Bring some nostalgia to your Thanksgiving table with this Old-Fashioned Stuffing Recipe straight from Grandma's kitchen. With its buttery flavor, tender bread, and classic blend of herbs, this homemade stuffing is the kind that makes everyone go back for seconds.
This traditional stuffing is simple, comforting, and absolutely perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. It's one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the past -exactly what the holidays should be. I've tried many different stuffing recipes over the years, but this is the one my family requests every single Thanksgiving. It's also easy to make ahead so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday meal!
Whether you serve it alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or pair it with other comforting sides like my Simple Homemade Gravy, Jiffy Cornbread Casserole, or Green Bean Casserole, this classic bread stuffing will earn a permanent spot on your holiday menu.
Quick Look: Old-Fashioned Stuffing Recipe from Scratch
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 1 hour
- 🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 8 servings
- ⚡ Calories: 474 calories per serving (may vary)
- 🦃 Variations: Try adding sausage, mushrooms, nuts, or dried cranberries for a fun twist on this classic stuffing recipe.
- 🟢 Difficulty: Easy
Jump to:
- Quick Look: Old-Fashioned Stuffing Recipe from Scratch
- Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Ingredient Notes
- Variations
- How to Make Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing
- Serving Suggestions
- Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Homemade Stuffing Recipe FAQs
- More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
- Grandma's Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe (Classic Thanksgiving Side)
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Simple Ingredients– Pantry staples come together to create an unforgettable flavor.
- Nostalgic Comfort– Tastes just like Grandma's – rich, buttery, and herb-filled.
- Quick and Easy– Minimal prep, big flavor.
- Prep Ahead of Time– Assemble the night before for an easier Thanksgiving morning.
Ingredient Notes
Full measurements and step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter– For that rich, traditional flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
- Celery & Onion– The classic aromatic base for any good Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Bread– You can use white bread, wheat bread, sourdough bread, or even French bread – whatever kind of bread you have on hand. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for texture.
- Seasonings & Spices– Salt, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper bring out the savory flavor that makes this old fashioned stuffing unforgettable.
Variations
Give this homemade stuffing your own twist!
- Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a little crunch.
- Sweet Touch: Dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins add festive flavor.
- Include Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini or portobello mushrooms give it a rich, earthy touch.
- Add Sausage: Browned pork sausage adds a hearty, savory flavor.
- Casserole: use this stuffing on top of my Stovetop Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
How to Make Old Fashioned Bread Stuffing
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine bread and seasonings: Add cubed bread to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with salt, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
Step 2. Sauté veggies: Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and celery; cook until tender, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3. Add cooked onion-celery mixture to bread; stir.
Step 4. Pour bread mixture into a large casserole dish; cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions
This old fashioned stuffing recipe pairs beautifully with a full Thanksgiving spread. Try serving it with:
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
- Creamy Green Bean Casserole
- Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
- Simple Homemade Gravy
- Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole
And don't forget dessert – finish your feast with my Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie or a sweet family-favorite like my Thanksgiving Jello Salad. So many great options in my Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up!
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can easily make this make ahead stuffing recipe a day in advance!
- To prepare ahead: Assemble the stuffing, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
- To bake: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet with a little chicken broth to keep it moist.
Homemade Stuffing Recipe FAQs
It's all about the butter, herbs, and balance of textures. Soft bread cubes soak up savory flavor, while the edges get golden and crisp.
Classic herbs include sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and marjoram – or simply use poultry seasoning.
Make sure you cook the vegetables to get them perfectly tender, don’t skimp on the seasonings and butter, and don’t overcook.
Too much liquid! This recipe skips extra broth so the texture stays perfectly soft but not soggy.
More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
This Old-Fashioned Stuffing Recipe brings timeless comfort to your table with buttery bread cubes and savory herbs. It's a nostalgic, perfect side dish that tastes just like Grandma & mom used to make.
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Grandma's Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe (Classic Thanksgiving Side)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup celery chopped
- ¾ cup onion diced
- 4 ½ cups bread slices cubed (white, wheat, sourdough, or day-old bread)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried sage leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Veggies: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion; sauté until tender, 5-10 minutes.
- Mix Bread & Seasoning: Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, sage, thyme, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Combine: Stir in the cooked celery-onion mixture until evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour, or until golden brown on top.
- Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed.
- Use slightly stale bread for ideal texture.
- Don't skimp on butter and herbs-they bring authentic, nostalgic flavor.
- Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread cubes from getting mushy.
Carol Dunstan says
I make something similar the only difference is I use hot crumbled breakfast sausage and some chicken broth to give the bread cubes a little more moisture which a good bit will bake out it the oven. The hot sausage is a great contrast to the sweet meat of the turkney.
Kristin Hayes says
That sounds wonderful!! Yum!!
LIL says
AM I RERDING THIS CORRDTLEY YOU DID NOT USE ANY BROTH WHEN MAKING THE STUFFING
Kristin Hayes says
Yep! This is an old-fashioned dry stuffing. It uses the moisture from the sauteed veggies and butter to moisten the bread, but once baked, gets a bit more crispy as compared to soft and mushy! Enjoy!
Donna says
I was wondering the same thing Lil. I always add broth
Kristin Hayes says
This is a dry stuffing, ends a bit crispier than normal stuffing. The butter and veggies give it the moisture needed, however, if you like stuffing a bit more soft, you can add some broth in! Enjoy!
Catalina says
I made this for Sunday dinner and it was the star of the table. Classic, savory, and full of flavor!
Kristin Hayes says
Yay! Love hearing this! Thanks for the great feedback Catalina!
Amy says
This stuffing is pure comfort. The buttery bread and herbs really capture that nostalgic holiday flavor everyone looks forward to.
Kristin Hayes says
So glad you enjoyed this family favorite!
Maria says
I really love this recipe. When I’m cooking for the holidays, I LOVE simple. It makes things so much faster but no less tasty.
Kristin Hayes says
So glad you enjoy the recipe as much as we do!
Beth says
I love this recipe so much. It’s so simple to make but also full of so much flavor – like any good stuffing recipe should be!
Kristin Hayes says
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Kristin H. says
Such a family favorite! Easy to make and kid approved!