Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing: 1 Amazing Recipe

Alright, let’s talk stuffing! Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without a big, savory bowl of stuffing, and let me tell you, my Grandma’s recipe? It’s the one. This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s the real deal, made from scratch with love and all those good, fresh ingredients that just sing “holiday season.” We’re talking about the kind of stuffing that makes your whole house smell like pure comfort. It’s a recipe passed down, and honestly, it’s the best homemade stuffing recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s gotten me through countless Thanksgivings, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Trust me, this stuffing is a game-changer for your holiday table. Here’s why it’s so special:

• It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking from scratch.
• The flavor is just out of this world – savory, herbaceous, and perfectly seasoned.
• It’s the ultimate side dish for any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving!
• It’s *Grandma’s* recipe, which means it’s tried, true, and totally delicious.

The Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe Secrets

Okay, so you might be wondering what makes this *the best homemade stuffing recipe*? It really comes down to a few things Grandma always insisted on. First, using good quality bread – none of that flimsy white stuff! Sourdough or a crusty French loaf gives it structure and a little tang. And the herbs! Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary aren’t just for show; they bring this incredible aroma and flavor that you just can’t get from dried. Making your stuffing homemade really lets you control all those amazing savory notes. Forget the boxed stuff; this recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together for something truly magical. It’s the kind of stuffing people rave about all dinner long!

How To Make Stuffing From Scratch Like Grandma

Learning how to make stuffing from scratch like Grandma is seriously satisfying. It’s not complicated at all, but it feels like you’re doing something really special for your family. The key is in the prep: toasting the bread just enough so it’s dry but not hard, and really getting those veggies and fresh herbs chopped finely. Grandma always said the finer the chop, the more the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re mixing everything, you want to be gentle, just moistening all those bread cubes so they soak up all that buttery, brothy goodness. It’s this careful, loving approach that makes Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe so incredibly delicious and authentic.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this amazing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe! You’ll want to gather all these goodies before you start mixing. It makes everything so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 10 cups cubed sourdough or French bread (make sure it’s a day or two old so it’s nice and dry!)
• 1 large onion, finely diced (we want those little flavor bits, not big chunks!)
• 2 cups celery, finely chopped (about 3-4 stalks, depending on size)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (this is a must for that classic stuffing smell!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (you might need a little more or less, we’ll talk about that!)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the pepper!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Stuffing From Scratch

Alright, let’s get this amazing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe made! Making turkey stuffing from scratch is honestly so rewarding. It’s where all those fresh ingredients really come alive. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the most delicious stuffing your family has ever tasted.

Toasting the Bread: The Foundation of Great Stuffing

First things first, we need to get that bread perfectly toasted. Spread your bread cubes evenly on a big baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. You want them lightly golden and dried out, but not hard as a rock. This step is crucial because it gives the stuffing that wonderful texture – no soggy bread allowed!

Combining and Moistening the Savory Stuffing

Now for the fun part! Grab a really big bowl – you’ll need it. Toss your toasted bread cubes with all that lovely diced onion, chopped celery, and the fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary. Oh, that herb smell is already amazing, right? In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, your low-sodium broth, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this liquid mixture over the bread and veggie combo. Gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every single bread cube gets a little bit of that savory goodness. Don’t mash it, just a gentle fold is perfect.

Baking Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe to Perfection

Once it’s all mixed, transfer your stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover it up tightly with foil. This traps the steam and lets all those flavors really meld together while it bakes. Pop it into the oven for about 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown, slightly crispy top that just screams “Thanksgiving!” This oven baked stuffing will be the star of your meal, I promise.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Homemade Stuffing

Making your stuffing homemade means you can really tweak it to be exactly how you like it. Grandma was always a purist, but I love playing around a little! These little touches can make your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe even more special.

Bread Choices for the Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe

So, about the bread for the best homemade stuffing recipe – I’m a huge fan of day-old sourdough or French bread. They have a nice sturdy crumb and a little tang that cuts through the richness. But honestly, a good cornbread or even a hearty whole wheat works too! Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it doesn’t get mushy.

Broth and Butter Variations

While chicken broth is classic, don’t be afraid to use vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian, or even turkey broth if you’ve got it! It just adds another layer of flavor. As for butter, well, Grandma always said ‘real butter’ and she meant it! It really does make a difference in richness and flavor compared to margarine.

Tips for Success with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

To make sure your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe turns out absolutely perfect, a few little tricks really help. First, about that broth – it’s better to start with the amount listed and then add a little more if your bread cubes aren’t quite moist enough. You want them damp, not swimming! For that lovely crispy top, don’t skip removing the foil for the last part of baking; it lets the steam escape and that beautiful golden crust form. And if you like a softer stuffing, just bake it covered for a bit longer. Toasting your bread ahead of time is a lifesaver on busy Thanksgiving day, so don’t hesitate to do that the day before!

Serving Suggestions for Your Oven Baked Stuffing

This incredible Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is so versatile! It’s the perfect savory sidekick for all your Thanksgiving favorites. Imagine it nestled alongside a perfectly roasted turkey, or spooned over creamy mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy. It also pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce and roasted root vegetables. Honestly, this oven baked stuffing is so good, you might just find yourself eating it straight from the dish before it even makes it to the table. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? Lucky you! Once it’s cooled down, pack it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay delicious for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Just spread it out in a baking dish, maybe add a tiny splash of broth if it looks a bit dry, cover it with foil, and warm it up at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. You want that lovely texture back!

Frequently Asked Questions about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Got questions about making this amazing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra guidance for the holidays. Let’s dive into some common queries:

Q1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! To make your Thanksgiving day a little less hectic, you can totally toast the bread and chop all your veggies and herbs a day or two in advance. Store the dry bread cubes in a sealed bag or container at room temperature, and keep the chopped veggies and herbs in the fridge. Then, on Thanksgiving, you just mix everything together and bake!

Q2. My stuffing seems too dry or too wet, what should I do?
It’s all about that broth! If your bread cubes aren’t quite moist enough after the initial toss, just add a little more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels right. You want it damp, not soggy. If you accidentally add too much liquid, don’t panic! You can try baking it uncovered for a bit longer to let some of that excess moisture evaporate and get that lovely crispy top. It’s part of what makes this an easy homemade stuffing recipe to master!

Q3. How do I get the top really crispy?
For the best homemade stuffing recipe experience with a perfectly crispy top, make sure you remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This allows the steam to escape and the top layer of bread cubes to get beautifully golden and crunchy. If you like it *extra* crispy, you can even pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two at the very end, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!

Q4. Can I add other ingredients to this stuffing?
Oh, you absolutely can! While this is the best stuffing recipe just as Grandma made it, feel free to get creative. Cooked sausage (like Italian or breakfast sausage) is a classic addition that adds amazing savory flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, chopped pecans, or even a handful of dried cranberries can be delicious additions. Just make sure to account for any extra moisture they might add!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting with each serving of this delicious Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. Based on the ingredients, a typical serving (about 1 cup) is around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 8g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It also has a good dose of fiber, around 3g. Remember, these numbers can change a bit depending on the exact bread you use and if you add anything extra!

Share Your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Experience

I absolutely love hearing from you all! If you try Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, please let me know how it turned out. Did you add anything special? Did your family love it? Leave a comment below, give it a star rating, or share your own tips. Your feedback makes my day and helps other cooks too!

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