Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Every Thanksgiving, the aroma of a home-cooked meal fills the air, and nothing is more heartwarming than Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. This classic dish is a staple at family gatherings, bursting with flavor and nostalgia. This recipe brings together crunchy bread, fresh herbs, and savory broth, creating a comforting side dish that everyone will crave.
Why Make This Recipe?
This Thanksgiving stuffing is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your holiday feast. The combination of sourdough or French bread, fresh herbs, and vegetables creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy less stress on the big day. The low-sodium broth and unsalted butter let you control the flavor, ensuring a tasty stuffing that everyone will love.
How to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Making this stuffing is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow this detailed guide to create a delicious side dish that your family will rave about.
Ingredients
- Bread (sourdough or French): 10 cups, cubed
- Onion: 1 large, finely diced
- Celery: 2 cups, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks)
- Fresh herbs: 2 tbsp sage, 2 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp rosemary (all finely chopped)
- Low-sodium broth: 4 cups (chicken or vegetable)
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Bread: If using fresh bread, cube it into bite-sized pieces and allow it to sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Mix them well.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the low-sodium broth while stirring to moisten the bread mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Serve your stuffing alongside turkey and gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving plate. You may also garnish it with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cranberry sauce or any of your other holiday favorites.
How to Store Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread or let fresh bread sit for a day before cubing.
- Add More Flavor: Incorporate additional ingredients like diced mushrooms or apples for a unique twist.
- Moisture Check: Ensure your stuffing is moist—if it seems dry before baking, add a little more broth.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice It Up: Add some cooked sausage or ground turkey for an extra savory flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking it on Thanksgiving day.
2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
3. How do I know when the stuffing is done?
The stuffing should be golden brown on top and heated throughout. You can test it by inserting a thermometer in the center—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Now that you have this delightful recipe, you’re ready to impress your family this Thanksgiving with a hearty, scrumptious stuffing that tastes just like Grandma used to make! Enjoy your holiday feast!
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 10 cups Bread (sourdough or French), cubed Use stale bread for best results.
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large Onion, finely diced
- 2 cups Celery, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks)
- 2 tbsp Sage, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Rosemary, finely chopped
Moisture & Flavor
- 4 cups Low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable) Use low-sodium for better flavor control.
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted This is equivalent to 1 stick.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cube the fresh bread into bite-sized pieces and let it dry out for a few hours or overnight.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery; sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Mix well.
- Slowly pour in the low-sodium broth while stirring to moisten the bread mixture. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
