Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing Made from Scratch

If you want a turkey stuffing recipe that’s both simple and delicious, you’re in the right place. The best stuffing uses fresh bread, butter, herbs, and vegetables to create a warm, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with your turkey. Whether you like it inside the bird or baked separately, this classic recipe hits all the right notes.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it brings a comforting, homey feel to your meal. You don’t need fancy ingredients or long prep times to make it taste great. With a few basic steps, you can create a dish that everyone will enjoy and ask for year after year.

Classic Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients:

1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
3–4 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 teaspoons poultry seasoning (or a mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary)
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth (enough to moisten)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten (optional, for binding)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10–15 minutes until they’re lightly crisp and dry.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Place the toasted bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cooked vegetable mixture over the bread and toss to combine. Add the parsley and stir again.

Gradually pour in enough broth to moisten the bread without making it soggy. If you prefer a more cohesive stuffing, mix in the beaten eggs.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Serve warm as a side dish or use it to stuff your turkey before roasting.5°F (74°C) to be safe.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Stuffing

Use fresh herbs whenever possible, as they brighten up the taste. If you only have dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half.

For added flavor, mix in cooked sausage, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries.

Don’t pour all the broth in at once. Add it gradually to control the moisture level and avoid soggy stuffing.

Cover the baking dish with foil during the early baking stage to trap steam. This keeps the stuffing moist inside while the top crisps up later once the foil is removed.

Creative Twists on Turkey Stuffing

You can add bold flavors and new textures to your turkey stuffing by trying different ingredients or making changes for specific diets. Whether you want a richer taste, need a gluten-free option, or prefer a vegetarian dish, there are creative ways to make stuffing special.

Savory Sausage Variations

Adding sausage to your stuffing gives it a rich, savory boost. You can use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage, depending on your taste. Brown the sausage first, then mix it with the usual bread, onions, celery, and herbs.

For extra flavor, try spicy sausage or add ingredients like mushrooms and garlic. These help balance the richness and add new textures. Sausage stuffing can be a main star or a hearty side dish for your holiday meal.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need gluten-free stuffing, you can swap out regular bread for gluten-free bread or use grains like quinoa or wild rice. These alternatives keep the stuffing moist and give it a nice texture.

Use gluten-free broth and double-check all other ingredients like sausage or seasonings for hidden gluten. Adding nuts, dried fruits, or fresh herbs enhances flavor without needing bread. Gluten-free stuffing can taste just as good and keep everyone at your table happy.

Vegetarian Alternatives

You don’t need meat to make tasty stuffing. Instead, use vegetable broth and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onions for depth of flavor.

To add texture and protein, consider nuts, lentils, or tofu. Mix in herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary to keep the classic stuffing taste. Vegetarian stuffing can be colorful and satisfying without being heavy or bland.

Follow my Thanksgiving and Fall board on Pinterest.