Looking for a classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe that’s loaded with flavor and nostalgia? Look no further than this delicious family recipe for My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing. This dish has been a staple in our family for generations, and it never fails to impress with its savory blend of herbs and vegetables.
My mother, who is now 91 years old, has been making this stuffing for as long as I can remember. It was always the highlight of our Thanksgiving meal, and I’ve continued the tradition in my own family. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with the comforting flavors of celery, green pepper, and onion, along with a perfect blend of herbs and seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory Classic: A traditional stuffing recipe that evokes memories of home-cooked holiday meals.
- Rich Flavor: Filled with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic and poultry seasoning.
- Generous Portions: This recipe makes plenty of stuffing, perfect for feeding a large gathering.
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps and common ingredients make this stuffing a breeze to prepare.
Ingredient Notes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup diced celery (or celery seed for a shortcut)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups canned chicken broth
- 1 bag Pepperidge Farm herbed seasoned stuffing (16 oz.)
- 1 bag soft bread cubes (16–20 oz.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes (or fresh parsley)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 Reynolds turkey-sized baking bag
- 1 turkey
How to Make My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
In a large bowl, combine the bag of bread cubes with the Pepperidge Farm herbed seasoned stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, green pepper, and celery (or celery seed) until softened.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Pour the melted butter and vegetables over the bread cubes. Add beaten eggs, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, parsley, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture until the stuffing is almost wet. Ensure it’s moist but not overly wet.
Step 5: Stuff the Turkey
Pack the turkey with the stuffing, ensuring it’s tightly packed but not compacted. Use any extra stuffing in a casserole dish.
Step 6: Bake the Turkey
Place the turkey in a turkey-sized baking bag with flour inside the bag. Bake according to turkey size instructions, ensuring ample ventilation.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezer: Freeze the stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute cornbread for the bread cubes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier version.
- Include dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
What to Serve With My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Roast Turkey with Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake with the turkey.
Can I make this stuffing without a turkey?
Absolutely! Bake the stuffing in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 30–40 minutes.
Is it necessary to use a baking bag for the turkey?
The baking bag helps lock in moisture, but you can still make this stuffing without it if preferred.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried, but adjust the quantities to taste.
After making My Mom’s Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing, you can expect a dish that embodies the essence of a classic holiday feast. The aroma of savory herbs and vegetables will fill your kitchen, and the taste will transport you back to cherished memories of Thanksgiving gatherings. This stuffing is sure to become a treasured recipe in your family for years to come.
My Mom's Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup celery (or 2 tbsp. celery seed)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups canned chicken broth
- Pepperidge Farm herbed seasoned stuffing (16 oz.)
- soft bread cubes (16-20 oz.)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tbsp dried parsley flakes (or fresh parsley)
- 1 tsp oregano
- Reynolds turkey-sized baking bag
- turkey
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the bag of bread cubes with the Pepperidge Farm herbed seasoned stuffing.
- In a frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, green pepper, and celery (or celery seed) until softened.
- Pour the melted butter and vegetables over the bread cubes. Add beaten eggs, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, parsley, and oregano. Mix until well-combined.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture until the stuffing is almost wet. Ensure it's moist but not overly wet.
- Pack the turkey with the stuffing, ensuring it's tightly packed but not compacted. Use any extra stuffing in a casserole dish.
- Place the turkey in a turkey-sized baking bag with flour inside the bag. Bake according to turkey size instructions, ensuring ample ventilation.