Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving

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Every Thanksgiving, there’s one dish I look forward to more than anything else—and that’s stuffing. It’s warm, herby, buttery, and deeply comforting. I’ve tried countless versions over the years, but this one? It’s my absolute favorite. Packed with golden cubes of toasted bread, sautéed onions and celery, and the perfect blend of sage, thyme, and parsley, it brings everything you want to the holiday table.

What I love most about this stuffing recipe is its balance. It’s not too wet, not too dry, and every bite delivers a satisfying mix of crunch and softness. I always make a little extra, because let’s be honest—leftover stuffing the next day is its own kind of magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Recipe

This stuffing is classic, easy to make, and absolutely loaded with flavor. It uses simple ingredients, yet the results are extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or contributing to a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a staple.

• It’s make-ahead friendly.
• Customizable to fit your preferences.
• Rich in flavor from fresh herbs and sautéed vegetables.
• Crunchy on top, moist in the center—perfect texture!
• Comfort food at its finest.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Stuffing?

The type of bread you use really affects the outcome of your stuffing. I recommend using a crusty, day-old loaf—like sourdough, French bread, or an artisan white loaf. These types hold their structure better and soak up the broth without becoming mushy. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread if you want the stuffing to have body and bite.

For best results, cube the bread a day or two ahead and let it dry out on a tray. If you’re short on time, you can also toast the cubes in the oven.

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Options for Substitutions

Want to tailor this stuffing to your taste or dietary needs? Here are some great swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Vegetarian: Stick with vegetable broth instead of chicken.
• Add Protein: Mix in cooked sausage or pancetta for a meaty version.
• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of traditional butter.
• Low-Sodium: Choose a low-sodium broth and go easy on added salt.

The beauty of stuffing is how forgiving it is—feel free to make it your own.

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Ingredients for This Stuffing Recipe

• Crusty Bread (day-old or toasted): The backbone of your stuffing. It soaks up all the delicious broth and seasonings while maintaining some texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to a golden softness.
• Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
• Celery: Adds a savory crunch and that classic stuffing aroma.
• Garlic: A small amount goes a long way in boosting overall flavor.
• Fresh Sage: Earthy and warm, sage is a must in traditional stuffing.
• Fresh Thyme: Balances the flavor with subtle herbal notes.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and color.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid that brings the whole dish together—choose high quality for best flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the stuffing so it holds together nicely when served.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to enhance and balance all the other ingredients.

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Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Cut your crusty bread into 1-inch cubes and let them dry out for 24–48 hours. If you’re short on time, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes until dry but not browned. This is essential for soaking up the broth without turning mushy.

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Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add the Herbs

Add the fresh chopped sage, thyme, and parsley to the skillet. Let them cook with the vegetables for 2–3 minutes, just enough to release their aromatic oils. Remove the pan from heat.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Toss everything together gently so the bread is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Add the Broth and Eggs

Pour in the broth slowly, mixing as you go. You want the bread to be moist but not soggy. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and then stir them into the stuffing mixture. This will help the stuffing bind and hold its shape.

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Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a large baking dish (9×13 works well), and spoon the stuffing mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, but don’t pack it too tightly—you want some air to circulate.

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Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

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How Long to Prepare the Stuffing Recipe

Preparation Time:
Most of your time will go into prepping the ingredients and drying out the bread. Cutting the bread and letting it dry takes about 10 minutes, but ideally it should sit out overnight. If using the oven method, allow 20 extra minutes.

Chopping and sautéing the vegetables takes around 15 minutes, while mixing everything together takes another 10 minutes. You can easily prep everything the day before and store it in the fridge until baking.

Baking Time:
You’ll need about 50–55 minutes of total baking time: 30 minutes covered to keep the inside moist, then another 20–25 minutes uncovered to crisp up the top. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes total including assembly.

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Tips for Perfect Stuffing

• Use day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs liquid without falling apart.
• Don’t over-saturate the bread. Add broth gradually until the cubes are moist but still hold their shape.
• Fresh herbs make a big difference. Dried can work in a pinch, but fresh really brings this stuffing to life.
• Taste the broth. Make sure it’s well-seasoned before adding it to the mix.
• Bake uncovered at the end to get that golden, crispy top everyone loves.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the bread drying step: This leads to soggy stuffing.
• Using too much broth: Your stuffing could end up mushy and heavy.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Overbaking: This can dry out your stuffing too much. Watch closely during the final uncovered bake.
• Packing the dish too tightly: Airflow helps develop a crispy crust.

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What to Serve With Stuffing?

1. Roast Turkey

You can’t go wrong pairing this classic stuffing with a juicy, herb-rubbed turkey.

2. Gravy

A generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought gravy enhances every bite.

3. Cranberry Sauce

Its tangy sweetness balances the richness of the stuffing perfectly.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Add a creamy veggie side to round out your Thanksgiving table.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Another holiday essential—smooth, buttery potatoes make a comforting combo.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Let the stuffing cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Freezer:
You can freeze baked stuffing! Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (approx. 1 cup):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffing the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

Can I cook the stuffing inside the turkey?

You can, but I recommend baking it separately to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature.

What’s the best way to reheat stuffing?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Can I use boxed stuffing mix instead of bread?

You could, but fresh cubed bread provides a much better texture and flavor.

How do I make this vegan?

Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter, use vegetable broth, and skip the eggs or use a flax egg as a binder.

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Conclusion

This Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving is everything a holiday side dish should be: flavorful, hearty, and full of nostalgic comfort. Whether you stick to the classic or put your own spin on it, this stuffing is guaranteed to win hearts at the table. With a crispy golden top and savory, herb-infused center, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Happy feasting!

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