Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe Thanksgiving - Simple, Savory, and Irresistible

Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe – The Perfect Thanksgiving Side!

"Simple, Savory, and Irresistible – Stuff Your Turkey (and Your Guests) with Flavor!"

Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without a heaping serving of homemade stuffing! This classic side dish, also called dressing, is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and nostalgia to the holiday table. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients and foolproof steps. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a Thanksgiving newbie, this stuffing will earn rave reviews!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 8-10

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No fuss, all flavor: Uses pantry staples and minimal prep.
• Crispy on top, moist inside: The perfect texture balance.
• Customizable: Add sausage, apples, or herbs to make it your own!
• Make-ahead friendly: Save time on Thanksgiving Day.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old bread (French, sourdough, or cornbread), cubed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten (optional, for binding)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the bread: Spread cubed bread on a baking sheet and let it stale overnight, or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry it out.
2. Sauté veggies: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until soft (5-7 mins). Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine: In a large bowl, mix bread cubes with the veggie mixture. Gradually pour in broth, tossing gently until bread is moist but not soggy. Fold in eggs (if using) and parsley.
4. Bake: Transfer to a greased 9x13" baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 mins. Uncover and bake 15 more mins until golden.
5. Serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Stuffing

• Bread choice matters: Stale bread absorbs broth better. For richer flavor, use a mix of white bread and cornbread.
• Broth temperature: Warm broth helps the bread soak evenly.
• Stuffing vs. dressing: For stuffing inside a turkey, bake until it reaches 165°F for safety.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish 1 day early; add 5-10 mins to baking time if chilled.

Variations to Try

• Sausage stuffing: Brown 1 lb Italian sausage with the veggies.
• Fruit & nut: Add 1 cup diced apples + ½ cup cranberries + ½ cup pecans.
• Mushroom herb: Sauté 8 oz mushrooms with the onions.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but toast it first to prevent mushy stuffing.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the eggs or substitute flax eggs.

There you have it—the easiest, most delicious homemade stuffing for your Thanksgiving feast! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking and happy holidays!