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Every year, as the leaves transform into shades of rust and gold, my kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma of grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. It all started one crisp autumn afternoon when I was a wide-eyed child, eagerly helping my grandma stir the bubbling pot of aromatic goodness. I can still hear the laughter between us, the soft crunch of sage being chopped, and the distinct melodies of the sizzling butter mingling with onions and celery. Each spoonful of her stuffing brought me comfort, transporting me to a cozy world where love was the main ingredient.
Today, I pass that cherished recipe to you, as it has filled countless hearts—and bellies—around my family’s holiday table for years. It’s not just food; it’s the essence of gratitude served warm, and I promise, once you give this a try, it will become a beloved tradition in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and you’ll whittle your way to stuffing perfection!
- Incredible Flavorful: The combination of herbs, butter, and broth makes it wonderfully rich and savory!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Nothing brings family together like a delicious stuffing at Thanksgiving!
- Customizable: This base recipe invites your creative touches—add or swap ingredients as you wish!
- Comfort Food Vibes: With each bite, it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day!
Ingredients
Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups cubed
Using crusty bread gives the stuffing a perfect texture, ensuring it holds up to all those delicious flavors!Onion: 1 large, finely diced
Onions bring sweetness and depth; don’t be afraid to let them become translucent and golden!Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks)
The crunchiness of celery adds a lovely contrast to this hearty dish!Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary (all finely chopped)
Fresh herbs elevate the flavors; they’re like a warm hug for your stuffing!Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable)
Using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt, allowing each ingredient’s flavor to shine!Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
Butter adds richness and flavor; it’s the secret to making every bite irresistibly delicious!Salt and pepper: To taste
Don’t skimp on seasoning; they tie all the flavors together beautifully!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The calm warmth of the oven will soon envelop your kitchen in delightful aromas.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Spread your cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden brown. This will add a lovely crispy texture to the stuffing—who doesn’t love a perfect crunchy bite?
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and the onions are translucent. Ah, that aroma—your kitchen will start feeling like a warm hug!
Step 4: Combine it All
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour in the broth a little at a time, mixing gently until everything is just moistened. Be careful not to make it too soggy—think of a delightful balance!
Step 5: Season
Add salt and pepper to taste, giving everything a thorough mix. Each morsel should be bursting with flavor, so adjust as necessary!
Step 6: Bake
Transfer your stuffing mix to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a deliciously golden crust.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Spoon the hot stuffing into warm bowls, breathe in those comforting aromas, and get ready to savor!
Pro Tips for Success
- Day-Old Bread Works Best: If you have leftover bread, let it sit out overnight to dry—this prevents mushy stuffing!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste before baking to adjust seasonings.
- Don’t Overmix: Just lightly combine ingredients; leaving some texture adds to the rustic charm.
- Add the Broth Gradually: You want to ensure your stuffing is just moist and not soaking—balance is key!
Flavor Variations
- Fruit Twist: Add 1 cup of diced apples or dried cranberries for a sweet touch!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Sausage Stuffing: Cook 1 pound of your favorite sausage and mix it in for a savory twist!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this charming stuffing alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole! A crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine will elevate the meal feast, bringing it all full circle.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance! Simply follow all the steps up to baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, just pop it in the oven for a hot, fresh side dish!
Leftovers
Transform leftover stuffing into a delicious breakfast! Just fry it in a skillet until crispy, and top it with a sunny-side-up egg for ultimate comfort.
Freezing
You can certainly freeze your stuffing! Cool it completely, then freeze it in airtight containers. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is by popping it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This will revive the crispy texture!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works perfectly, just ensure it’s a sturdy kind so it holds up well in the cooking process.
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’re all set!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch! Use 1 teaspoon of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary for each tablespoon.
Can I bake it directly in the turkey?
You can! Just ensure the stuffing reaches a safe temperature (165°F) for all of us turkey lovers out there!
Final Thoughts
As you gather your loved ones around the table this Thanksgiving, let each scoop of Delicious Grandma’s stuffing be a reminder that the best recipes are little love letters from the past, warming hearts with every bite. I’m so excited for you to share this experience, embracing cozy conversations and laughter that fill the air. Happy cooking, dear friends!✨
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and chopped celery for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Pour in the broth gradually, mixing gently until everything is just moistened.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the stuffing mix to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a golden crust.