Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is a classic holiday side dish featuring day-old white bread cubes mixed with sautéed onions and celery, herbs like sage and thyme, bound together with eggs and chicken broth, then baked to create a perfect balance of a soft custardy center with crispy, golden-brown edges. This traditional recipe is simple, forgiving, and evokes warm holiday memories while pairing perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes, and other festive dishes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old white sandwich bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Liquids and Seasonings
- 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
Optional
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter (for greasing dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the day-old white sandwich bread into ½-inch cubes. Using stale or toasted bread is key to prevent sogginess and ensure the dressing holds together well.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and celery, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds richness and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to distribute the herbs and veggies evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and then stir them into the bread mixture. Gradually pour in 2½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring gently. Add more broth if the mixture seems dry, but the mixture should be moist—not soupy.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or extra butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the dressing mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake the Dressing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dressing for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center has a soft, custardy texture. Baking allows the eggs to bind the dressing and the oven to create that perfect crunchy crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving meal.
Notes
- Use day-old or toasted bread for optimal texture; fresh bread will make the dressing soggy.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to get the right moisture level—moist but not watery.
- Mix gently to avoid making the dressing too dense.
- Season well with salt and herbs for a flavorful dish.
- Bake until the top is nicely browned and crisp for the best texture.
- You can assemble the dressing a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate; bake it when ready to serve.
Keywords: Thanksgiving dressing, stuffing, holiday side dish, sage, thyme, bread dressing, comfort food, classic recipe
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/grandmas-thanksgiving-dressing-recipe/
