Every Thanksgiving table feels incomplete without a golden, fragrant pan of stuffing. This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe captures everything you want in a holiday side—crispy edges, a soft center, and the comforting flavors of butter, onion, and herbs. The scent alone can make the kitchen feel festive before the turkey is carved. With just a few simple ingredients and some thoughtful tips, you’ll have a stuffing that brings back memories and creates new ones.
Print
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with bread, onion, celery, and herbs. Crispy on top, soft inside, and perfect for your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 10 cups crusty bread cubes (sourdough or French)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 celery stalks (2 cups), chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cube and dry bread overnight or toast lightly in oven.
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and celery, cook until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and herbs in a large bowl. Season and gradually add warm broth until moistened.
- Spread mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more until golden.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best for absorbing flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
- Add sausage, apples, or cranberries for extra depth.
- Cool leftovers and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze in portions for about 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
This stuffing balances texture and flavor beautifully, with tender bread cubes and a savory herb blend. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make ahead, so you can spend less time cooking and more time with family. It’s also endlessly adaptable—you can keep it classic or add your own twist, from sausage to dried fruit. Serve it with turkey, ham, or even roasted vegetables, and it instantly feels like a celebration.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
The best stuffing begins with bread that soaks up broth and herbs without turning mushy. Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and melted butter build layers of flavor, while broth ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crusty bread (sourdough or French) | 10 cups, cubed |
| Yellow onion | 1 large, diced |
| Celery stalks | 3–4 stalks (2 cups), chopped |
| Fresh sage | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups, warmed |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick), melted |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Substitutions
Cornbread cubes add a Southern flavor, while whole-grain bread makes it heartier. Swap butter for olive oil for a dairy-free version, and choose vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. For gluten-free guests, use gluten-free bread—it holds up well if toasted first.
Step-by-Step Insructions for Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Time needed: 1 hour
Making stuffing is all about layering flavor and texture. Follow these steps for a dish that’s crisp, moist, and deeply satisfying.
- Step 1: Prep the Bread and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cube and dry your bread overnight or toast lightly in the oven. This prevents soggy stuffing.
- Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 3: Mix with Herbs and Broth
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper, then gradually add warm broth until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Day-old bread makes the best base. Taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning. Avoid pressing the stuffing too tightly into the dish—this allows steam to escape and keeps the texture light. Add sausage, apples, or cranberries for extra depth, and sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
To make it gluten-free, use toasted gluten-free bread cubes. For a vegan version, swap butter for olive oil and stick with vegetable broth. Add roasted vegetables for a budget-friendly option, or mix in cooked sausage, ground turkey, or chickpeas for protein. Dried fruit and nuts can add sweetness and crunch without overpowering the classic flavors.
Serve It With
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and gravy but also complements ham, roasted squash, and seasonal vegetables. For a lighter contrast, serve it alongside Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
Storage & Reheat
Cool leftovers completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm in a covered dish at 325°F until hot. To keep it longer, divide the stuffing into portions and store in the freezer for about two months. The USDA food safety guide offers best practices for safe reheating.
Nutrition
Each serving has about 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein. Balance your plate with lean protein and vegetables for a complete meal, as recommended by the NIH dietary guidelines.
FAQs
Not drying the bread, under-seasoning, or overpacking the dish can ruin the texture. Use stale bread, taste as you go, and bake loosely packed for best results.
It’s all about layers of flavor: buttery vegetables, fresh herbs, and broth for moisture. Baking until crisp on top completes the balance.
The best stuffing is the one made in your kitchen with your family’s touch. This recipe gives you a foundation, but traditions and tweaks make it special.
Yes. Assemble the stuffing ahead, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day after bringing it to room temperature. This lets flavors blend while saving time.
More Like This
Looking for more holiday ideas? Try Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe for a hearty dish, Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe for a fresh side, Tram Sauce Recipe for a bold flavor boost, and Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe to add something refreshing to your spread.
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin this recipe, share it, or bookmark it for your Thanksgiving prep. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe brings warmth, tradition, and comfort to your holiday table.