🎉 Introduction
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a big dish of homemade stuffing! This Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe combines the best flavors of the holiday — buttery bread cubes, fresh herbs, tender celery, and onion — all baked to golden perfection.
It’s everything a stuffing should be: moist on the inside, crisp on top, and bursting with flavor. The blend of sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley brings that unmistakable Thanksgiving aroma to your kitchen, while the buttery broth and fluffy bread create the perfect comforting texture.
Whether you serve it alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or as the star of a vegetarian table, this Thanksgiving Stuffing will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s timeless, hearty, and full of that homemade goodness that makes the holidays special. 🍂✨
🧰 Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing:
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil for baking cover
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing:
🍞 Bread Base
- 1 lb bread, cut into ½-inch cubes (use French, Italian, or sourdough bread)
🧅 Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
🧂 Seasonings
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
🍗 Broth & Binding
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, high quality
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
🧈 Dairy
- 1 1/16 cups butter, unsalted (about 17 tbsp)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2
Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
Step 3
In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4
Add the sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma.
Step 5
Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss gently until well mixed.
Step 7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and stir until everything is moistened but not soggy.
Step 8
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in small pieces over the top for extra richness.
Step 9
Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 10
Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Step 11
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this allows the flavors to settle and the texture to set perfectly.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feasts, or any special occasion.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp on top.
– To freeze, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: Add a splash of broth before reheating to restore moisture!
🥄 Variations
Give your Thanksgiving Stuffing your own delicious twist:
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cranberry Apple Stuffing: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and 1 chopped apple for sweetness.
- Mushroom Herb Stuffing: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Cornbread Stuffing: Replace half the bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern twist.
- Savory Sausage Swap: Add browned chicken sausage if desired (no pork).
- Garlic Lovers: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauté for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread cubes and the same seasonings.
- Cheesy Bake: Mix in ½ cup shredded Parmesan for a subtle cheesy undertone.
- Herb Butter Drizzle: Drizzle melted herb butter over the top before baking for aroma and color.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mixture a day before, refrigerate it, and bake before serving. - Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
Absolutely — just choose unseasoned ones and adjust salt levels accordingly. - Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes! It’s a great vegetarian-friendly substitute. - How do I keep the stuffing moist?
Don’t skip the eggs and butter — they help bind and add moisture. - Can I cook it inside the turkey?
Yes, but make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. - Can I make it without eggs?
You can — add a few extra tablespoons of broth to keep it moist. - What kind of bread is best?
Use hearty breads like sourdough, French, or ciabatta — they hold texture well. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free loaf for a seamless swap. - Can I freeze stuffing after baking?
Definitely! It freezes beautifully — just reheat gently to crisp the top. - What can I serve this with?
It pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
🏁 Conclusion
This Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish — golden, buttery, herb-filled, and absolutely delicious. With its crispy top and tender interior, it embodies everything we love about holiday meals: warmth, tradition, and flavor.
From the aroma of sautéed onions and herbs to that satisfying first bite, this stuffing brings the spirit of Thanksgiving right to your table. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet flavorful enough to impress every guest.
So this holiday season, make this homemade stuffing from scratch — because nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like a dish baked with love, butter, and fresh herbs.
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – Golden, Savory, and Perfectly Moist
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss gently until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and stir until everything is moistened but not soggy.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in small pieces over the top for extra richness.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this allows the flavors to settle and the texture to set perfectly.
Notes
– Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp on top.
– To freeze, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tip: Add a splash of broth before reheating to restore moisture! 🥄 Variations Give your Thanksgiving Stuffing your own delicious twist: Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Cranberry Apple Stuffing: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and 1 chopped apple for sweetness. Mushroom Herb Stuffing: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for a rich, earthy flavor. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Cornbread Stuffing: Replace half the bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern twist. Savory Sausage Swap: Add browned chicken sausage if desired (no pork). Garlic Lovers: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauté for extra flavor. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread cubes and the same seasonings. Cheesy Bake: Mix in ½ cup shredded Parmesan for a subtle cheesy undertone. Herb Butter Drizzle: Drizzle melted herb butter over the top before baking for aroma and color. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mixture a day before, refrigerate it, and bake before serving. Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
Absolutely — just choose unseasoned ones and adjust salt levels accordingly. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes! It’s a great vegetarian-friendly substitute. How do I keep the stuffing moist?
Don’t skip the eggs and butter — they help bind and add moisture. Can I cook it inside the turkey?
Yes, but make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Can I make it without eggs?
You can — add a few extra tablespoons of broth to keep it moist. What kind of bread is best?
Use hearty breads like sourdough, French, or ciabatta — they hold texture well. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free loaf for a seamless swap. Can I freeze stuffing after baking?
Definitely! It freezes beautifully — just reheat gently to crisp the top. What can I serve this with?
It pairs perfectly with roast turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. 🏁 Conclusion This Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish — golden, buttery, herb-filled, and absolutely delicious. With its crispy top and tender interior, it embodies everything we love about holiday meals: warmth, tradition, and flavor. From the aroma of sautéed onions and herbs to that satisfying first bite, this stuffing brings the spirit of Thanksgiving right to your table. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet flavorful enough to impress every guest. So this holiday season, make this homemade stuffing from scratch — because nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like a dish baked with love, butter, and fresh herbs.
