Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Looking for a classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe to make for the holidays?This easy recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Made with simple ingredients like Pepperidge Farm Bread Cubes, onions, and celery, it can be easily customized to your liking.

This classic traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that's baked in a casserole dish, not the turkey.

Check out the other easy recipes for Thanksgiving to complete your holiday celebration!

Feel free to add some chopped cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor, or stir in some chopped dried fruit for a touch of sweetness. Of course, no stuffing would be complete without a generous sprinkling of herbs.

When making this recipe, I usually use poultry season, but it tastes great with thyme and sage. Use whatever you have on hand! For a finishing touch, top the stuffing with a few slices of melted butter before serving. Your guests will be amazed at how delicious homemade stuffing can be!

And if you're looking for a easy way to free up oven space on Thanksgiving Day, try my Crock Pot Stuffing Recipe.

Looking for more Side Dishes for the holidays? Try my, Company Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon or any one of these side dishes from my collection of Thanksgiving Make Ahead Side Dishes.

Table of Contents

• 💭Traditional stuffing recipe
• 💭Can I Cook the Stuffing Inside the Turkey? 
• 💭Can I make dressing the day before Thanksgiving? 
• 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Step-by-Step Directions
• Storage Tips:
• Freezing Tips:

💭Traditional stuffing recipe

This is a traditional stuffing recipe. It doesn't have nuts, cranberries or raisins. I keep the recipe pretty simple and my family really enjoys it this way. 

A traditional stuffing recipe like this one typically includes bread cubes or crumbs, spices, herbs, onions, celery, and either chicken, turkey, or beef broth. The bread is usually moistened with the broth and then cooked in a casserole dish.

Some common spices used in stuffing include sage, thyme, and black pepper. Stuffing is usually cooked inside the turkey or chicken, but it can also be baked in a separate dish.

Stuffing is a staple of holiday dinners in many cultures, and there are endless variations on the basic recipe. Whether it's made with brioche or challah bread, seasoned with sage or rosemary, stuffed into a roasted chicken or baked on its own, stuffing is sure to please any crowd.

💭Can I Cook the Stuffing Inside the Turkey? 

I no longer bake stuffing inside the turkey. I prepare the stuffing in a casserole dish. However, you can definitely use this recipe to stuff the turkey and bake it inside the cavity.

You need to make sure that the stuffing has reached a temperature of 165°F before serving. Use an digital meat thermometer to make sure both the turkey and stuffing are at the proper safe temperature. 

💭Can I make dressing the day before Thanksgiving? 

I always prepare dressing the day before Thanksgiving. I prepare everything according to the directions listed below, only do not bake the casserole.

Cover with aluminum foil and place the casserole dish in the refrigerator. Then bake it the next day with the rest of the side dishes. 

Another easy tip is to prepare the stuffing in an aluminum pan to make cleanup easier as well. 

🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools

Ceramic Bakeware SetMore InformationStainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons SetMore Information3 Piece Plastic Measuring Cups SetMore InformationThanksgiving Harvest TrayMore Information

 

Main Ingredients Needed

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Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1 | Prep the Veggies

• In a cast iron pan or regular frying pan, melt the butter and then add the onion and celery.
• Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender crisp.

Cooking Tip - Don't overcook the onions and celery. You still want them to have a little crunch.

Step 2 | Add the Bread Cubes

• Remove from heat and add to the bread cubes and toss to combine.
• Add the two cups of broth and stir.
• You may need to add a little extra broth if you find the mixture is too dry. So try to have a little extra broth on hand just in case. 

Step 3 | How long to cook stuffing in casserole dish?

• Add the mixture to a 9X13 casserole dish that's been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until hot.

Cooking Tip - For a more crisp top, remove the aluminum foil the last 10 minutes of baking. I love when stuffing has a crispy top layer, do you? 

Storage Tips:

Thanks to turkey, stuffing is a holiday classic. But what do you do with the leftovers? Don't worry, we have the perfect solution.

• First, make sure to let the stuffing cool completely.
• Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
• When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat the stuffing in a covered dish in the oven or in a microwave-safe dish. You can also add some stock or water to help moisten it up. .

Freezing Tips:

Most people only make stuffing once a year, at Thanksgiving. And even though a lot of effort goes into making it, there's usually only enough to comfortably stuff the turkey, with maybe a little left over. So, what do you do with that leftover stuffing? Freezing it is the best way to preserve it. Here's how to do it:

• Cut the stuffing into portions before freezing, so you can thaw only as much as you need.
• Place the stuffing in freezer bags, and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing them.
• Label the bags with the date and contents.
• Stuffing can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat it, thaw the stuffing in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Tried any of my recipes? Let me know in the comments!

This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2019 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!