Thanksgiving spread.
Garnish for a Fresh Look: Sprinkle with a bit of freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve Family-Style: Present the stuffing in the baking dish at the table, allowing guests to help themselves.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Reheat for Best Results: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to regain its crispiness. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Freeze for Later: Place leftover stuffing in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Portion for Convenience: Divide the stuffing into smaller containers or freezer bags before storing to make reheating quicker and easier.
Related Recipes:
- Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing
- Turkey (Thanksgiving) Dressing
- Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie
FAQs:
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for stuffing?
While stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy, you can use fresh bread in a pinch. Simply cube it and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to dry it out before using in the recipe.
Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh on Thanksgiving day for the best flavor and texture.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this stuffing vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor will remain rich and savory.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Absolutely! Place the leftover stuffing in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is more than a side dish—it’s a slice of tradition that brings loved ones together. With its rich flavors and comforting aroma, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your Thanksgiving table. Prepare to watch your guests go back for seconds, and don’t forget to save some for yourself!
📖 Recipe:
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, a traditional holiday side dish packed with savory vegetables, fresh herbs, and toasted bread cubes. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, this classic stuffing recipe pairs beautifully with turkey and is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 loaf of stale bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes to dry them out. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in parsley, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and rosemary; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the bowl.
- Add beaten eggs and broth; mix gently until moistened but not soggy. Adjust broth if needed.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Use stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can be dried in the oven.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal
