Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

If you’re hunting for that perfect, cozy side dish that tastes like a warm hug from your childhood, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love sharing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe because it’s the kind of classic comfort food that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles—and maybe even a bit of friendly competition over who gets the biggest helping. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or feeling a bit intimidated by holiday dinners, this recipe is straightforward and downright foolproof, but it still feels special and homemade.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to build that perfect balance of savory richness and herb-infused comfort. I like to use day-old French bread cubes because they hold moisture well without turning mushy, but you can experiment a bit with your favorite bread too.

• Dry Bread Cubes: Using a heavier bread like French means the stuffing holds up well and soaks in all the flavor—avoid very soft or airy bread.
• Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and helps the onions and celery soften perfectly without being greasy.
• Chopped Celery: Celery brings that classic crunch and a fresh note that’s essential in stuffing.
• Diced Yellow Onion: Sweet and aromatic, it’s a must for depth of flavor.
• Salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together—adjust according to your taste and broth choice.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
• Poultry Seasoning: The magical blend of sage, thyme, and other herbs that turns stuffing into a Thanksgiving staple.
• Chicken Stock: I prefer low-sodium chicken broth to keep control over saltiness and maintain moisture.
• Large Eggs: These bind everything together so your stuffing isn’t crumbly but holds a lovely, sliceable texture.

Variations

I love that this recipe is like a cozy blank canvas—you can switch up the herbs a bit, add some nuts or dried fruits, or even make it vegetarian-friendly. It’s your holiday tradition, so feel free to make it your own and get creative!

• Herb Swap: I once added fresh rosemary and thyme instead of poultry seasoning, and it gave a vibrant freshness that’s perfect for herb lovers.
• Adding Sausage: For a heartier version, cooked breakfast sausage stirred in elevates the flavor and makes this dish a main event for meat lovers.
• Vegetarian Twist: Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth to keep it veggie-friendly without losing flavor.
• Cranberries or Apples: Diced apples or dried cranberries add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes beautifully.

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). I usually spray my 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to make clean-up a breeze and prevent the stuffing from sticking. This step might seem small, but it really helps maintain the perfect golden crust on the stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics in Butter

Melt 1½ cups of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and chopped celery, and sauté for about 10 to 12 minutes until everything is tender and smelling heavenly. When I first made this, I underestimated the importance of this step—cooking the veggies slowly draws out their sweetness and blends all the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Bread Cubes with Butter Mixture

Place 13 to 15 cups of dry bread cubes (about two 1-pound loaves) into a large bowl. Pour the warm butter, onion, and celery mixture right over the bread, then gently toss until the cubes are coated evenly. I like to reserve a little of the butter mixture if it looks too wet to add gradually—helpful trick I discovered after a few overly soggy batches!

Step 4: Add Seasonings, Stock, and Eggs

Sprinkle in 2 ¼ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1½ tablespoons poultry seasoning. Pour 1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock to add moisture, then crack in 2 large eggs to bind everything. Mix well, but don’t over-mix or you risk mashing the bread too much.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. My family can usually smell it from the living room at this point! If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish the finished stuffing with fresh parsley because it adds a vibrant color and just a hint of herbal brightness. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle on a little fresh rosemary or thyme when I want a more aromatic, earthy touch—both look beautiful and elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey (obviously!) but I also love serving it alongside mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Together, they create that classic Thanksgiving plate everyone looks forward to.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the stuffing inside a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash—it looks stunning on the table and adds a subtle nutty flavor. You can also bake it in individual ramekins for a charming, individualized presentation that’s perfect for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I transfer any leftover stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours to keep it safe and fresh. Leftovers tend to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld, and I always look forward to second servings!

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing baked stuffing in portions wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—it’s a lifesaver during busy holidays or when you want to prep in advance.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I cover the stuffing loosely with foil and warm it up in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes. The foil keeps it from drying out, and you can remove it in the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top again. This way, it tastes almost as good as freshly baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a little piece of holiday magic that brings warmth and smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved part of your family’s celebrations. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll find yourself making stuffing year-round (not just for Thanksgiving!). So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner grandma, and give this recipe a go—you’re going to love the results.

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