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This traditional stuffing recipe is a classic for a reason! Crunchy on top, soft inside, and full of flavor, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without it.
Don’t cook your stuffing inside the turkey!
Keep it simple and safe with this foolproof Thanksgiving side recipe that tastes just like Grandma’s every single time.
You won’t even need fancy ingredients.
And if you don’t have day-old bread, just toast up some fresh bread and you’re good to go!
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Are your Thanksgiving food sides all set?
Don’t forget a go-to gravy recipe! And while you’re at it, try our air fryer pumpkin seeds so nothing goes to waste when you bake a pumpkin pie.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Stuffing Recipe
- This traditional stuffing recipe is easy to make and brings a familiar, classic flavor that makes any Thanksgiving feast feel special.
- This classic stuffing turns out perfectly moist and buttery, with a crispy, golden top, every single time!
- This homemade bread stuffing is adaptable! You don’t need day-old bread or a certain kind of stock, and you can even use whichever herbs and seasonings you prefer.
Ingredients
Dry bread cubes – We used sourdough bread for that unbeatable crunchy top!
Unsalted butter – Can’t make the best traditional stuffing recipe without butter.
Yellow onion and celery – Classic veggies for building a flavorful base.
Salt and black pepper – The seasonings for your homemade bread stuffing are up to you. You can even add poultry seasoning.
Dried thyme and sage – You can also use fresh herbs. Another classic favorite is rosemary!
Chicken broth – To keep your Thanksgiving stuffing moist.
Eggs – To hold the ingredients together.
Fresh parsley – For a pop of flavor and color.
Non-stick spray – To keep the stuffing from sticking to the baking dish.
Ingredient Substitutions For a Homemade Traditional Stuffing Recipe
Brioche
Can’t find sourdough? Use brioche instead! It soaks up liquids well, and its rich flavor is perfect for the Thanksgiving dinner classic.
Leeks
Instead of celery, you can use leeks in this traditional stuffing recipe. They blend well because they are less fibrous and add a delicate, sweet flavor that goes well with the rich and savory holiday side dish.
Turkey stock
For the best stuffing recipe, use turkey stock. It adds a rich, deep flavor!
Tips For Making This Recipe
Use Dry Bread
This traditional stuffing recipe is best made with a dry loaf of bread. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and bake them at 300°F for 25 minutes or until firm, tossing halfway through.
Get the Perfect Crispy Top
To achieve the perfect crispy top and soft middle on your homemade bread stuffing, cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is crisp and lightly browned.
Add Sausage to the Stuffing
Add your own spin to this classic stuffing recipe! Cook, drain, and crumble a few links of Italian sausage, then fold them into the stuffing before baking.
Homemade Bread Stuffing Recipe FAQs
What is traditional stuffing made of?
To make a traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, you’ll need bread cubes, butter, celery, onion, broth, herbs, and spices.
What are common stuffing mistakes to avoid?
Avoid cooking stuffing inside the turkey because it can absorb raw juices and become unsafe to eat. Also, add liquid gradually while mixing. Too much at once can leave a pool of broth at the bottom and make your homemade stuffing soggy!
What is the secret to good stuffing?
The secret to good stuffing is getting the texture just right by using a mix of dry breads or a combination of fresh and stale bread. It’s also important not to skimp on the butter, since it helps create the crisp, golden edges that make herb stuffing so delicious.
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! This traditional stuffing recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and just bake it before serving.
How to store and reheat stuffing?
You can store leftover traditional stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, reheat it at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Punch
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Mini Pecan Pies
- Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Thanksgiving Leftover Veggie Burger
I found this recipe for Festive Turkey Cups that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Traditional Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups dry bread cubes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pinch black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried sage
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Non-stick spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, around 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in your herbs and seasonings.
- Pour in the broth and mix well.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in the eggs.
- Toss the bread cubes in the mixture until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown, stirring every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- This traditional stuffing recipe is best made with a dry loaf of bread. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and bake them at 300°F for 25 minutes or until firm, tossing halfway through.
- To achieve the perfect crispy top and soft middle on your homemade bread stuffing, cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is crisp and lightly browned.
- Add your own spin to this classic stuffing recipe! Cook, drain, and crumble a few links of Italian sausage, then fold them into the stuffing before baking.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
