Name: Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white sandwich bread, cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 3 celery stalks, finely diced; 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed); 2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley (for garnish); Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing dish)

Introduction

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is a timeless classic that brings comfort and nostalgia to the holiday table. With its perfect balance of soft, custardy center and crispy edges, flavored with sage and thyme, this dressing is sure to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare and forgiving to make ahead, it captures the essence of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked stuffing made of small bread cubes. The top layer consists of evenly spread golden-brown toasted bread cubes with a slight crisp texture. Interspersed among the cubes are small bits of green herbs, adding a speckled contrast to the warm beige and brown tones. The stuffing looks fluffy yet dense underneath the bread cube topping. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white sandwich bread, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

3 celery stalks, finely diced

2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more as needed)

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Pour the sautéed vegetables and melted butter over the bread cubes. Add the dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and vegetables. Gently stir until everything is combined but not mushy. Add more broth if the mixture seems dry; it should be moist but hold its shape.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old or toasted bread to prevent the dressing from becoming soggy.

Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your preferred moistness—too much can make it mushy.

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Add cooked sausage or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Make the dressing a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dressing the day before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for best results.

What type of bread should I use?

Always use day-old or slightly stale white sandwich bread cut into cubes. Fresh bread will make the dressing too soggy and cause it to fall apart.

Dinner

Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe