Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe : The Best Oven-Baked Classic

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of a traditional holiday meal, it’s Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, this timeless favorite delivers nostalgic comfort and rich, savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or continuing a cherished family tradition, this easy homemade stuffing recipe is sure to become your new holiday staple.

This dish is ideal for anyone looking for a classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that tastes just like grandma used to make—fluffy, flavorful, and never dry. It’s a side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey and all the trimmings, making it the perfect companion to your holiday menu.

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What Is Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Stuffing, also known as dressing in some regions, is a flavorful bread-based dish traditionally served with roast turkey. A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe combines cubed bread with sautéed onions, celery, butter, herbs, and broth, then baked until golden and slightly crisp on top.

The version we’re sharing today is rooted in old-fashioned simplicity—basic stuffing recipes that don’t rely on boxed mixes or complicated techniques. Just whole, real ingredients that bring comfort and joy with every forkful.

Why This Is the Best Stuffing Recipe for the Holidays

What makes Grandma’s stuffing so beloved? It’s the balance of soft, moist bread with just the right amount of golden edges, infused with the earthy aroma of sage and thyme. The texture is hearty without being heavy, and the flavor is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Unlike some modern takes, this is turkey stuffing from scratch, the kind you remember from childhood. It’s oven-baked for maximum convenience and consistency and doesn’t require stuffing it into the bird (though you can if you prefer).

Ingredients for Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This recipe calls for pantry staples you likely already have, along with a few holiday-specific ingredients that make all the difference.

Ingredients:

• 13 cups dried bread cubes (about 1 lb of white sandwich bread or Italian bread)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 ½ tablespoons poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and marjoram)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3–4 cups chicken broth (adjust to desired moistness)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

You can also make variations by adding mushrooms, sausage, apples, or nuts for an upgraded version of this savory stuffing.

How to Make Stuffing From Scratch (Step-by-Step)

Making stuffing from scratch may sound daunting, but it’s actually quite easy—and infinitely better than store-bought mixes.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

If your bread isn’t already dried, cube it and leave it out overnight, or bake it at 250°F for 30–40 minutes until lightly toasted. This helps it absorb the broth without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed veggies and all the seasonings. Add beaten eggs and gradually pour in broth, mixing as you go. Use more broth for a moister stuffing and less if you prefer a drier texture.

Step 4: Bake

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

This method creates the ultimate oven baked stuffing with the perfect balance of tender and crunchy textures.

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Best Bread to Use for Easy Bread Stuffing Recipes

The type of bread you use can make or break your stuffing. For easy bread stuffing recipes, opt for:

• White sandwich bread: Soft and neutral in flavor
• Italian or French bread: Slightly chewier texture and more rustic crust
• Brioche or challah: For a richer, buttery taste

Avoid very dense or strongly flavored breads like rye unless you’re aiming for a specific variation. Drying the bread is essential, no matter what type you use.

Oven Baked Stuffing vs. Stuffed Turkey: What’s Better?

This age-old debate comes down to preference. But here’s why oven baked stuffing is a favorite:

• More consistent texture
• Easier to control moisture levels
• Food safety is easier to manage
• You can make a larger batch separately

If you’re still a fan of traditional stuffed turkey, this recipe works beautifully inside the bird too. Just be sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Savory Stuffing Add-ins and Flavor Enhancements

Looking to add extra flavor or flair to your easy homemade stuffing recipe? Try these optional ingredients:

• Cooked sausage (mild or spicy)
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Diced apples or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness
• Toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and rosemary

These small additions can transform a basic recipe into the best stuffing you’ve ever had.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Homemade Stuffing

Even simple recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Avoid these stuffing missteps:

• Using fresh bread: It won’t absorb broth properly and can turn mushy.
• Skipping the sauté: Raw vegetables won’t soften enough in the oven.
• Overmixing: Stir just enough to combine. Overmixing can create a dense texture.
• Adding too much broth: This can result in soggy stuffing.

Take your time and follow each step carefully, especially if you’re learning how to make stuffing from scratch for the first time.

Make-Ahead Tips: Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe for Busy Holidays

Want to save time on the big day? This stuffing is highly make-ahead friendly:

• One day ahead: Prepare and refrigerate unbaked stuffing in the baking dish.
• Bake the day of: Pull it out, bring to room temperature, and bake as instructed.
• Fully bake and reheat: Bake it the day before and reheat, covered, at 325°F for 25–30 minutes.

You’ll still get that fresh-from-the-oven flavor without the stress.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Properly

Leftover stuffing is a holiday gift in itself. Here’s how to handle it safely:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container
• Use within 3–4 days
• Reheat in the oven covered at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth

Avoid freezing if possible, as the texture may suffer—but if you must, use freezer-safe containers and thaw before reheating.

What to Serve with Grandma’s Classic Stuffing

This dish is made to shine next to your Thanksgiving main course, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Green bean casserole
• Cranberry sauce
• Sweet potato casserole

It’s also excellent alongside simple meals like Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas or hearty stews like Swedish Meatball Soup.

Kitchen Equipment Needed for Oven Baked Stuffing

Make prep easy by gathering these essentials:

• Large skillet for sautéing
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk and measuring cups
• 9×13 baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or serving spoon

Having the right tools ensures success every time—just like prepping a beautiful Pumpkin Cream Puff with precision.

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FAQ About Basic Stuffing Recipes and Thanksgiving Prep

Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
Yes! Just be sure they’re plain and unsalted. They save time and still absorb flavor well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely—use your favorite gluten-free bread, dried the same way as regular.

Do I need eggs in my stuffing?
Eggs help bind the stuffing but aren’t strictly necessary. You can leave them out for a more crumbly texture.

Can I stuff this inside the turkey?
Yes, just be sure to check the internal temp of both the stuffing and the bird (165°F minimum).

Final Thoughts: Why Grandma’s Stuffing Is a Must-Make Tradition

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a celebration of tradition, simplicity, and timeless flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for basic stuffing recipes, planning a full feast, or just trying to learn how to make stuffing from scratch, this tried-and-true recipe delivers every time.

Add it to your holiday menu and enjoy the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.

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