Grandma’s Show-Stopping Stuffing: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe for Unforgettable Thanksgiving Table Moments

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe That Will Steal the Show

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about a Thanksgiving table anchored by rich, homemade stuffing. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe has an unmatched way of bringing everyone back for seconds. Its perfect blend of savory herbs, crusty bread, and hearty vegetables makes every bite a celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether your feast is classic or modern, this show-stealing stuffing will become a beloved tradition in your family’s holiday lineup.

Why This Stuffing Steals the Show

Bold in flavor with just the right amount of moisture, Grandma’s stuffing captures the nostalgia and warmth of home-cooked meals. The aromatic blend of fresh herbs, the gentle crunch of sautéed onions and celery, and the toasty bread cubes absorb every ounce of savory broth. Finished with butter for richness and a hint of sage for that signature Thanksgiving aroma, this is a side dish your guests will talk about long after the holiday.

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing

For the best texture, use day-old or slightly dried-out bread—it soaks up the broth without getting soggy. Don’t shy away from fresh herbs: sage, thyme, and parsley add phenomenal depth of flavor. And, to capture that homemade taste, always sauté your vegetables until they’re just soft and aromatic, releasing natural sweetness into every mouthful. Bake until the top is golden for a stuffing that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Serving Grandma’s Stuffing

Serve this stuffing hot out of the oven alongside turkey, gravy, or as part of your vegetarian spread. It pairs equally well with cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables, making it a versatile centerpiece for every Thanksgiving plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color and festive aroma.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 10 hearty servings. Each portion contains approximately 230 calories and is packed with fiber, flavor, and a little nostalgia. Perfect for sharing, it’s a wholesome way to round out your Thanksgiving feast!

Why Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Is a Holiday Essential

The combination of toasty bread, fresh vegetables, and classic herbs makes this stuffing irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser that draws out the best memories of family gatherings and holiday traditions—ideal for cooks seeking to create a comforting, flavorful spread.

Ingredients

12 cups cubed day-old bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
3/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups yellow onions, diced
1 1/2 cups celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large casserole or 3-quart baking dish.
  2. Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan. Toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring halfway through. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.
  4. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread cubes. Add fresh parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper (plus nuts or cranberries if using). Toss to combine.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together broth and eggs. Pour over bread mixture, stirring gently until evenly moistened (use less broth for a drier stuffing, more for moist).
  6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until top is lightly browned and crisp.
  7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This stuffing is not just for Thanksgiving—it’s a fantastic make-ahead side for any hearty meal. Save and schedule this recipe to simplify weekly meal prep and ask CookifyAI to organize your ingredients alongside main dishes and desserts.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically aggregates total ingredient quantities for all meals
– Organizes shopping lists by store aisle
– Helps avoid overbuying or missing key ingredients
– Makes planning large gatherings smoother and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning your holiday menu, schedule all your recipes together. CookifyAI ensures you buy just the right amount of each ingredient, making big holiday meals more efficient and budget-friendly.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing really does steal the show—simple steps, classic flavors, and easy planning make it a must for your holiday table!

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