Is there anything quite as comforting as a warm, savory spoonful of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing? It’s the heart and soul of the holiday table, right? Well, gather ’round, y’all, because I’m about to share a recipe that takes all the best parts of classic stuffing and adds a little Texan flair. This isn’t just any stuffing; this Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a new family tradition. Let’s get cooking!
Top Reasons To Make It
This stuffing is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your family’s preferences. Plus, it makes the house smell absolutely divine. Want the secret to a stress-free Thanksgiving? Prep this bad boy a day or two in advance. So good. Finally, and most importantly, it’s just plain delicious!
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients with their measurement in the recipe card.
- Day-old bread: Adds a hearty texture and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base.
- Celery: Adds a classic crunch.
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter!
- Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary: These herbs create an aromatic blend that screams Thanksgiving.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Smoked turkey: For that smoky, meaty goodness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together for the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cube the day-old bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10–15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- While the bread toasts, sauté the chopped onion and celery in melted butter until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the fresh herbs and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, diced smoked turkey, chicken broth, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
How To Make Stuffing From Scratch
Making stuffing from scratch is easier than you think! This Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe starts with simple ingredients, like day-old bread and fresh herbs. Just follow the instructions above and you’ll have a Basic Stuffing Recipe that’s way better than anything from a box. It’s a DIY stuffing recipe that’s perfect for beginners!
Variations & Substitutions
This basic stuffing recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. For a vegetarian version, swap the smoked turkey for sautéed mushrooms. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This stuffing is the perfect companion to your holiday turkey, but it’s also delicious alongside roasted chicken, pork loin, or even a hearty vegetarian main course.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Be sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Pro Tips For Success
- Don’t overstuff the bird! It can lead to uneven cooking. Bake your stuffing separately for best results.
- For extra flavor, use a mix of bread, like sourdough, white, and wheat.
- Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Mixing the stuffing by hand is the best way to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before baking. You want that perfect balance of savory goodness.
- For a crispy top, broil the stuffing for the last few minutes of baking.
- Want a secret weapon? Add a little splash of balsamic vinegar to the chicken broth. Trust me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Savory Stuffing the day before and bake it just before serving. This will save you time and stress on Thanksgiving Day.
Q: How can I make the best stuffing from scratch?
A: Start with quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and good bread. Follow this Easy Bread Stuffing Recipe closely and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Making Turkey stuffing from scratch offers the reward of a truly homemade flavor.
So there you have it, folks! My take on Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing recipes, a little bit Texan, a whole lot of love. Try it this Thanksgiving, and you might just find yourself making it year-round. It’s that good, so, so good.
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing: A Texan Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Thanksgiving stuffing is just like Grandma used to make — hearty cubes of bread, sautéed onions and celery, aromatic herbs, and a savory touch of smoked turkey. Moist, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate holiday side dish.
Ingredients
10 cups day-old bread, cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 ½ cups diced smoked turkey
2 ½ cups chicken broth
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisped.
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery; sauté 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in chopped herbs and cook 1 more minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed veggies, smoked turkey, chicken broth, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to combine.
5. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until top is golden and crisp.
7. Let rest a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Use a mix of white and whole wheat bread for added depth.
Make this ahead by prepping the stuffing mixture a day before and baking just before serving.
Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, holiday dressing, classic stuffing recipe, Grandma’s stuffing, turkey side dish