Name: Grandma’s Classic 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 of heavier bread such as French bread); 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 2 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning; 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (low sodium preferred); 2 large eggs

There’s something about the warm, comforting aroma of a freshly baked stuffing that instantly says “holiday.” The way those soft, buttery bread cubes soak up herbs and chicken stock makes this Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe one that I return to year after year.

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 Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart — and on my holiday table. It’s simple, soulful, and reliably delicious every time, which makes it my go-to stuffing for Thanksgiving. Let me tell you why you’ll want to add it to your recipe box.

Authentic Comfort: This recipe has that nostalgic, homemade feel that tastes like family and tradition baked into every bite.
Super Moist Texture: Using French bread cubes and plenty of butter helps the stuffing soak up juices without getting soggy or dry.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of poultry seasoning, onions, and celery brings classic savory notes without overpowering the turkey.
Easy to Make and Adapt: Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a first-timer, the straightforward steps make this stuffing approachable and customizable.

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

Every ingredient in this Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe plays its part to create a harmonious, mouthwatering dish. I’ve learned that starting with the right bread and fresh vegetables makes all the difference. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

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

French Bread Cubes: I recommend French or a similar dense bread because its sturdiness lets it absorb all that buttery goodness without dissolving into mush.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning level to keep things balanced and rich.
Celery: Adds a slight crunch and freshness that cuts through the buttery softness.
Yellow Onion: The sweetness of sautéed onion deepens the savory base of the stuffing.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of everything on the list.
Poultry Seasoning: This classic blend of herbs elevates the stuffing with its signature earthy, comforting notes.
Chicken Stock (Low Sodium): Keeps the moisture in check and infuses subtle umami without extra salt.
Eggs: These help bind the stuffing together, giving it that perfect, sliceable texture after baking.

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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

One of the things I love most about this stuffing recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your family’s tastes. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the herbs and added a few special touches — and each adds its own charm without losing that classic vibe.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out half the chicken stock for hearty turkey drippings — it amps up the flavor and ties the stuffing even closer to the bird. Give that a try if you want an extra festive kick.
Add a Kick: A handful of cooked, crumbled sausage or chopped apples can give the stuffing a lovely texture and flavor contrast that your guests will rave about.
Herb Swap: I occasionally add fresh sage or thyme on top to sprinkle some fresh herbal fragrance when serving.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes the Right Way

Two days before Thanksgiving, I cut French bread into 1-inch cubes and leave them out in a large bowl at room temperature, stirring once or twice a day. This step might feel like an extra chore, but trust me — it’s essential. Dried bread cubes soak up all the liquid perfectly, avoiding soggy or mushy stuffing. If you’re short on time, you can also dry them out in a low oven for about 15-20 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye so they don’t brown too much.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables in Butter

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I melt 1½ cups of unsalted butter, then add the chopped onion and celery. Cooking these for 10-12 minutes until they’re tender and translucent releases their natural sweetness and softens them just enough for the stuffing. Pro tip: Don’t rush this step by cranking the heat — gentle sautéing is the secret to deep flavor here.

Step 3: Mix Everything Gently but Thoroughly

Place your dried bread cubes in a large bowl, then pour the buttery veggies over. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, and mix it all together. Next, whisk the chicken stock and eggs, then stir those in as well. The key here is to combine everything evenly without smashing the bread too much — you want those cubes still recognizable, soaking up flavor. It’s like layering comfort into every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole or a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the stuffing out evenly so it cooks consistently. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and just slightly crisp around the edges. When you pull it out, you’ll get that perfect balance of crispy top and soft, flavorful interior that’s simply irresistible.

Top Tip

From personal experience, the success of this Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe really comes down to a few small details. Paying attention to these tricks makes all the difference between a good stuffing and one that guests can’t stop asking for.

Use Dense Bread: Choosing a firm bread like French bread ensures the cubes absorb the broth and butter without falling apart.
Don’t Skip Sautéing: Softened onions and celery add subtle sweetness and texture—you’ll notice a major flavor upgrade.
Pack Your Bread Cubes: When measuring, press your bread cubes down into the cup to get an accurate amount. This ensures you have just enough bread to soak up the liquid perfectly.
Bake Until Golden: Don’t rush baking time—you want a golden-brown crust on top that adds texture and visual appeal.

How to Serve Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top right before serving — it adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of freshness. Sometimes I add a few sprigs of rosemary or even chopped fresh sage, which ties back to those cozy poultry seasoning flavors and gives a little herbal punch.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce. I also love serving it alongside green bean casserole and glazed carrots to round out the plate with a variety of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals that need to impress, I sometimes serve the stuffing in individual ramekins topped with a fresh herb sprig. It makes each plate feel special and keeps portions just right. Another option is to shape the stuffing into small balls, bake, and serve them as bite-sized sides — perfect for casual gatherings and easy passing around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover stuffing should go into an airtight container and be refrigerated within two hours of baking. I find it keeps well for up to 4 days, and reheating makes it taste just as good as the first day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stuffing a few times when making extra, and it holds up nicely. I let it cool completely, portion it out, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend moving it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the stuffing loosely with foil to keep moisture in and bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes crisps up the top beautifully again!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use gluten-free bread for this stuffing?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread cubes to make a safe version of this stuffing. Just be sure to dry the bread thoroughly using the same two-day drying method or a low oven to ensure it absorbs the liquids properly.

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffing the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions as usual.

Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the turkey?

While it’s a traditional approach, I prefer baking stuffing separately to ensure even cooking and food safety. Baking separately also delivers a crispier top, which is one of my favorite parts!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit any meat-based additions. The sautéed vegetables and herbs still give the stuffing a rich, satisfying flavor even without poultry.

Final Thoughts

This Grandma’s Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a little piece of holiday magic I get to share every year. It’s warm, dependable, and always brings smiles around the table — the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep passing along. Give it a try this year and watch it become part of your family’s favorite traditions too.