This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any festive table. Made with crispy toasted French bread, buttery sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, and savory chicken broth, every bite is packed with delicious flavor. The top bakes up beautifully golden and crispy, while the inside stays soft, moist, and full of herby goodness.
Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or looking for the perfect side dish for a family dinner, this homemade stuffing is a recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 loaf French bread (about 9–10 cups), cut into large cubes
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Stuffing
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2–3 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups warm chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 thin slices
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the French bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, and sea salt. Toss until evenly coated.
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until dry and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
Melt ½ cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and softened.
Add ¼ teaspoon salt, minced garlic, fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with black pepper and remove from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Slowly add a small amount of warm chicken broth while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
Place the toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture, then gradually pour in the remaining chicken broth, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, add the tempered egg mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish and transfer the stuffing mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the 8 thin butter slices over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the top becomes golden and slightly crispy. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for 3–4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Allow the stuffing to rest briefly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this traditional Thanksgiving stuffing warm alongside:
- Roasted Thanksgiving turkey
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Homemade turkey gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted vegetables
- Cranberry sauce
Helpful Tips
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale French bread absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy.
- Don’t add all the broth at once: Gradually moisten the bread to achieve the perfect texture.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Sage, rosemary, and thyme give this stuffing its classic holiday flavor.
- Get a crispy top: Remove the foil during the final baking stage to create delicious golden edges.
- Customize your stuffing: Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare this stuffing up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble the mixture in your greased baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature briefly while the oven preheats. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow extra baking time as needed, and make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Thanksgiving stuffing the day before?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use another type of bread?
Absolutely! French bread works wonderfully, but sourdough, Italian bread, or rustic white bread are also great options.
How do I keep stuffing from getting soggy?
Make sure the bread cubes are thoroughly toasted or dried before mixing. Add the broth gradually rather than pouring it all in at once.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
What makes the top crispy?
Baking uncovered during the final 15 minutes helps the top turn golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing is everything a holiday side dish should be: buttery, savory, aromatic, and comforting. With toasted French bread, fresh herbs, and perfectly sautéed vegetables, it’s a timeless recipe that deserves a place on every Thanksgiving table. Make it ahead, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a delicious homemade side dish with family and friends!