A Thanksgiving feast feels incomplete without a classic Thanksgiving Bread Stuffing on the table. I still remember helping my mom tear up loaves of bread the night before—letting them dry out so the stuffing would have the perfect texture. With savory herbs, sautéed vegetables, and buttery bread cubes baked to golden perfection, this dish captures the warmth and tradition of the holiday season.
Ingredients
1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old bread, cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until lightly golden. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until softened. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth gradually while stirring gently until bread is moist but not soggy. Mix in eggs. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until top is golden and crisp. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Substitutions
Use gluten-free bread for dietary needs. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add sausage, bacon, or mushrooms for extra flavor. Toss in dried cranberries or nuts for a festive twist.
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Skillet
Baking dish
Wooden spoon
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked stuffing for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven.
Reheating: Warm at 325°F until heated through and crispy on top.
Top Tips
Dry bread cubes overnight or toast them for best results. Don’t over-saturate with broth—aim for moist but firm. Bake uncovered to get a crisp golden top. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor and aroma.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble stuffing and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
Can I stuff the turkey with this? Yes, but baking separately ensures a crispier topping.
What type of bread works best? A mix of white and whole wheat bread gives great texture.
Can I make it vegan? Yes, use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and skip the eggs.