Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving

Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving is the ultimate side dish for the holiday table. This traditional recipe combines bread cubes, onions, celery, butter, broth, and fresh herbs to create a savory casserole that’s golden on top and tender inside. It’s a dish that has been served for generations and continues to be a family favorite. Whether baked inside the turkey or separately in a casserole dish, stuffing brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to Thanksgiving dinner.

This recipe uses simple ingredients, bread cubes, onions, celery, butter, and broth, but transforms them into something truly special. The bread absorbs all the flavors from the sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory broth, creating a golden casserole with a crisp top and a tender, moist inside. What makes this stuffing recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can keep it simple and traditional or customize it with add-ins like sausage, apples, nuts, or cranberries.

Stuffing is also deeply tied to holiday tradition. Some families bake it inside the turkey, letting the juices infuse every bite, while others prefer it baked separately in a casserole dish to achieve a golden, crunchy crust. No matter how you prepare it, this stuffing recipe will capture the heart of Thanksgiving and make sure everyone goes back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (14–16 oz) French bread or sourdough, cubed and dried
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chicken or turkey broth (more as needed)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Notes:

• Bread: Using day-old bread or dried cubes is essential. Fresh bread gets mushy and won’t hold up to the broth.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables. You can also use olive oil if you want a lighter version.
• Broth: Turkey broth adds the most holiday flavor, but chicken broth works perfectly.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish, but dried herbs can be used if you don’t have fresh. Sage is a must—it gives stuffing its classic Thanksgiving flavor.

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Bread Cubes

• Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly crisp. If you have time, you can cube the bread the day before and leave it out overnight to dry naturally.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking for 8–10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. The vegetables should be tender but not browned.

Step 3: Mix the Stuffing Base

• In a large bowl, combine dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss well to distribute flavors. Slowly pour in broth, stirring until bread is moistened but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs to bind the stuffing.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

• Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve

• Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Variations

• Sausage Stuffing: Brown 1 pound of sausage and add to the stuffing mixture for extra richness.
• Apple & Cranberry Stuffing: Stir in diced apples and dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist that complements turkey perfectly.
• Nutty Stuffing: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Cornbread Stuffing: Use cornbread cubes instead of French bread for a Southern-style recipe.
• Vegetarian Stuffing: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing recipe pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving staples like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. It’s also a great side for roasted chicken or pork roasts outside of the holidays. Serve it with a green vegetable like Brussels sprouts or green beans to balance the richness of the dish.

If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe doubles easily—just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones. For buffet-style dinners, keep stuffing warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, 10 servings)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 440mg

Conclusion

This classic stuffing recipe Thanksgiving dish is everything a holiday side should be, savory, comforting, and full of flavor. With golden bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a simple yet timeless recipe that pairs perfectly with turkey and all the trimmings. Whether you keep it traditional or customize it with sausage, cranberries, or apples, this stuffing is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

It’s the kind of recipe that ties a meal together, evoking nostalgia and creating new memories with every bite. Make it once, and it will become a permanent part of your Thanksgiving tradition.