Description
A classic Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe featuring perfectly dried bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, and flavorful poultry herbs. Baked to golden perfection, this moist and savory stuffing is the perfect side dish for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Dry Bread Cubes
- 16 cups dry bread cubes (about 3 large loaves of bread)
Stuffing Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups onion (1/2" diced)
- 2 cups celery (1/2" diced)
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh chopped or dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon sage (fresh chopped or dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Bread Cubes: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Using a serrated bread knife, cut the bread into 1/2" to 3/4" cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, tossing occasionally to ensure even drying. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking while stirring frequently until tender and translucent, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Remove the pot from heat.
- Add Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then mix them into the onion and celery mixture.
- Combine Stuffing: Place the cooled dry bread cubes into a large bowl. Pour the hot broth and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold until moistened but without excess liquid. If the mixture feels dry, add up to 1/2 cup more chicken broth as needed.
- Prepare for Baking: Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the stuffing evenly in the dish.
- Bake Stuffing: Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir gently every 15 to 20 minutes to promote even browning. The top should become lightly golden brown when done.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Thanksgiving stuffing!
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best drying results.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to taste, especially if using fresh herbs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit eggs or replace with an egg substitute.
- Make sure the stuffing is moist but not soggy before baking.
- Can be prepared a day ahead up to the baking step and refrigerated; bake fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
