Thanksgiving stuffing is a must-have side dish that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. This traditional stuffing recipe delivers the best buttery flavor, with perfectly crispy edges while maintaining a soft, tender interior. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, butter, and onions, this stuffing recipe will remind you of the homemade version grandma used to make. Whether served with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Stands Out
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe shines in its simplicity and rich flavor. What makes it so irresistible is the combination of crispy edges and a soft, savory interior. The fresh herbs—parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme—imbue the bread with a fragrant aroma that will fill your kitchen with anticipation. The use of quality butter and fresh broth adds moisture and richness, making every bite melt in your mouth. This stuffing is also versatile, easy to prepare, and family-friendly, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of the ingredients you will need to create this mouthwatering Thanksgiving stuffing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its flavor and texture:
- Bread: Provides the base and texture of the stuffing. Choose a soft, non-chewy bread like white bread, ciabatta, or French bread for the best results.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve those delicious crispy edges.
- Onion: Brings savory flavor and a slight sweetness when sautéed.
- Celery: Adds a fresh crunch and a mild flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a herby brightness.
- Sage: Known for its earthy, slightly peppery flavor, sage is a key ingredient in Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Rosemary: Offers a fragrant, pine-like aroma that complements the other herbs.
- Thyme: A subtle, savory herb that balances the stronger flavors of rosemary and sage.
- Chicken or turkey broth: The liquid needed to moisten the bread and enhance the stuffing’s flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the stuffing.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasoning to taste, balancing the richness of the butter and broth.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
For those with dietary preferences or missing a specific ingredient, here are some alternatives:
- Gluten-Free Bread: If you’re gluten intolerant, opt for a gluten-free bread. Many varieties will work just as well to create a tender, flavorful stuffing.
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken or turkey broth with vegetable broth.
- Dried Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. For dried herbs, use about 2 tablespoons of parsley, 2 teaspoons of sage, 1 teaspoon of rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of thyme.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect traditional Thanksgiving stuffing:
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Tear or cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the bread is lightly toasted but not browned.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking for about 7-10 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the Fresh Herbs: While the vegetables cook, chop the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Once the vegetables are ready, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh herbs.
- Combine the Bread and Veggie Mixture: Transfer the toasted bread to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetables and herb mixture over the bread and toss to combine, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed.
- Add the Liquid: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth and 2 eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread, stirring as you go. Use your hands to mix and ensure the bread is evenly moistened. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy—add extra broth if needed.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter. Transfer the stuffing into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Bread Choice: Choose a bread that will absorb the broth without becoming too mushy. A soft, crustless bread works best for a tender stuffing.
- Toasting Bread: Toasting the bread rather than letting it sit out overnight ensures the stuffing has a crisp texture and doesn’t get too soggy.
- Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on butter—it’s essential for achieving rich, flavorful stuffing with crispy edges.
- Broth and Egg Ratio: Adjust the liquid to bread ratio as necessary. The stuffing should be moist but not swimming in broth.
- Chop Herbs Finely: To avoid large, unwelcome herb chunks in your stuffing, chop the herbs finely. It ensures a more even distribution of flavor.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Thanksgiving stuffing pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roast Turkey: The classic pairing, with juicy turkey complemented by the savory stuffing.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances out the richness of the stuffing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add a soft, smooth contrast to the crispy stuffing.
- Gravy: Pour over your stuffing for extra flavor and moisture.
Make-Ahead Tips
This stuffing can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe through to assembling the stuffing, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed on the day of your meal. You can also freeze the uncooked stuffing and bake it directly from the freezer—just be sure to add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Thanksgiving stuffing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is sure to be a hit at your holiday feast. Its simple ingredients, aromatic herbs, and buttery goodness make it the perfect side dish to complement any Thanksgiving meal.
Conclusion
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a timeless classic that will elevate your holiday meal with its rich buttery flavor and irresistible crispy edges. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, onions, and quality bread, this stuffing brings comfort and warmth to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for the first time or have been making it for years, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and let this savory stuffing be the star of the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Thanksgiving stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! This stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the stuffing is assembled, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it on Thanksgiving Day as instructed. For even longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffing and bake it directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the bake time.
2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. However, dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities. Use about 2 tablespoons of dried parsley, 2 teaspoons of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Add the dried herbs to the sautéed onions and celery to help activate their flavors.
3. What type of bread is best for Thanksgiving stuffing?
The best bread for Thanksgiving stuffing is one that is soft but sturdy enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy. A white bread, ciabatta, or French bread works well. Avoid bread that is too chewy or crusty, like a baguette, as it can make the stuffing too dense. You can also mix two types of bread for a variety of textures.
4. Can I cook this stuffing inside the turkey?
Yes, you can cook this stuffing inside the turkey. However, make sure that the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. If you prefer a crispy texture, it’s best to bake the stuffing separately in a dish.
More Relevant Recipes
- Mediterranean Chicken Wraps: This Mediterranean chicken wrap recipe brings together bold flavors of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, making it a great choice for those who enjoy herby, savory dishes similar to Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake: For a refreshing dessert that complements the savory flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing, this cheesecake made with fresh summer berries and peaches offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara: A delicious side dish that shares a similar comfort-food vibe with stuffing, this recipe combines cheesy, crispy baked zucchini with savory marinara sauce, perfect for a light and flavorful addition to any meal.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish for your holiday meal, featuring buttery flavor, crispy edges, and a savory, herby filling that everyone will love. It’s a comforting, homemade recipe that is both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound white bread (or ciabatta, French bread)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups high-quality chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon softened butter (for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and toast the bread pieces on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until lightly toasted.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and celery for 7-10 minutes, until softened.
- While the vegetables are cooking, chop the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Once the vegetables are done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh herbs.
- Transfer the toasted bread to a large mixing bowl and add the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Toss to combine, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread, using your hands to mix and moisten the bread. Add more broth if needed until the bread is moist but not soggy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter and transfer the stuffing into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more aromatic stuffing.
- If you prefer a lighter stuffing, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil.
- You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it on the day of serving.
- Feel free to add or swap vegetables (e.g., carrots or leeks) to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 322 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg