Easy Traditional Stuffing Recipe

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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 wouldnโ€™t be the same without it.

Donโ€™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 wonโ€™t even need fancy ingredients.

And if you donโ€™t have day-old bread, just toast up some fresh bread and youโ€™re good to go!

Traditional Stuffing Recipe

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Are your Thanksgiving food sides all set?

Donโ€™t forget a go-to gravy recipe! And while youโ€™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 donโ€™t need day-old bread or a certain kind of stock, and you can even use whichever herbs and seasonings you prefer.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients

Dry bread cubesWe used sourdough bread for that unbeatable crunchy top!

Unsalted butterCan’t make the best traditional stuffing recipe without butter.

Yellow onion and celeryClassic 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 sageYou can also use fresh herbs. Another classic favorite is rosemary!

Chicken brothTo keep your Thanksgiving stuffing moist.

EggsTo hold the ingredients together.

Fresh parsleyFor a pop of flavor and color.

Non-stick sprayTo keep the stuffing from sticking to the baking dish.

Traditional Stuffing Recipe ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions For a Homemade Traditional Stuffing Recipe

Brioche

Canโ€™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 300ยฐF 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.

Thanksgiving stuffing

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 350ยฐF until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

classic thanksgiving stuffing

More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

I found this recipe for Festive Turkey Cups that I HAVE to try!

classic thanksgiving stuffing recipe

Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey โ€“ If you make this recipe, Iโ€™d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating โ˜… below.

Traditional Stuffing Recipe

Traditional Stuffing Recipe

This traditional stuffing recipe is a classic for a reason! Crunchy on top, soft inside, and full of flavor, Thanksgiving just wouldnโ€™t be the same without it.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Traditional Stuffing Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 68kcal
Author: Louisa

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF 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.
    step 3 Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • Stir in your herbs and seasonings.
    step 4 Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • Pour in the broth and mix well.
    step 5 Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • Remove from the heat, then stir in the eggs.
  • Toss the bread cubes in the mixture until well-coated.
    step 7 Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • 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.
    step 8 Traditional Stuffing Recipe
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
    step 9 Traditional Stuffing Recipe

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 300ยฐF 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

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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thanksgiving stuffing recipe
traditional stuffing recipe

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