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 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 recommended); 2 large eggs

There’s something indescribably cozy about the aroma of herbs and butter wafting through the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe is hands down my favorite way to fill the house with those warm, nostalgic scents — plus, it tastes like a hug from the past each time you take a bite.

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

I fell in love with this stuffing the first time I helped my grandma prepare it years ago. What makes it so special isn’t just the taste — although it’s rich and comforting — but the way it perfectly balances flavors and textures. It’s classic but never boring.

Classic Comfort: This recipe delivers that traditional Thanksgiving stuffing flavor that instantly transports you to happy family gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples and fresh aromatics, making it easy to prepare without stress.
Moist & Buttery Texture: Thanks to butter and chicken stock, it stays perfectly moist but still develops a beautiful crispy top in the oven.
Flexible & Forgiving: You can adapt it easily to your preferred herbs or add-ins, so it becomes your own family’s new favorite.

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 role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bread acts as the base, soaking up all the buttery, savory goodness, while the veggies add freshness and a bit of bite. I find that choosing the right bread and seasonings really makes or breaks the dish.

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 a sturdy bread like French bread that can absorb moisture without turning mushy. Homemade dried cubes are ideal if you have the time.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth without overpowering, and unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Chopped Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and a hint of freshness against the buttery bread.
Diced Yellow Onion: When sautéed, it brings caramelized sweetness that balances savory flavors.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper: The essential seasonings that bring everything together.
Poultry Seasoning: This classic herb blend is the heart of the dish and echoes those warm Thanksgiving aromas.
Chicken Stock: Makes the stuffing moist and flavorful; low sodium stock helps you avoid over-salting.
Large Eggs: These bind everything together so your stuffing holds its shape without crumbling.

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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 best things about Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love experimenting with different herbs or adding something special to make it uniquely mine — and you’ll enjoy making small changes too that reflect your taste.

Variation: Sometimes I add cooked sausage or apples for a sweet-savory twist. It gives the stuffing a little extra richness and a surprise note that delights my family.
Herb Swaps: Feel free to add fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme in addition to poultry seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute your bread cubes for a gluten-free variety, just dry them out properly so they soak the moisture well.
Chunkier Veggies: For extra texture, try finely diced carrots or mushrooms sautéed with the onions and celery.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Cubes

Start by cubing your bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If you have a couple of days, I highly recommend drying them out by leaving them in a big bowl at room temperature, stirring occasionally. This step is key to ensuring the bread soaks up the butter and stock without getting soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Celery in Butter

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion and celery for about 10-12 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base your whole stuffing will benefit from.

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Bowl

Place your bread cubes in a big bowl and pour in the buttery veggie mixture. Stir well so every cube gets coated. Then add the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, chicken stock, and eggs. Mix thoroughly but gently — you want everything well combined without smashing the cubes.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Spread the mixture evenly into a buttered or sprayed casserole dish. Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges but still feel moist inside — that’s when you know it’s done perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks that saved my stuffing from sogginess or dryness. Once you get the hang of balances in moisture and seasoning, it’s easy to nail it every single time.

Proper Bread Drying: Don’t rush drying the bread cubes—this step lets them soak stock without falling apart in the oven.
Butter Amount: Using enough butter is essential; it adds richness and helps create crispy edges.
Mix Gently: Stir the ingredients together carefully to keep the bread cubes intact and maintain texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Check the stuffing around 30 minutes to prevent overbaking; you want it golden but moist inside.

How to Serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish the stuffing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a few sprigs of rosemary on the side. It not only looks inviting but adds a lovely fresh herbal note when you serve it.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs perfectly with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce—classic Thanksgiving comforts that everyone loves. Serve it warm alongside your favorite gravy for maximum delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special twist, try baking the stuffing in individual ramekins or small muffin tins to create individual servings with crispy edges all around. It’s fun and makes your Thanksgiving table feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, pack up any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. I’ve found stuffing stays flavorful and moist for up to 4 days when stored properly, making it easy to enjoy second helpings.

Freezing

Freezing stuffing works well too! I usually portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can have a homemade side ready for a future meal without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop the stuffing into a 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes covered with foil to avoid drying out. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top back up — it almost tastes like freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated unbaked. When you’re ready, simply spread it in a baking dish and cook as directed to maintain freshness and flavor.

What type of bread is best for this stuffing?

I recommend using a sturdy bread like French bread or sourdough. These types have a denser texture that soaks up liquid without turning mushy. Avoid super soft or pre-sliced breads as they don’t hold up as well.

Can I bake this stuffing inside the turkey?

You can, but it requires careful attention to ensure the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature. For easier and safer preparation, baking in a separate dish is often preferred. This recipe is designed for baking separately but can be adapted if you’re comfortable with the timing.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the bread cubes with a gluten-free bread variety and dry them out similarly. Make sure the cubes are well dried to absorb the moisture and hold together during baking just like regular bread.

Final Thoughts

This Grandma’s Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because of the memories and the love folded into every bite. I hope that as you make it your own, it brings the same warmth and joy to your holiday table. Trust me, this stuffing is one side dish guests will keep asking for year after year—like it did for me and my family.