Classic Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

A cozy, made-from-scratch stuffing recipe passed down from my mom’s kitchen — a simple, comforting side that brings back holiday memories.

Recreate the nostalgia of family dinners with this old-fashioned stuffing, made from bread cubes, butter, sautéed onion and celery, and warm chicken broth.

A Story from My Kitchen

Every holiday, I remember my mom and the warmth of her kitchen. After moving away when I got married, I couldn’t be home for every holiday. Those meals she prepared—especially the turkey and that classic stuffing—left a lasting impression.

I still feel a bit like a new cook the first time I roast a turkey, even though I’m the one doing it now. One of my clearest memories is standing in my kitchen as a newlywed with the phone held to my ear while my mom described her old-fashioned stuffing. She didn’t rely on written instructions—she seasoned by taste and intuition, saying things like, “Add enough spice until it tastes right.”

This stuffing is exactly that: straightforward, savory, and made with love. It’s the kind of recipe that’s forgiving and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is a true old-fashioned classic, just like mom made. It’s easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and pairs beautifully with traditional holiday mains.

• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
• A timeless accompaniment to roast turkey and other holiday entrees.
• Can be prepared ahead of time to simplify a busy holiday schedule.
• Comforting, nostalgic, and full of homey flavor.

Ingredients for Homemade Stuffing

See the full recipe card below for exact measurements and printable instructions.

• Bread cubes from 2 loaves of bread (about 12–14 cups)
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• Butter for sautéing
• Poultry seasoning and sage
• Salt and pepper
• 2–2½ cups chicken broth

Use day-old bread, sandwich bread, or a mix of white and whole wheat for varied texture.

Step by Step Instructions for Homemade Stuffing

7. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake until heated through. Traditionally, some cooks stuff the mixture into the turkey before roasting—my mom often did that.

Helpful Tips When Making This Recipe

• Many recipes suggest drying the bread cubes first so they absorb flavor better. My family prefers a softer stuffing, so I usually skip drying. Either method works—choose the texture you like.
• If you prefer a crunchier top or drier texture, use slightly less broth.
• Use store-bought chicken bouillon or homemade broth—either will give good flavor. Adjust salt accordingly.
• Taste as you go. Start with modest amounts of poultry seasoning and sage, then add more until the flavor is balanced. Tasting is the easiest way to get it “just right.”

Substitutions and Add-ins for Stuffing

Stick to the basics, or customize the stuffing to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Use vegetable broth to make the stuffing vegetarian.
• Add diced apples, cooked sausage, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Swap sage for thyme or rosemary to change the herb profile.

What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Stuffing

This stuffing pairs well with classic holiday dishes such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, roasted carrots or a comforting vegetable casserole. It also makes a tasty base for savory bites like bacon-wrapped stuffing balls.

• Roast turkey
• Mashed potatoes and turkey pan gravy
• Baked carrot casserole or roasted root vegetables
• Homemade cranberry sauce

Pin it to find it later!

Save this recipe to your favorite recipe board so you can find it when holiday planning starts. Keeping a visual reference makes meal planning and ingredient shopping simple.

Old Fashioned Stuffing with Onion & Celery

Yield:
8

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
40 minutes

Additional Time:
1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time:
2 hours 10 minutes

This old-fashioned stuffing recipe is the kind your mom or grandmother might have made—buttery, simple, and full of holiday flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 loaves of bread, cut into cubes (about 12–14 cups)
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2–2½ cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Cut the bread into cubes. If you prefer drier cubes, leave them out overnight or bake at 250°F for about 25 minutes until lightly crisp.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and celery until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper. Start modestly—you can always add more after tasting.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Add warm chicken broth gradually while stirring until the mixture holds together without becoming soggy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp top.
8. Serve warm alongside turkey, gravy, and your favorite sides.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 68
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 181mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 1g

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram and tag @harbourbreeze to show how your stuffing turned out.