Name: Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13-15 cups dry bread cubes (about 2 1-pound loaves, preferably heavier bread such as French bread); 2 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (low sodium chicken broth preferred); 2 large eggs

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a stuffing that brings back warm memories, and that’s exactly what you get with Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe. It’s got that perfect blend of tender bread, herbs, and savory goodness that makes your Thanksgiving feel like a big family hug on a plate.

The dish shows a close-up of stuffing on a white oval dish, placed on a white marbled surface. The stuffing is made of many small, unevenly torn pieces of golden brown bread with a crispy texture on the outside and softer inside. Mixed throughout are bits of green celery and small dark seasoning specks, adding color and texture. On the top right corner of the dish, there are two fresh herb sprigs, green with slender leaves. The overall look is warm, savory, and rustic, with the bread pieces piled loosely but evenly across the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any stuffing recipe — it's a tried-and-true classic that’s been in my family for years. Making Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe always fills my kitchen with the smell of buttery onions and herbs, reminding me why it’s worth every step and every minute in the oven.

Rich, Buttery Flavor: The generous amount of butter sautéed with onions and celery creates a rich base that’s utterly irresistible.
Perfectly Moist Texture: Using heavier bread like French bread ensures the stuffing soaks up all the delicious juices without turning mushy.
Simple, Familiar Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry, making it easy and stress-free right before the holiday rush.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to add nuts, sausage, or fresh herbs, this base recipe welcomes your personal twist.

A white oval dish filled with a single layer of golden brown stuffing made of torn bread pieces mixed with small bits of green celery. The stuffing appears soft but slightly crunchy on top with some darker toasted spots. On the right side of the dish, there are fresh green sprigs of rosemary and thyme placed as garnish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a brown and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe plays a special role in creating that perfect balance between flavor and texture. And I’ve found that choosing the right types and prepping them carefully really makes a difference.

Flat lay of a large heap of homemade dried French bread cubes, a small mound of golden unsalted butter sticks, a handful of freshly chopped celery stalks, a portion of diced yellow onion, two whole clean brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden chicken stock, a small white bowl containing coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl with poultry seasoning herbs, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley placed symmetrically, all arranged on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Dry Bread Cubes: I recommend using heavier bread like French bread because it absorbs the juices better without falling apart. Homemade dried cubes work best if you have time; otherwise, a good quality store-bought bread is fine.
Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy flavor without adding too much salt. Plus, it helps soften the veggies perfectly.
Chopped Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the mix, balancing the richer components.
Diced Yellow Onion: When sautéed to tender perfection, onions bring a natural sweetness that uplifts the whole stuffing.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Use the recommended amount but adjust if you use salted butter or add salty broth.
Ground Black Pepper: Offers a gentle warmth and spice without overpowering the dish.
Poultry Seasoning: This classic blend ties in with your turkey perfectly, infusing the stuffing with savory herb notes like sage and thyme.
Chicken Stock: Low sodium is best since you'll control the salt in the stuffing. It moistens the bread cubes just right for that tender bite.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together so the stuffing holds its shape after baking but remains fluffy inside.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to think of Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe as a base on which you can build your own holiday memories. I often toss in some toasted pecans or fresh chopped sage for extra aroma. You should definitely experiment! Nothing beats making it truly your own.

Sausage Addition: One year, I browned some breakfast sausage to mix in, which gave the stuffing a lovely savory-meaty kick that everyone raved about.
Vegetarian Version: Try using vegetable stock and add mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free twist that still feels festive.
Fruit & Nut: Dried cranberries or chopped apples mixed in add just the right touch of sweetness and texture that contrasts perfectly with the herbs.
Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of parsley on top after baking give it a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan

First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350ºF. I always spray my 9×13" baking dish with cooking spray – it keeps the stuffing from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Trust me, no one wants to be scrubbing baked-on stuffing the day after Thanksgiving.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies in Butter

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt your butter and then add the diced onions and chopped celery. I like to let them cook gently for about 10-12 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is key—if you rush it, you miss out on that deep, comforting flavor that starts the stuffing off right.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pop your bread cubes into a big bowl, then pour that buttery veggie mixture right over the top. Add the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, chicken stock, and eggs, then stir gently to combine. I normally use my hands here—it’s the best way to make sure every cube gets coated with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared dish, then bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want that gorgeous golden crust on top while keeping the inside tender. It’s always tempting to peek early, but patience really pays off here!

Top Tip

Having made this stuffing dozens of times, I can say that getting the bread cubes just right is the secret to success. Here are a few tips to really nail Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe:

Dry Bread Cubes Matter: Make sure your bread cubes are dry but not rock hard—drier bread means the stuffing absorbs more flavor but avoids sogginess.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Taking the time to properly cook those onions and celery brings out sweetness you’d otherwise miss.
Gentle Mixing: When combining everything, be gentle to keep the cubes from breaking apart too much and getting mushy.
Watch the Baking Time: Overbaking dries it out—30-35 minutes at 350ºF is just right for that perfect texture.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of rosemary right before serving. It adds a pop of color and that lovely herb aroma. Sometimes, a little extra pat of butter on top just melts down during serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted green beans, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce. If you’re going all-in on tradition, a creamy mashed potato on the side completes the comforting vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinner parties, I sometimes bake this stuffing in smaller ramekins or individual cast-iron skillets. It’s a charming way to serve guests their own perfect portion, plus it makes the table look extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into my fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to meld and deepen — sometimes I like the leftovers even better!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stuffing before with great results. Just cool it completely after baking, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the stuffing with foil to keep it from drying out and warm it in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes. This method restores that freshly baked texture without making it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought bread cubes instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought bread cubes work well, especially if they’re sturdy and slightly dry. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the amount you use as they tend to be drier and offer less absorption compared to homemade cubes.

How far in advance can I prepare the stuffing?

You can mix the ingredients a day ahead and refrigerate the unbaked stuffing. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it following the instructions. If you prefer, you can even prepare the dry bread cubes up to 2 days in advance.

Can I cook this stuffing inside the turkey?

While this recipe is designed to be baked separately for even cooking, you can use it as a bird stuffing if you ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety. Just note that cooking times may be longer and the texture can be denser.

What if I don’t have poultry seasoning?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing ground sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary together. These herbs replicate the warm, savory flavors of traditional poultry seasoning quite well.

Final Thoughts

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish — it’s a tradition that brings family and friends around the table with smiles and full hearts. Every time I make it, I remember past Thanksgivings and look forward to new memories. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own family favorite, too. Trust me, your Thanksgiving dinner won’t be complete without it!