Grandma’s Best Traditional Stuffing Recipe: Family Favorite Recipe
Grandma’s Best Traditional Stuffing is a beloved family recipe featuring perfectly toasted bread cubes combined with sautéed onions, celery, and a blend of classic poultry herbs. Bound together with eggs and moistened with warm chicken broth, this stuffing is baked until golden and crispy on top. It’s the perfect savory side dish to elevate any holiday meal or comfort food spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight or 30 minutes for bread drying)
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (excluding bread drying time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 16 cups dry bread cubes
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups diced onion
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 2 large eggs
Dairy
- 1/2 cup butter
Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Cut or tear bread into 1-inch cubes. To dry, spread the cubes on baking sheets and air-dry overnight, or bake at 250°F (120°C) for 20-30 minutes until lightly toasted and dry. Allow to cool completely before use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery; cook for 10-15 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in poultry seasoning, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Mixture: Transfer the dried bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed onion and celery mixture over the bread cubes, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Moisten & Bind: Warm the chicken broth slightly. Gradually pour 1 1/2 cups of the warm broth over the bread mixture while tossing gently. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then toss again. Adjust the broth quantity for desired moistness without making it soggy. Lightly beat the eggs and pour over the stuffing mixture. Add the chopped parsley and gently combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Bake Covered: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon the stuffing mixture into it. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 25-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Serve: Take the stuffing out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving warm to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture; freshly baked bread may become mushy.
- You can substitute turkey or vegetable broth for chicken broth to adjust flavor or dietary preferences.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked sausage, nuts, or dried cranberries if desired.
- Ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Covering the dish during the initial bake prevents drying out, while uncovering the last phase crisps the top.
Keywords: traditional stuffing, holiday stuffing, bread stuffing recipe, Thanksgiving side dish, savory stuffing, classic stuffing recipe
