Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the ultimate comfort food this Thanksgiving with our Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing. Packed with savory herbs, roasted vegetables, and a perfect balance of textures, this stuffing is a delicious blend of traditional flavors that will elevate your holiday feast. Customizable to suit your family's preferences, it's the perfect side dish to complement turkey and all the trimmings.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-17T12:58:17.129Z

This stuffing recipe has been a family favorite for years. Each Thanksgiving, we gather around the table, and the aroma of our homemade stuffing fills the kitchen.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal that celebrates tradition. And what's a Thanksgiving feast without a delicious stuffing? Our Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing is not only a traditional side but also one that brings a unique touch to your holiday table. With each bite, you'll enjoy the perfect blend of flavors, making it a cherished dish that everyone will look forward to year after year.

This stuffing is designed to be both hearty and flavorful. The combination of stale bread, sautéed vegetables, and a medley of herbs creates a deliciously rich base. Each ingredient works harmoniously to provide texture and flavor, ensuring that every spoonful is simply delightful. Whether you choose to serve it alongside turkey, ham, or as a standalone dish, this stuffing will be the highlight of your meal.

Customization Options

One of the best features of this stuffing recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your family's tastes or dietary preferences. Consider adding fruits like cranberries or apples for a sweet twist, or incorporate nuts for a crunchy texture. These personal touches will make the stuffing uniquely yours and may even create new family traditions around your Thanksgiving table.

For those looking to accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets, simply swap the vegetable broth for a homemade one, and choose gluten-free bread as a base. This recipe's adaptability means that everyone can enjoy a delicious stuffing, no matter their dietary needs. It's all about making memories together, and including everyone in the feast is what the holidays are all about.

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning ahead can make your Thanksgiving day less stressful. Fortunately, this stuffing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw any frozen stuffing in the refrigerator before baking.

On the day of your celebration, simply pop the stuffing in the oven while your turkey is resting. This will free you up to focus on other dishes and spending time with your loved ones. With a little planning, you'll have a fantastic dish that enhances your holiday feast while reducing the last-minute rush in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like sausage or nuts!

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth. Mix well until the bread is moistened.

Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.

Let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Our Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy; however, its versatility allows it to complement a range of main dishes. Try serving it alongside a honey-glazed ham or a savory roast beef for an equally delightful experience. The rich flavors and aromas will enhance any meal and impress your guests.

For a complete holiday experience, consider pairing this stuffing with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. These combinations create a well-rounded plate, showcasing the essence of Thanksgiving. The stuffing can also be served as a leftover the next day, making it a wonderful addition to sandwiches or skillets.

Leftover Delight

If you find yourself with leftover stuffing, don't fret! This dish can be transformed into a creative breakfast or brunch option. Reheat the stuffing in a skillet, add a couple of eggs to scramble, and top it off with cheese for a mouthwatering breakfast hash. It's an excellent way to use up leftovers while enjoying a delicious meal the next day.

Alternatively, you could turn the stuffing into savory stuffing balls. Mix in some cheese and shaped into balls before baking until they're golden brown. These little bites make for perfect appetizers or snacks during the holiday season, ensuring that you savor every last bite of your stuffing creation.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it on the day of serving.

Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Experience the ultimate comfort food this Thanksgiving with our Best Ever Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing. Packed with savory herbs, roasted vegetables, and a perfect balance of textures, this stuffing is a delicious blend of traditional flavors that will elevate your holiday feast. Customizable to suit your family's preferences, it's the perfect side dish to complement turkey and all the trimmings.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour and 5 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 celery stalks, chopped
  4. 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup vegetable broth
  6. 1/2 cup butter
  7. 1 teaspoon dried sage
  8. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth. Mix well until the bread is moistened.

Step 04

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250