Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Celebrate the holiday season with Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe, a cherished family classic that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This savory stuffing is made with fresh herbs, crusty bread, sautéed vegetables, and a hint of sausage for a rich flavor that perfectly complements your turkey. With its delightful texture and delicious aroma, this stuffing will quickly become a highlight of your Thanksgiving feast, making every bite a nostalgic trip back to family gatherings.

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-23T02:09:35.182Z

This recipe has been handed down through the generations, bringing family together on Thanksgiving Day.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Side

Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey; it's a symphony of flavors that come together to create the perfect feast. Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing is an integral part of this celebration, providing a deliciously rich accompaniment to your main course. The unique combination of sautéed vegetables and spices enhances the dish without overpowering the turkey, striking just the right balance on your plate.

Stuffing serves as a wonderful canvas for seasonal flavors, and this recipe channels the essence of Thanksgiving with its warm, comforting profile. Aromatic herbs such as parsley, sage, and thyme infuse each bite with earthy depth, while the sausage adds a savory richness that's simply irresistible. The result? A dish that’s not just food but a cherished tradition.

Customizing Your Stuffing

While Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a beloved classic, feel free to make it your own! The base ingredients allow for creativity—consider adding dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness or roasted chestnuts for texture. If you love nuts, pecans or walnuts can introduce delightful crunch and flavor to the stuffing, enriching its complexity.

Vegetarian or gluten-free? No problem! Substitute the sausage with hearty mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based option, and use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary preferences. These modifications ensure that everyone at your table can partake in the deliciousness, making this stuffing a truly universal dish.

Serving Tips and Storage

For the best flavor, serve your stuffing alongside your turkey with a drizzle of gravy. It can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish or paired with roasted vegetables for a delightful vegetarian meal. To elevate your serving presentation, garnish with additional fresh herbs to give your dish a pop of color and freshness.

If you have leftovers, store the stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days, and reheating it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes will revive its tantalizing aroma and texture. These delicious leftovers allow you to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the holiday has passed.

Ingredients

Stuffing Ingredients

1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
1 cup of celery, chopped
1 cup of onion, chopped
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1/2 pound of sausage, cooked and crumbled
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and sauté until softened.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, sausage, herbs, and enough chicken broth to moisten.

Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.

The History of Stuffing

Stuffing has a rich history that dates back centuries, evolving into a Thanksgiving staple in American cuisine. Traditionally, it was used to fill cavities of meats, enhancing flavor and moisture, while also utilizing leftover bread. Every family has its own version, making stuffing a reflection of personal histories and regional ingredients.

Throughout the years, stuffing has adapted to accommodate various cultural influences, from herbaceous stuffing inspired by European traditions to spicier Southern variations. This diverse history makes every bite of stuffing a celebration of family heritage, connecting generations around the festive table.

Nutritional Information

While Grandma's Thanksgiving Stuffing is a delectable indulgence, it's also important to consider its nutritional profile. The combination of bread, vegetables, and sausage delivers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins. However, moderation is key, especially if you're watching your calorie intake during the holiday season.

Incorporating more veggies or opting for whole grain bread can enhance the fiber content, making your stuffing not only delicious but also nutritious. Remember, it’s all about enjoying your favorites while being mindful of balance—thankfully, this stuffing recipe is a step in that delicious direction.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.