Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a cherished classic that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. With its delightful blend of chewy and moist bread, aromatic herbs, and savory flavors, this stuffing is perfect for any occasion—be it Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family gathering. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility; you can make it entirely from scratch or use some shortcuts without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless Flavor: This stuffing combines sweet and savory elements that create a delicious harmony.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe, even novice cooks.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
• Hearty Serving Size: This recipe serves 15, making it ideal for large gatherings.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance to save time on the big day.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully create Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, having the right tools is essential. These items will help streamline your cooking process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Allows for easy combining of all ingredients without spilling.
• Baking dish: Provides an even cooking surface for optimal texture.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables, enhancing their flavor before mixing them into the stuffing.

Ingredients

Bread Base

• 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)

Aromatics

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups onion (1/2 diced)
• 2 cups celery (1/2 diced)

Seasonings

• 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Binding Agents

• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

How to Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Start by drying out your bread cubes. Spread them on a baking sheet and leave them out overnight or bake them at a low temperature until they are stale.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add the onions and celery.
3. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the stale bread cubes.
2. Pour in the sautéed vegetables along with their butter.
3. Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Eggs

1. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to moisten the bread mixture evenly.
2. Beat the eggs separately and mix them into the stuffing until fully combined.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish:
1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley before serving alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Serving Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing is all about complementing its rich flavors and textures. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your Thanksgiving feast.

Pair with Turkey

• Juicy Roast Turkey: Serve your stuffing alongside a perfectly roasted turkey for a classic presentation.
• Turkey Gravy: Drizzle homemade gravy over the stuffing for added moisture and flavor.

Great with Cranberry Sauce

• Tangy Cranberry Relish: A side of cranberry sauce adds a refreshing tartness that balances the savory stuffing.
• Spiced Cranberry Chutney: For a twist, try a spiced chutney that brings warmth to each bite.

Enjoy with Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts pair beautifully with stuffing’s softness and bring in a nutty flavor.
• Green Bean Almondine: The crunch of almonds and fresh green beans complements the stuffing’s texture.

Perfect for Leftovers

• Stuffing-Stuffed Peppers: Use leftover stuffing to fill bell peppers for a creative next-day meal.
• Breakfast Casserole: Combine leftover stuffing with eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast option.

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How to Perfect Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

To achieve the best version of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right bread: Use day-old bread or artisan loaves for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
• Sauté vegetables thoroughly: Cooking onions and celery until soft enhances their sweetness in the stuffing.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices based on your preference.
• Use homemade broth: If possible, utilize homemade chicken broth to deepen the flavor of your stuffing mixture.
• Let it sit before baking: Allowing the stuffing to rest before baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Cover while baking: Cover the dish with foil during part of baking to keep it moist, then uncover for a crispy top.

Best Side Dishes for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the texture of stuffing.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole: This sweet dish brings warmth and is often topped with marshmallows or pecans.
3. Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread can balance out savory flavors and add variety to your plate.
4. Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted until caramelized offer delicious sweetness and color.
5. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the stuffing without overpowering it.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup can start your meal on a cozy note, perfect for fall gatherings.
7. Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots not only taste great but also add vibrant color to your table setting.
8. Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with nuts and fruit provides a refreshing crunch alongside rich dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, it’s easy to make some common errors. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your stuffing is delicious and satisfying.

• Using stale bread – Always use fresh or properly dried bread cubes. Stale bread can lead to a mushy texture.
• Not seasoning enough – Don’t skimp on the spices! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors. Taste and adjust before baking.
• Overmixing the ingredients – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the stuffing dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Skipping the broth – Broth adds moisture and flavor. Ensure you have enough liquid for a well-balanced stuffing.
• Ignoring resting time – Letting the stuffing rest allows flavors to meld. Give it at least 10 minutes before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 5-10 minutes.
• Stovetop – Add a little broth to a pan, warm over medium heat while stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe that might help you cook with confidence.

Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What type of bread is best for stuffing?

Sturdy breads like sourdough or French baguette work best for this stuffing recipe due to their ability to hold moisture without becoming mushy.

How do I customize Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or sausage for additional flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

You can easily modify it by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth, making it vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients while keeping that classic taste intact. This comforting dish is perfect for any holiday gathering and will surely impress your guests. Give it a try this Thanksgiving!