Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – Easy & Delicious Holiday Side Dish!

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Stuffing

A Dish That Steals the Show Every Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about tradition, warmth, and, of course, the food. And if there’s one dish that deserves a standing ovation at your holiday table, it’s this Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. Fluffy, buttery, and packed with savory herbs, this stuffing is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this recipe a winner? It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and customizable—whether you love classic sage and onion or want to add cranberries and sausage for extra richness. Plus, it bakes up golden and crispy on top while staying moist inside, making it the perfect balance of textures.

Fun fact: Did you know stuffing dates back to ancient Roman times? They stuffed birds with a mixture of bread, spices, and nuts—a tradition that evolved into the beloved side dish we know today.

If you loved our Chicken Casserole With Pasta and Broccoli, you’ll adore this stuffing—it’s just as simple but with an even bigger flavor payoff. Ready to make the best stuffing of your life? Let’s get started!


What is Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Ah, stuffing—the unsung hero of Thanksgiving. But why do we call it stuffing? Is it because we “stuff” it inside the turkey? Or because we can’t help but “stuff” our faces with it? (Let’s be honest, it’s both.)

This dish goes by many names—dressing, filling, or just “that amazing bread side dish.” But no matter what you call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s the ultimate comfort food. Made with cubed bread, aromatic herbs, butter, and broth, it soaks up all the delicious flavors while baking to golden perfection.

There’s an old saying: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, this stuffing might just win over the whole family. Whether you serve it inside the turkey or as a baked casserole, it’s a must-have on your holiday table.

So, are you ready to make the best Thanksgiving stuffing ever? Let’s dive in!


Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Stuffing

1. The Perfect Balance of Flavor & Texture

This stuffing is buttery, herby, and just the right amount of crispy. The combination of fresh sage, thyme, and parsley gives it that classic holiday aroma, while the bread soaks up all the rich broth for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

2. Budget-Friendly & Homemade

Skip the boxed stuffing mix—this homemade version tastes 10x better and costs less! With simple pantry staples like bread, onions, celery, and herbs, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

3. Totally Customizable

Want to add sausage? Go for it! Craving a touch of sweetness? Toss in dried cranberries or apples. This recipe is versatile, so you can tweak it to match your family’s tastes.

If you love our Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, you’ll appreciate how this stuffing brings the same cozy, crowd-pleasing vibes to the table.

Ready to make it? Let’s get cooking!


How to Make Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving Stuffing
Thanksgiving Stuffing

Quick Overview

This stuffing is easy, flavorful, and foolproof. With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of baking, you’ll have a golden, aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or even as a standalone star.

Key Ingredients

Bread – Day-old French or sourdough works best.
Butter – For richness and that golden crust.
Onion & Celery – The classic flavor base.
Fresh Herbs – Sage, thyme, and parsley for that holiday aroma.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Keeps it moist and flavorful.
Eggs – Helps bind everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the Bread – Cube the bread and let it sit out overnight or toast it lightly in the oven.
2. Sauté the Veggies – Cook onions and celery in butter until soft.
3. Mix Everything – Combine bread, herbs, broth, and eggs in a large bowl.
4. Bake to Perfection – Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until golden.


What to Serve With Thanksgiving Stuffing

This stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with all your holiday favorites. Serve it alongside juicy roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate feast. For a lighter touch, add a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget the gravy—it takes this stuffing to the next level!


Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Stuffing

Use stale bread for the best texture—fresh bread can turn mushy.
Toast the bread cubes for extra crunch if you don’t have time to air-dry them.
Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the texture light.
Add-ins? Try sausage, mushrooms, or dried fruit for extra flavor.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.


People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving Stuffing
Thanksgiving Stuffing

What is the best recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing?

This recipe is a top contender! It’s flavorful, easy, and customizable, making it perfect for any holiday table. The combination of herbs, butter, and broth ensures a rich, comforting dish everyone will love.

How do you make stuffing from scratch?

Start with dried bread cubes, sauté onions and celery in butter, then mix with herbs, broth, and eggs. Bake until golden and crispy on top.

Should stuffing be cooked inside or outside the turkey?

For safety, baking it separately is best—it ensures even cooking and avoids undercooked turkey.

What are common ingredients in Thanksgiving stuffing?

Bread, butter, onions, celery, herbs (sage, thyme), broth, and eggs are staples. Add-ins like sausage, cranberries, or nuts are popular too.


Final Thoughts

This Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is a must-try for your holiday feast. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Happy cooking! 🍽️

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Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – Easy & Delicious Holiday Side Dish!
Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – Easy & Delicious Holiday Side Dish!
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Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving Stuffing


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe made with bread, herbs, and savory seasonings for the perfect holiday side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
  4. Stir in parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes with the cooked vegetable mixture.
  6. Pour in broth and mix until bread is moistened but not soggy.
  7. Add beaten eggs and stir to combine.
  8. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown on top.
  11. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving meal.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in cooked sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: thanksgiving stuffing, holiday side dish, bread stuffing