Name: Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups day-old bread cubes; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 ½ cups chopped celery; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Nothing brings the holiday table together like a classic, flavorful stuffing. This Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving is a celebration of comfort, warmth, and savory goodness in every bite. It’s golden on the top, tender on the inside, and generously infused with the familiar herbs and buttery richness we all crave with our turkey.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or bringing it back as a nostalgic favorite, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and moist. Using simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Get ready to fill your home with the cozy aroma that says, “Thanksgiving is here.”

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to be well-prepared with the right tools. Each one plays a key role in bringing the stuffing to its full, flavorful potential:

Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing your onions, celery, and garlic until tender and aromatic. This step is the flavor foundation.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need precise, clean cuts when dicing your vegetables and chopping herbs.
Mixing Bowls: Use a large one to toss all the ingredients evenly, ensuring the bread soaks up every drop of buttery herb mix.

Baking Dish (9×13″): Choose a deep dish to allow for a hearty stuffing that crisps up nicely on top while staying moist underneath.
Aluminum Foil: Keeps your stuffing from drying out in the oven; remove during the final bake to get that crisp golden finish.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Because stuffing is all about balance—especially with herbs and broth.

Having everything prepped and within reach helps make the process seamless and enjoyable, especially when cooking in a busy holiday kitchen.

Ingredients for the Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving

Each ingredient in this stuffing brings texture, aroma, and bold flavor to the table. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

Day-Old Bread Cubes – Slightly dried bread holds its shape and soaks up flavor without turning to mush. Use French bread or sourdough for a heartier bite.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth, perfect for sautéing and binding everything together.
Yellow Onion – Delivers a gentle sweetness and classic savory base.
Celery – Brings a needed crunch and freshness.

Fresh Garlic – Boosts the flavor with that unmistakable warm, aromatic punch.
Fresh Parsley and Sage – These herbs define the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing flavor. Use fresh for a vibrant, earthy result.
Dried Thyme and Rosemary – A touch of dried herbs rounds out the savory, woodsy profile.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Moistens the bread while adding deep umami flavor.
Eggs – Help bind the stuffing so it holds together when serving.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.

How To Make the Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving

Step 1: Dry the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out overnight, or bake in a low oven at 250°F for about 30 minutes, until dry and crisp. This helps prevent soggy stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the veggie and butter mixture over the bread. Toss to combine evenly. Beat the eggs with broth in a separate bowl and pour over the bread, mixing gently until fully coated but not mushy.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Spoon the stuffing into a buttered 9×13″ baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set, making it easier to slice or scoop.

How to Serve and Store the Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving

Serve this stuffing warm, straight from the oven. It’s a star side dish, ideal next to turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce. For an elegant touch, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley right before serving.

If you’re prepping ahead, this recipe can be made a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. On the big day, bring it to room temperature before baking. Leftovers reheat beautifully—just cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

To store, keep stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bread is best for stuffing?

Hearty breads like French, sourdough, or even rustic Italian loaves work best. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it gets too soggy.

Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure it’s dried or toasted to avoid a gummy texture.

Is it okay to add sausage or other ingredients?

Absolutely. Cooked crumbled sausage, chopped apples, cranberries, or mushrooms can be mixed in for more texture and flavor.

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and vegetables bring all the flavor you need.

How do I know when stuffing is fully cooked?

It should be hot throughout and slightly golden on top. A thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160°F if you’re unsure.

Can I stuff this into a turkey?

While technically possible, it’s safer to bake it separately to ensure even cooking and food safety. Plus, you get a much better crispy top!

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved this Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving, you’ll definitely want to try more cozy and satisfying sides:

• Scalloped Corn Casserole for a sweet and savory twist.
• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with a golden crisp and creamy interior.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn to add buttery balance to your table.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole if you want stuffing in main dish form.
• Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread for a fresh-baked side perfect for scooping up gravy.

Looking for even more recipes like these? You’ll find plenty of daily favorites shared over on my Pinterest page here.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday or side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your stuffing turned out! Did you add sausage, apples, or cranberries? Did you keep it classic?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask questions below, share your tweaks, and let’s make every holiday table better together.

Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving is golden and crispy on top, tender in the center, and full of savory, herb-infused flavor. With sautéed veggies, fresh and dried herbs, and buttery goodness soaked into every cube of bread, it’s the perfect side dish to complete your holiday table.

Instructions

1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out overnight, or bake at 250°F for 30 minutes until dry and crisp.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook for 8–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.

3. Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooked vegetable mixture over the bread and toss well.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with broth. Pour over bread mixture and gently stir to combine without over-soaking.

5. Transfer stuffing into a buttered 9×13″ baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

6. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden on top.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.