If you’re looking to bring warmth, tradition, and irresistible flavor to your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is your new best friend. With a perfect balance of herbs, buttery richness, and that comforting bread base, it’s the side dish that steals the show every time. Whether you stick to the classic version or dress it up with your favorite additions, this recipe promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors that capture the very essence of Thanksgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great results starts with great ingredients, and this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe uses simple, time-honored staples that work together beautifully. Each item plays a crucial role in building the rich layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make stuffing so beloved.
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough): The foundation of the stuffing, providing that essential hearty chew and ability to soak up flavorful liquids without turning mushy.
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps soften the vegetables, enveloping everything with a velvety finish.
- 1 large onion diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the herbs perfectly.
- 3 celery stalks diced: Brings a fresh crunch and mild earthiness to the mixture.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Elevates the aromas with a gentle kick of savory warmth.
- 2 teaspoons dried sage: The quintessential herb for Thanksgiving, providing that classic piney, almost peppery flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme: Adds a delicate lemony note that brightens the stuffing.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: A fragrant addition that lends a subtle woodsy aroma without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties the dish together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat that livens up each bite.
- 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The essential liquid that brings moisture and savory depth; vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- 2 large eggs beaten: Helps bind the mixture so it holds together beautifully after baking.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and vibrant, herbaceous notes as a finishing touch.
How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubes of day-old bread in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key to achieving that perfect slightly crisp texture that will hold up during baking and not turn soggy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking them gently for 7 to 8 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic along with the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute so the herbs bloom and everything is infused with their lovely flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the toasted bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm vegetable and herb mixture over the bread and toss gently to combine, ensuring every cube is coated with those irresistible savory pockets of flavor.
Step 4: Mix Broth and Eggs, Then Soak
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth with the beaten eggs. Slowly drizzle this mixture over the bread and vegetables, stirring as you go. You want the bread soaked but not mushy, so you might not need to use all the broth. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to fully absorb the liquids, which will ensure a moist and tender stuffing once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the stuffing mixture into your prepared baking dish and cover with foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final step creates a gorgeous, golden-brown, crispy top that contrasts perfectly with the tender interior. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of chopped chives add a delightful pop of color and a fresh herbal note that enhances the warm, savory flavors of the stuffing. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted butter or a dusting of grated Parmesan can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe pairs beautifully with classic mains like roasted turkey or baked ham, but don’t shy away from serving it alongside roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or rich mashed potatoes to round out the feast. The flavors blend seamlessly, making each bite a harmonious celebration of the holiday season.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider baking this stuffing inside hollowed-out squash or bell peppers to create individual servings with a whimsical flair. Alternatively, use muffin tins to make bite-sized stuffing cupcakes—perfect for appetizers or potlucks. Presentation can be just as delightful as the flavors here, adding a special touch to your holiday spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, which is always a joy, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a comforting follow-up meal without any fuss.
Freezing
When you want to save some for later, this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply cool the baked stuffing completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, so you can easily reheat a little taste of the holiday anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm the stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Removing the foil during the last few minutes helps restore that crispy top everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread in this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While French or sourdough bread are traditional and provide great texture, you can experiment with whole wheat, multigrain, or even gluten-free bread to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just make sure the bread cubes are dry or toasted to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. The herbs and butter will still build a deeply satisfying flavor.
What can I add to this stuffing for extra flavor?
Feel free to mix in cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, chopped apples, or nuts like pecans for added texture and taste. These additions personalize the dish and can make it stand out even more on your holiday table.
How do I get a crispy top on my stuffing?
Cover the dish with foil for the initial bake to lock in moisture, then remove the foil for the last 15 to 20 minutes. This exposes the top to direct heat, allowing it to crisp up beautifully without drying out the interior.
Can I prepare the stuffing the day before Thanksgiving?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge. This makes your holiday cooking much more manageable and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the kind of dish that becomes a treasured tradition, a reliable, flavorful side that everyone reaches for at the holiday table. Easy to make and fully customizable, it invites you to savor every cozy, herby, buttery bite. I encourage you to give it a try this season—your taste buds and guests will thank you wholeheartedly!
Print
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe features toasted day-old bread cubes combined with a savory mixture of sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, moistened with broth and eggs, then baked to a golden, crispy perfection. It’s the perfect side dish to complement your holiday meal and can be customized with additions like sausage, mushrooms, or apples.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
Vegetable Mixture
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and toast bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cubes are slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté vegetables and herbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery and cook for 7–8 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the herb aromas.
- Combine vegetables with bread: Pour the cooked vegetable and herb mixture over the toasted bread cubes and gently stir to evenly coat the bread.
- Mix broth and eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken or vegetable broth with the beaten eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine everything. Add just enough broth so the bread is well coated but not soggy. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake the stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious holiday side dish.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, stir in ½ lb cooked sausage, mushrooms, or chopped apples before baking.
- You can prepare this stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it; bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, warm stuffing.
