Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a warm pan of stuffing on the table. The buttery bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, and savory herbs bring back the comfort of family gatherings. In my home, this dish always carried the spirit of tradition, and I still use my nonna’s handwritten notes to guide me. Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is hearty, flavorful, and made to feed a crowd. Let’s break down why you’ll love it, how to make it, and the simple tricks that ensure it tastes just as good the next day.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
What makes this bread stuffing special is its balance of texture and flavor. Crispy on top yet tender inside, it pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy. The herbs; sage, thyme, and rosemary, deliver that unmistakable Thanksgiving taste. It’s versatile too; you can bake it in a casserole dish or use it to stuff your bird. Just like a festive Thanksgiving charcuterie board, it brings variety and heart to the table. With a prep time of under 20 minutes, you’ll have a side that’s both comforting and stress-free.
Print
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with golden bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory broth baked to perfection. Crispy on top, tender inside, and packed with holiday flavor.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups diced onion
1 ½ cups diced celery
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tsp sage
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: sausage, apples, cranberries, mushrooms
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast cubed bread until golden.
2. Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine toasted bread with sautéed vegetables in a large bowl.
5. Whisk eggs with broth. Pour over bread mixture and stir gently.
6. Transfer to greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
Dry bread completely for the best texture.
Make ahead by assembling the stuffing a day early and refrigerating.
Add sausage for heartiness or cranberries/apples for sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this traditional stuffing is its simplicity. You’ll want day-old bread cubes; white, sourdough, or even cornbread. Butter brings richness, while onions and celery create the savory base. Eggs bind everything together, and chicken or turkey broth keeps it moist. Herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary add that cozy holiday aroma. For a slightly sweet twist, you can toss in dried cranberries or apples.
Basic Ingredient List:
- 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups diced onion
- 1 ½ cups diced celery
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp sage, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: cranberries, apples, sausage, or mushrooms
How to Make This Classic Stuffing
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden and crisp. In a large skillet, melt butter, then sauté onions, celery, and garlic until fragrant. Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Place the toasted bread in a large bowl, pour the sautéed mixture over, and mix well. Whisk eggs with broth, then pour over the bread mixture. Stir gently until the bread absorbs the liquid. Transfer to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden. Much like the creamy indulgence of pumpkin pie cheesecake, every bite is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor.
Tips and Variations
One key tip: always dry your bread thoroughly; moist bread makes mushy stuffing. If you love richer flavors, swap chicken broth for turkey drippings. For a heartier version, mix in browned sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Want a sweet-savory balance? Toss in diced apples or dried cranberries. To save time, prepare everything a day ahead and bake on Thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when needed.
Should stuffing be cooked inside the turkey?
While you can, it’s safer and easier to bake it separately. This ensures even cooking and a crispy top.
What bread is best for stuffing?
Day-old white bread, sourdough, or cornbread all work beautifully. The key is drying the bread.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture, it tastes even better the next day.
Final Stuff
This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is more than just a side dish, it’s a connection to family and tradition. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and a taste that never disappoints, it deserves a place at your holiday table. Pair it with cheddar biscuits or a warm bowl of crockpot lasagna soup for a complete feast. And don’t forget to save room for dessert, perhaps a slice of apple crumble cheesecake.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
