This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is the only one you’ll ever need. It’s a classic, savory, and incredibly moist dish that will become the undeniable star of your holiday table. Forget the boxed mixes; this homemade stuffing is loaded with flavor from savory sausage, fresh herbs, and perfectly toasted bread. It’s the kind of side dish that memories are made of.
We’ve tested and perfected this recipe to ensure it’s completely foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or making your first Thanksgiving dinner, this guide will walk you through creating the most delicious stuffing from scratch. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers a truly unforgettable result that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This is the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of textures and its depth of flavor. The bread is crusty on top yet wonderfully moist and tender inside, never gummy or dry. The addition of savory pork sausage creates a rich foundation that is perfectly complemented by the classic trio of celery, onion, and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme. It’s a timeless recipe designed for pure holiday satisfaction.
The Key Ingredients for Classic Stuffing
The magic of a great Thanksgiving stuffing recipe lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the final flavor and texture.
The Best Bread for Stuffing
The foundation of any great stuffing is the bread. You need a sturdy, dry bread that can soak up all the flavorful liquids without turning to mush. A day-old, slightly stale loaf of French bread, sourdough, or a simple white sandwich bread works perfectly. The key is to cut it into uniform cubes and toast it lightly to ensure it dries out completely.
Aromatics and Herbs
Onion and celery are the classic aromatic vegetables that form the base of the flavor profile. When sautéed in butter, they become sweet and tender. For herbs, fresh sage and thyme are non-negotiable for that quintessential Thanksgiving flavor. They provide a fragrant, earthy aroma that defines this holiday dish.
Sausage: The Secret to Rich Flavor
While optional for a vegetarian version, pork sausage is the secret weapon for an incredibly rich and savory stuffing. As it cooks, it releases flavorful fat that infuses every bite with delicious depth. A simple, mild pork sausage works best, allowing the other flavors to shine.
The Liquid Gold: Broth and Eggs
To bind everything together and provide moisture, we use a combination of chicken or turkey broth and eggs. The broth hydrates the bread, while the eggs add richness and create a slightly custardy texture that holds the stuffing together. Using a quality broth is key to a flavorful result.
How to Make This Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for a flawless, crowd-pleasing stuffing.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
First, prepare your bread. Cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is dry and lightly toasted. Set aside to cool completely. This step is critical to avoid soggy stuffing!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the pork sausage over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the melted butter to the skillet, then add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a very large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the cooked sausage. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, sage, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine everything without crushing the bread.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Bake
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and the chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffing Every Time
- Dry Bread is a Must: Do not skip the step of drying your bread cubes. If the bread is too fresh, it will absorb too much liquid and become mushy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can break down the bread and result in a dense, heavy stuffing.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste a small piece of the moistened bread and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Different broths and sausages have varying levels of sodium.
- Bake Uncovered for a Crispy Top: For a delicious contrast in texture, bake the stuffing uncovered. This allows the top to get beautifully golden and crisp while the inside stays moist and tender.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Variations
While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Sauté the vegetables in 2-3 extra tablespoons of butter and consider adding sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: For a touch of sweetness and crunch, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped apples, and 1/2 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Cornbread Stuffing: Substitute half of the bread cubes with crumbled, day-old cornbread for a slightly sweeter, more crumbly texture.
Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions
Can I Prepare Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! To make this ahead, you can complete all the steps up until baking. Prepare the stuffing mixture, place it in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Stuffing
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of broth to moisten it, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can You Freeze Stuffing?
Absolutely. You can freeze baked or unbaked stuffing. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
The key to preventing soggy stuffing is to use thoroughly dried or toasted bread cubes. This ensures the bread absorbs the liquid without turning to mush. Also, be careful not to add too much liquid and avoid overmixing the ingredients.
A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 3/4 to 1 cup of prepared stuffing per person. This recipe makes about 12 servings, which is perfect for a crowd.
For food safety and better texture, we strongly recommend baking the stuffing in a separate dish outside of the turkey. This allows the stuffing to cook evenly and develop a delicious, crispy top.
The best bread for stuffing is a sturdy, dry loaf like sourdough, French bread, or a simple white sandwich bread. It’s important that the bread is stale or toasted so it can absorb the broth without becoming soggy.
More Holiday Side Dishes You’ll Love
A great Thanksgiving meal is all about the sides. If you love this stuffing, you’ll also adore our Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. For something sweet and savory, try this Honey Butter Skillet Corn. And no holiday is complete without a show-stopping dessert like this Classic New York Cheesecake Recipe.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe (The Best, Easy & Classic)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the bread is dry and lightly toasted. Let cool completely.
- Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage to a large bowl, leaving drippings in the skillet. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and celery and cook until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the sausage. Add the dried bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and broth together. Pour over the bread mixture and gently fold until everything is moistened, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Bread Tip: Using day-old bread is even better! If your bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out on the counter for several hours to dry out before toasting.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe as much as we do. It’s a true holiday classic that brings warmth and flavor to any celebration. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.
