Why You’ll Love Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This recipe shines because:

It features a timeless flavor—the blend of herbs, butter, and sautéed aromatics brings that nostalgic “grandma’s kitchen” taste.
It’s easy to prepare, with straightforward steps so you can focus on enjoying the gathering rather than stressing over the side dish.
It’s versatile—while perfect for Thanksgiving, it works with roasted chicken, holiday meals, or even a comforting weekend dinner.
You can customize—add nuts, dried fruits, sausage or vegetables if you like.
It feeds a crowd, making it ideal for large family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bread Base

16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)
Aromatics
½ cup butter
2 cups diced onion
2 cups diced celery
Seasonings
3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
½ teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Binding Ingredients
1½ cups chicken broth
2 large eggs
Garnish
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them until they’re slightly golden.
In a skillet over medium‐heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery and sauté until they are soft and translucent (about 5‑7 minutes).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery. Add the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt and black pepper, and mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, being careful not to make the mixture too soggy. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir the eggs into the mixture until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish for uniform cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown. If you prefer a softer stuffing, you can cover the dish with foil during baking.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with the chopped parsley then serve warm.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 15 servings.
Prep Time: About 20 minutes.
Cook Time: About 60 minutes.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Variations

With sausage: Brown 1 lb of breakfast sausage, drain excess fat and stir into the stuffing before baking for a heartier, savory version.
With dried fruit and nuts: Add 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) and ½ cup dried cranberries for a bit of crunch and subtle sweetness.
With mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms with the onions and celery to bring in an earthy flavor.
Gluten‐free: Substitute the bread cubes with a gluten‑free bread variety, toasted and dried out ahead of time.
Herb‑forward: Increase the thyme and sage to 1 teaspoon each or add fresh chopped rosemary for a more herbaceous profile.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any sausage or meat additions.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container once it has cooled. Keep for up to 3 days.
Freezer: To freeze, place the cooled stuffing in a sealed container or freezer bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C), cover the stuffing with foil if desired, and bake for about 25‑30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave‑safe dish, heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring between, until warmed.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, add a splash of broth to prevent drying out, stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

What is this stuffing made of?

This stuffing is made with dry bread cubes, butter, sautéed onions and celery, a blend of poultry seasoning and herbs (thyme and sage), chicken broth, eggs, and a bit of chopped parsley for garnish.

Can I use gluten‑free bread for this stuffing recipe?

Yes. You can substitute gluten‑free bread cubes for regular bread. Just make sure the bread is dried out or lightly toasted to avoid a soggy result.

How do I customize the stuffing?

You can personalize the stuffing by adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), dried fruits (like cranberries or chopped apricots), cooked sausage, mushrooms, or even fresh herbs such as rosemary or marjoram.

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the bread cubes and sautéed vegetables in advance, combine the mixture, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Then just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Why should I use stale or toasted bread?

Stale or toasted bread absorbs the broth better without turning mushy. Fresh bread tends to become gummy—so drying or toasting ensures a better texture.

What if I add too much broth?

If you add too much broth, the stuffing may become soggy rather than having that desirable moist‑but‑structured texture. It’s better to add gradually and stop once it’s evenly moist but not wet.

Can I bake this inside the turkey?

Yes, you can place the stuffing inside the turkey’s cavity before roasting, which will allow it to absorb turkey juices and flavor. However, ensure the stuffing itself reaches a safe internal temperature and that it does not slow the turkey cooking time significantly.

How can I make the top extra crispy?

For a crispier top, you can remove any foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking or bake uncovered throughout. You might also dot a little extra butter on the top before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes — the recipe yields about 15 servings, making it well‑suited for large family gatherings or holiday meals where many people are being served.

What do I serve this stuffing with?

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, gravy (especially turkey gravy), classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato dishes.

Conclusion

This stuffing recipe brings together tradition, flavor, and ease—qualities that make it a standout on your holiday table year after year. With its buttery bread base, sautéed aromatics, warm herbs, and the ability to feed a crowd, it balances comfort and celebratory spirit. Whether as a holiday staple or a cozy family dinner side, this dish invites you to enjoy the moment, gather around the table, and appreciate the warmth of good food shared.