This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is a warm and cozy mix of bread, herbs, and spices. It’s a perfect side dish that brings everyone together for the holiday feast!
You can’t go wrong with this classic; the aroma of sage and thyme makes your kitchen feel like a home! I love to pile it on my plate—extra helpings are a must! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Stale white bread is a must for texture. You can substitute with cornbread, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread if needed. Just make sure it’s a bit dry so it soaks up the flavors well.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives more control over saltiness. You can swap it for olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free options.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary add great flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work too! Just use about a third of the amount since they are more concentrated in flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version. You could also use homemade broth if you have it on hand!
How Do You Get the Best Texture for the Stuffing?
The texture of your stuffing is key! Start with drying out the bread cubes by toasting them. This helps them hold up when mixed with the broth. You want them crispy on the outside but soft inside. Bake them until light golden for the best result!
- Preheat the oven and spread your bread on a baking sheet.
- Toast for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s dry.
- Combine the mixture gently; too much stirring can make it mushy.
- Check for moisture—a little broth can help if it seems dry, but don’t overdo it!
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups diced yellow onions
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stuffing recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 50-60 minutes in the oven. You’ll spend a bit of time preparing your ingredients and toasting the bread, then it’s all about baking and letting those wonderful flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stale bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. You want them dry and slightly golden—this will give your stuffing a great texture. Once done, take them out and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add in the diced onions and celery, stirring them until they’re soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic in for the last couple of minutes to get that lovely aromatic flavor going.
3. Blending Flavors:
Once the veggies are all sizzle-y and fragrant, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so that all those herbs blend and mingle with the buttery goodness.
4. Mixing It All Together:
In a really big bowl (to give you room to stir!), combine the toasted bread cubes with the veggie mix. Toss them gently so all the bread gets coated with those yummy flavors.
5. Adding Moisture:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken (or vegetable) broth and the beaten eggs. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread and veggie mixture, stirring gently as you go. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy; if it seems too dry, add in a little more broth.
6. Getting Ready to Bake:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size). Cover it loosely with some aluminum foil to keep it from drying out while it cooks.
7. Baking Time:
Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is nice and golden brown and slightly crispy—just the way stuffing should be!
8. Finishing Touch:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like, sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for a lovely finish!
Enjoy this warm, herb-rich, and classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Stale Bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it’s best to dry it out first to get the right texture. Cut it into cubes and let it sit out overnight, or you can toast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it’s dry and lightly golden.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’re all set. This will keep the flavors delicious while making it a perfect vegetarian side dish.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth before warming in the oven or microwave to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing the day before! Just prepare it up until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, allowing a few extra minutes of baking time as needed.
