This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is a warm and cozy side dish filled with bread, herbs, and spices. It’s the perfect complement to your turkey and brings the holiday spirit to the table!
I love how it makes the whole house smell fantastic while it bakes. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients—like adding sausages or nuts for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is essential for the best texture. Sourdough or white bread works great. If you don’t have day-old, lightly toasting fresh bread also does the trick.
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better flavor control. If you’re looking for a healthier option, olive oil can replace butter.
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor! Sage, thyme, and rosemary are traditional, but if they’re out of season, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use 1/3 of the amount.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is perfect, but vegetable broth or even water can be used for a lighter option.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the stuffing together. If you’re avoiding eggs, a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tbsp seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water) can help hold it all together.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure the Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
To achieve the perfect stuffing texture, avoid adding too much broth. Start with less and gradually mix it in. You want the bread to be moist but not wet.
- After toasting, let the bread sit to dry out a bit more.
- Mix in the broth and eggs gently; the bread should hold its shape when pressed.
Keep an eye on baking time. If the top becomes too dark, cover it with foil for the remaining time. This way, you get a nice golden layer without burning!
How to Make Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably white or sourdough), toasted or dried
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried sage)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 to 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffing takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, followed by approximately 45 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour to prepare and cook this dish, plus any cooling time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the bread is dry and has a light golden color. This helps the bread absorb the flavors later on. Once toasted, set the bread aside to cool.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. To finish this step, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it smells delicious!
3. Mixing in the Herbs:
Now, stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Give it a couple of minutes for the herbs to release their wonderful aromas. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Combining Bread and Vegetables:
Take the toasted bread cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable and herb mixture over the bread. Gently toss everything together so the bread gets nicely coated with the savory goodness.
5. Adding the Broth and Eggs:
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Slowly add this mixture to the stuffing while gently stirring it in. Make sure to moisten the bread without making it too soggy; it should be just right to hold together when pressed.
6. Baking the Stuffing:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or any similar casserole dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
7. Ready to Serve:
Once done baking, let the stuffing cool slightly before serving. You can garnish it with fresh herbs for a nice touch if you like. Enjoy!
This classic stuffing is a delightful treat and pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving turkey, creating a comforting, fulfilling meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread as a substitute. Just make sure it’s day-old or lightly toasted to achieve the right texture for the stuffing. You may need to adjust the amount of broth since gluten-free breads can absorb liquid differently.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What Can I Add to Customize My Stuffing?
Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked sausage, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried fruits (like cranberries or apricots), or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to balance out the new ingredients!