A classic, traditional Thanksgiving stuffing that is perfectly moist and perfectly seasoned with onion, celery, and sage. It will be the star of your feast, and the only stuffing recipe you'll ever need!
Best Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
When it comes to a traditional Thanksgiving feast, the turkey plays second fiddle to the stuffing. And if you don't think so, maybe it's because you've never had my grandma's classic stuffing recipe.
My grandma makes the BEST stuffing. No joke. It's amazing. Everyone that I've ever come across that has said, "I don't like stuffing," (myself included) has liked my grandma's stuffing. And it's literally the ONE thing that has to be at all of our family holidays. You can change the meat, you can change the dessert, but there has to be grandma's stuffing. It's perfectly moist and perfectly seasoned.
While this traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is pretty much a classic stuffing recipe, she had two kind of strange techniques that apparently make all of the difference. I'll tell you the tricks here, so pay attention!
Is it Stuffing or Dressing?
Technically, it's dressing since we're not "stuffing" the bird with it (get it?!). But calling it stuffing or dressing is also regional. I discuss that more here.
If you're here, for a Southern Cornbread Dressing situation, head over here because this is not that recipe.
Can I Stuff This Inside My Turkey to Bake?
Yes, you can bake this stuffing inside of a turkey. The internal temperature of the stuffing itself will need to reach 165-degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat. The interior of the turkey and the stuffing will be the last to reach this temperature, increasing your overall cooking time and making your white meat greater than 165 degrees, potentially drying it out.
It is easier (and probably better for your turkey) to cook your stuffing separately in a baking dish (or in a slow cooker! Check out how to cook any stuffing in the Crock Pot here!)
What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing?
For this recipe, I always just use half white sandwich bread and half wheat sandwich bread, cubed and stale or dried.
You can also use French or sourdough for a little bit stiffer stuffing.
What Else Can I Add to the Stuffing?
Stuffing can be personalized to basically anything your heart desires! You can go a little sweet, you can go a little savory, or if you're brave a little mix of the two. I have an article about fun and tasty add-ins for stuffing that's definitely worth giving a read. Here are some other quick ideas.
- Cheese - From cheddar to Parmesan to smoked Gouda, a little cheese can add just the right amount of creaminess and decadence.
- Sausage - Sage sausage, smoked sausage, chorizo, apple sausage,... sausage adds a savory element that brings it to the next level.
- Dried fruit - dried cranberries, cherries, or golden raisins are the perfect way to add a little sweetness
- Veggies - Red peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, and butternut squash are all great fresh ways to add some extra flavor to the stuffing.
- Get more ideas here
Can I Make this Thanksgiving Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep this up to 2 days before without baking, and store covered in the refrigerator. Your bake time will need to be increased by about 10-20 minutes to account for the dish going in the oven cold.
You can also try my Crock Pot Stuffing recipe, as it's still our family favorite, only it frees up the oven!
Grandma's Weird Stuffing Making Technique
Okay. I know this is weird. But my grandma's stuffing is the best stuffing you could ever taste, hands down. So we will continue to do it this way because who can dispute the best stuffing maker ever. Certainly not me.
Anyway. What she does is slightly over moisten the bread with liquid, then squeeze it out in balls. You can see this method in the video below also.
More Thanksgiving Recipes You'll Love
- Butter Herb Roasted Turkey - perfectly moist and lightly seasoned with fresh herbs for a juicy, tender holiday turkey you'll make every year.
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole - a southern holiday staple with soft fluffy sweet potatoes topped with a crumbly brown sugar pecan topping.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce - super easy to make and make ahead. Cranberries quickly simmered with maple syrup.
- Southern Pecan Pie - My hubby's favorite pie with a gooey center and topped with crunchy candied pecans. Plus, you wouldn't believe how simple it is to make.
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans - Potatoes and vegetables roasted together with lots of butter, garlic, and herbs that covers both the veggie and starch requirement for the meal.
- Browse All of Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
- 2 large loaves of bread (about 2 pounds) cut into cubes, stale or dried
- 2-3 cups water or turkey/chicken broth
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 2 eggs beaten
- Giblets from turkey finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Butter a 9"x13" baking dish.
- In the baking dish, toss together bread cubes, celery, and onions.
- Add broth or water to the bread mixture and gently squeeze the mixture together with your hands to wet all of the bread, squeezing out any excess.
- Add sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper and work into the mixture until incorporated. Taste to test seasoning, and adjust if necessary.
- Add softened butter in small pats, beaten eggs, and giblets (if using) and gently work in with your hands until incorporated.
- Bake in the 350°F oven for 40-60 minutes, covering halfway through if stuffing is browning too much.
Notes
- To Dry Your Bread in the Oven: First cut into cubes. Then transfer to a baking sheet or casserole dish. Bake for about 15 minutes in a 350°F oven, tossing if necessary, until crisp. You may need to use multiple baking sheets or do it in batches.
- To Stuff in Your Turkey: Be sure to cook your turkey until the internal temperature of the stuffing itself reaches 165°F. Be aware that this will increase the cooking time of your turkey.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this stuffing, without baking and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The baking time will increase by about 10-20 minutes to account for the cold dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
- Freezer Directions: Freeze baked stuffing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until warmed through, before serving.
Nutrition
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Esther says
I can't believe this! My mom used to make stuffing exactly like this and I still make it wetting the bread and squeezing the moisture out!!! Everyone I tell thinks I'm nutz so I tried to find a similar recipe on the internet to show them and your recipe did it!!!!!!!!!! My mo's stuffing is THE BEST and I will always make it like she does!!!!
Michelle says
That is TOO FUNNY! Yes. The squeezing method apparently really does something special. I'll never make it another way!
Cindy Anderson says
When you squeeze moisture out do you discard the moisture?
Michelle says
Yes, discard it.
Art says
I grew up eating dressing but this stuffing looks incredible. I love all of the herbs and spices! I see this becoming a favorite holiday recipe.
Tara says
Such a wonderful stuffing recipe for the holidays! The flavors sound amazing and I love how easily it comes together. Yum!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Such a great stuffing recipe. It's so easy to make in a casserole dish.
Sara Welch says
Adding this to my Thanksgiving menu for dinner this year! Looks easy and flavorful; definitely too good to pass up!
Lauren says
Such a great stuffing recipe - it reminds me of the one my mom made when I was growing up 🙂
Jess says
Yes! Bring out the stretchy pants to eat more than one helping of this stuffing!
Gina says
Great easy classic stuffing recipe. Nice and moist too, hate when it's overly dry. This is a great one when you're craving a traditional meal. So easy too that we make it throughout the year, not just holiday time!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Perfect timing was just scrolling through the net for an excellant recipe for stuffing and I found it right here! thanks
Kate says
Packed with lovely flavours, the best accompaniment to a festive feast - thank you!
Vanessa Sturman says
Love this recipe - was looking for a good homemade stuffing recipe for ages and this one has been so popular with the family x
Sally Humeniuk says
This is a great stuffing recipe! I also really like your grandma's "weird" method. Clever. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer says
This is my go-to stuffing recipe! It turns out perfectly each and every time!
Angela says
I've been making my stuffing like this for year! It really is the best stuffing. No reason to mess with perfection!!
Dana Sandonato says
Totally making this for thanksgiving! I've tried so many recipes trying to be different and a little offbeat for stuffing, and thought I appreciate the creativity out there, nothing beats classic stuffing. You just don't mess with holiday dishes! This one seems perfect.
Colleen says
I love the simplicity of this traditional stuffing! I'm saving this for our holiday meal and I can't wait to try your squeezing method.
Kristen Wood says
We had an early Thanksgiving due to family that's going to be out of town and let me tell you -- it received rave reviews! Thank you for the wonderful recipe. 🙂
Lily says
I just gave this recipe a run-through (ahead of time for thanksgiving), and it was perfect. This is definitely what I'm going to be using!
Heather Johnson says
i added mushroom and it was delicious!
Maria San Juan says
This one is new for me! I want to try this soon, looks very tasty!!! Thank you for sharing!
Jerkyholic says
Hey Michelle! I love this stuffing recipe. Thanks for sharing! I linked to it as a fantastic side dish to my smoked turkey recipe. Thanks again! -Will
MaElena says
Oh my gosh! I have been searching for what sounds familiar to my grandma and mom's dressing recipe. I remember doing the squeezing and hand mixing, was my favorite Thanksgiving day prepping! I am going to have to try this, this year! Thanks A bunch for sharing!