Buttery, herby, and perfectly golden, this traditional stuffing recipe captures the true spirit of Thanksgiving comfort. It’s simple, timeless, and loved by everyone at the table.
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Every Thanksgiving, this Traditional Stuffing Recipe brings me right back to the heart of home, that moment when the kitchen fills with the scent of toasted bread, butter, and savory herbs.
Stuffing is one of those dishes that bridges generations: the one Grandma made from scratch, the one we tweak year after year, and the one the kids can’t resist sneaking bites of before dinner.
This version keeps the spirit of tradition alive, with a few small tweaks to make it flavorful, moist, and perfectly balanced every time.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Stuffing Recipe
- Classic and comforting: It’s everything you want in a Thanksgiving stuffing — buttery, aromatic, and golden on top.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just a handful of staples create that signature savory warmth.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste or dietary needs — vegetarian, gluten-free, or extra herby.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s break down what you’ll need and how to tailor it to your family’s preferences:
- 8 cups dry bread cubes: Use day-old bread for the best texture. White, sourdough, or French bread works beautifully. For a rustic version, try multigrain or cornbread.
- ¼ cup butter: Adds richness and depth. You can use olive oil or plant-based butter for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- 1 onion, diced: Yellow onions give sweetness and flavor, but white or shallots work too.
- 1 cup celery, chopped: Adds that classic stuffing crunch. Feel free to include diced carrots for a hint of color.
- Salt, to taste: Start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust after tasting the mixture.
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Helps bind the stuffing and adds a soft, custardy texture.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Moistens the bread without making it soggy. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Pinch of black pepper: Balances the herbs. Freshly ground is best.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and a light, fresh finish.
- ¼ tsp dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant — you can use fresh thyme if you have it.
- ¼ tsp dried sage: The signature Thanksgiving flavor. Start small; a little goes a long way.
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped apples or ¼ cup dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
- Cooked sausage or mushrooms for added richness.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffing
- Dry the bread properly: If your bread isn’t stale, toast cubes in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Layer the flavors: Sautéing the onion and celery in butter builds that deep, savory base.
- Taste as you go: Before adding eggs, check your seasoning. It’s easier to adjust salt and herbs early.
- Keep it moist: If the mixture feels dry before baking, add a few extra tablespoons of broth.
- Crispy top, soft inside: Bake uncovered for a golden crust, or cover halfway through baking for softer results.
Classic Traditional Stuffing FAQs
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh on Thanksgiving Day — just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What kind of bread works best?
Day-old white, French, or sourdough bread holds up beautifully. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it tends to get mushy.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Skip the eggs or use a flaxseed substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
How do I know when stuffing is done?
The top should be lightly browned and crisp, and the inside moist but not wet. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F if you’re checking with a food thermometer.
Can I stuff this inside a turkey?
Yes, but make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F inside the bird for food safety. I personally prefer baking it separately — it stays light, flavorful, and easy to serve.
Serving Ideas
Serve this classic stuffing alongside:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.
- Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter for smaller gatherings.
- Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest to add a tart, sweet balance to the meal.
And don’t forget a warm dessert like Pumpkin Bread Pudding to round out your Thanksgiving feast.
Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Season: Stir in thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to release the herbs’ aroma.
- Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and mix well to combine.
- Add eggs: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the beaten eggs quickly so they blend smoothly without cooking.
- Combine with bread cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the mixture over them, tossing gently until all cubes are evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even browning.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- This recipe is suitable for toddlers and kids when made with low-sodium broth and smaller bread cubes for easy chewing.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or sauté a bit of diced jalapeño with the onions — I love doing this for my own twist of African-inspired heat.
- You can also make individual servings by baking the stuffing in muffin tins for portion control and crispy edges.
❤️ If you try this Traditional Stuffing Recipe…
Please rate or review it below! It helps other home cooks find trusted holiday favorites, and I would love to know if your family has any special stuffing traditions. Tag @yumyummerblog on social media so I can share your delicious creations!
More Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Love
- Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole
- Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies