Thanksgiving is a time for family, tradition, and of course, delicious food. One of the most cherished dishes at any Thanksgiving dinner is Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. This classic stuffing recipe is simple, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish to complement your Thanksgiving turkey and will have everyone asking for seconds. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, share tips for customization, and highlight its nutritional value.
Jump to
- What You Need for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Tips and Variations for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Nutritional Information for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Serving Suggestions for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- FAQs
- Related recipes
- Final thoughts
What You Need for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
To make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 13–15 cups of dried bread cubes (you can use French, Italian, sourdough, or whole wheat bread)
- 1½ cups unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 large eggs
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this stuffing to life. The dried bread cubes provide the perfect base, while the butter, celery, and onions give the stuffing its rich flavor. The chicken stock adds moisture, and the seasoning ties everything together. Eggs help bind the mixture, creating a cohesive and satisfying texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Thanksgiving Stuffing
Preparing the Bread for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Start by cutting your bread into cubes and allowing them to dry out. You can do this by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and leaving them out for 48 hours. Alternatively, you can toast the cubes in the oven at a low temperature until they’re dry and crisp. The goal is to ensure the bread can absorb all the flavors of the stuffing without becoming soggy. This is an essential step in making the perfect Thanksgiving stuffing.
Sautéing the Vegetables for Grandma’s Stuffing
While the bread cubes dry, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing them until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions and softens the celery, which will add depth to your Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.
Mixing the Thanksgiving Stuffing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery. Add the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and chicken stock. Stir the mixture gently to combine everything evenly. Finally, beat the eggs and fold them into the stuffing mixture. The eggs will help bind everything together and create a cohesive stuffing that’s both flavorful and firm.
Baking Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. This step will give your Grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing a perfect balance of softness and crunch.
Stuffing the Turkey with Grandma’s Recipe (Optional)
If you prefer to cook your stuffing inside the turkey, make sure to stuff the bird just before roasting. The stuffing should be loosely packed inside the turkey’s cavity. Ensure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee that both the turkey and the stuffing are fully cooked. Be cautious not to overstuff the turkey to allow for proper air circulation during cooking.
Tips and Variations for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Different Bread Types: If you want to add a twist to your stuffing, try using different bread types like cornbread, brioche, or even a combination of breads. Each type of bread brings a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Adding Meat: For a heartier stuffing, you can add cooked sausage, bacon, or even turkey giblets. This will add richness and depth to the Grandma’s stuffing recipe.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to get a head start on your Thanksgiving meal prep.
- Baking Outside the Turkey: If you prefer not to stuff the turkey, you can bake the stuffing separately in a casserole dish. This method allows the stuffing to develop a crispy exterior while remaining moist on the inside.
Nutritional Information for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note that the nutritional values can vary depending on the ingredients you use, such as butter or bread type. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider substituting some ingredients, like using olive oil instead of butter or a whole-grain bread.
Serving Suggestions for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with your Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The stuffing’s savory flavors complement the richness of roasted meats, and its soft texture balances the creamy mashed potatoes. For a creative twist, try using leftover stuffing in a casserole or even a breakfast skillet with eggs and sausage the next day.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing a day or two before Thanksgiving. Just assemble the stuffing in a baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
Absolutely! If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute gluten-free bread for the regular bread cubes. Just be sure to choose a gluten-free bread that has a similar texture to the bread used in the recipe for the best results.
Yes, you can! If you prefer to stuff the turkey with your Grandma’s stuffing recipe, be sure to stuff it just before cooking. Make sure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure both the stuffing and the turkey are fully cooked.
To add sausage to your stuffing, brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the bread mixture. You can use breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even a combination. This will give the stuffing a savory and hearty flavor.
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- Easy and Flavorful Crockpot Meal.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Description
This classic stuffing recipe is simple, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey!
Ingredients
- 13–15 cups of dried bread cubes (French, Italian, sourdough, or whole wheat bread)
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Start by cutting your bread into cubes and allowing them to dry out. Spread them on a baking sheet or toast in the oven until they’re dry and crisp.
- Melt butter in a large skillet, add diced onions and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed onions and celery, then add salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
- Beat the eggs and fold them into the stuffing mixture to bind it together.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Optional: Stuff the turkey just before roasting, ensuring the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add cooked sausage or bacon. You can also make this ahead of time by refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Final thoughts
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a classic dish that brings the warmth of home and the joy of tradition to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you make it ahead of time or bake it fresh, this stuffing is sure to become a staple in your holiday meals. Try it out and share it with your loved ones—you won’t regret it. Happy Thanksgiving!
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