Looking for the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish that will evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth? This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, an old-fashioned classic, is exactly what you need! It’s a savory, comforting, and utterly delicious staple that will make your Thanksgiving feast complete. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends, delivering a hearty, flavorful stuffing reminiscent of generations past.
What is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition passed down through families, a taste of home, and a symbol of togetherness. It’s a hearty, savory blend of bread, vegetables, herbs, and spices, carefully combined and baked to golden perfection. Unlike modern variations that might incorporate sausage or cranberries, this old-fashioned classic focuses on pure, unadulterated flavors.
This recipe creates a comforting, homey flavor. Often relies on simple ingredients and time-honored techniques like using day-old bread and homemade broth. The result is a stuffing that’s moist, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ready to bring this delicious piece of Thanksgiving history to your table? Give Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
- 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) of day-old white bread, cubed: Using day-old bread is crucial for preventing a soggy stuffing. Allow the bread to sit uncovered for at least a day, or toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out further.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the stuffing. You can use salted butter if preferred, but adjust the amount of salt added later accordingly.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Yellow onions provide a classic savory base for the stuffing.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Celery adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor to the stuffing.
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices specifically designed to complement chicken and turkey.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage adds a distinctively earthy and aromatic flavor that is quintessential to Thanksgiving stuffing.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a savory and slightly peppery note to the stuffing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and helps season the stuffing.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth provides moisture and flavor to the stuffing. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs help bind the stuffing together and add richness.
How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
This classic stuffing recipe is surprisingly easy to make, it delivers a deeply satisfying side dish in under 1 hour! Rich, savory and flavorful made with basic ingredients and easy to follow steps that is sure to bring back all those feelings of gratitude and warmth to your Thanksgiving dinner table. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the cubed bread on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is dry and lightly toasted. This step is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Be careful not to brown them.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery mixture, poultry seasoning, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Eggs:
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, making sure all the bread is moistened. You may need slightly more or less broth depending on the dryness of the bread. Adjust as needed.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs to the mixture. Gently combine everything until well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing gummy.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
- Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is all about tradition and flavor. The main highlight of this dish is its simplicity – it relies on basic, high-quality ingredients to create a deeply satisfying taste. Making this stuffing at home is a cost-saving move. You are able to control the ingredients and avoid the added preservatives and cost of store-bought options. It’s truly a cost-effective way to impress your guests, while still maintaining exceptional flavor and quality. The combination of poultry seasoning, sage, and thyme provides the nostalgic Thanksgiving flavor we all crave.
If you liked this classic recipe, you might consider trying another version: “Cranberry Sausage Stuffing “. But trust me, this Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a timeless classic that will always have a place on your Thanksgiving table. Try it
What to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe With:
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing pairs perfectly with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. For side dishes, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts. To complement the savory stuffing, a light gravy and a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can enhance the overall dining experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
- Don’t skip drying the bread: This is the most important step to avoid soggy stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven until it’s dry and lightly golden.
- Use quality broth: The flavor of your chicken broth will significantly impact the taste of the stuffing. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium broth for the best results.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the stuffing mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be careful not to over-salt.
- Add vegetables: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or chestnuts to the stuffing.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the stuffing. Bake until the top is golden brown and the center is heated through.
- Ingredient Substitutions : For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for variation. For gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free breads.
Health Benefits of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:
While Thanksgiving stuffing is often seen as an indulgent side dish, it can offer some nutritional benefits. The vegetables, such as onions and celery, provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Bread provide carbohydrates for energy. Chicken broth provides electrolytes. However, keep in mind that stuffing can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced Thanksgiving meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing Leftovers:
- Once the stuffing has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the stuffing within two hours of cooking.
- Leftover stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to the stuffing. This helps to keep it moist during reheating.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Freezing Instructions:
- Allow the stuffing to cool completely before freezing.
- Divide the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers/bags with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Frozen Stuffing:
- Thaw the frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight.
- Follow the reheating instructions above, adding a bit more chicken broth to compensate for any lost moisture during freezing.
Final Thoughts:
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a trip down memory lane, and a reminder of loved ones while creating new traditions. Thanksgiving is all about honoring those we cherish with a delicious meal. This old-fashioned classic is sure to please and make your day extra special. try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe FAQs:
Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake as directed on Thanksgiving Day.
Q: Can I add sausage to this stuffing?
A: While this recipe is for a classic, sausage-free stuffing, you can certainly add cooked sausage if you prefer. Brown the sausage and add it to the bread mixture along with the other ingredients.
Q: My stuffing came out dry. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually means the bread wasn’t adequately moistened with chicken broth, or the stuffing was overbaked. Make sure to thoroughly soak the bread with broth and don’t overbake. You can also add more broth during the baking process if needed.
Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, French bread, or even cornbread. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth accordingly, as some breads absorb more liquid than others.
Q: Is it necessary to dry the bread in the oven?
A: Yes, drying the bread is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing. If you don’t dry the bread, it will absorb too much moisture from the broth, resulting in a mushy texture.
Q: Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.