Grandma's Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
This cherished recipe is a heartfelt tribute to my grandmother, whose love for family gatherings and delicious food inspired countless holiday meals. Her Thanksgiving Stuffing, lovingly prepared with care, is a comforting blend of savory herbs, sautéed vegetables, and rich flavors. This stuffing avoids the overwhelming taste of sage, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a milder flavor. Each bite is a warm reminder of cherished memories around the dinner table, enriched by the addition of sautéed mushrooms and the option of finely chopped oysters. Whether served hot or enjoyed cold the next day, this stuffing will quickly become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. The recipe, penned on a unique piece of General Shale Brick notepaper, carries not just ingredients, but a legacy of love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing
1 (14-ounce bag, cubed)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Celery
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Sage
1 (teaspoon)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Bacon Grease or Cooking Oil
4 (tablespoons)
Water
2 (cups)
Eggs
4 (whole)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the bacon grease (or cooking oil) over low heat. Add chopped onions and celery, and sauté gently until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 30 minutes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing, sage, salt, and pepper.
3
Once the celery and onion mixture is ready, pour everything (including any liquid) over the stuffing mixture. Stir well to ensure all bread cubes are moistened.
4
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Fold the beaten eggs into the stuffing mixture and combine thoroughly.
5
Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish or crockpot. If using a baking dish, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
6
If using a crockpot, set it to low and allow the stuffing to cook for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
7
This dressing doubles beautifully and is absolutely delightful served cold. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing?
It is a cherished family recipe featuring a savory blend of herbs, sautéed vegetables, and rich flavors, serving as a tribute to the creator's grandmother.
What makes this stuffing flavor unique?
This recipe is designed to avoid an overwhelming sage taste, providing a milder and more balanced savory profile.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients include Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing, onion, celery, sage, salt, pepper, bacon grease or oil, water, and eggs.
What type of bread cubes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for one 14-ounce bag of cubed Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing.
How much onion and celery is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
What kind of fat is recommended for sautéing the vegetables?
You can use 4 tablespoons of bacon grease for a richer flavor, or standard cooking oil as an alternative.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
The vegetables should be sautéed gently over low heat for approximately 30 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How many eggs are required for this stuffing?
This recipe uses 4 whole eggs, which should be beaten before being folded into the mixture.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water to help moisten the bread cubes.
What are the recommended seasonings?
In addition to the seasoned stuffing mix, you add 1 teaspoon each of sage, salt, and pepper.
Can I add mushrooms to this stuffing?
Yes, the recipe description suggests that sautéed mushrooms are a wonderful addition to enrich the flavor.
Is there a seafood option for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe mentions that finely chopped oysters can be added for extra depth and tradition.
What is the first step in combining the ingredients?
Mix the cubed stuffing with the sage, salt, and pepper in a large bowl before adding the liquid components.
When do I add the sautéed vegetables?
Once the celery and onion mixture is soft, pour the entire pan (including any liquid) over the dry stuffing mixture and stir.
How should the eggs be incorporated?
Beat the 4 eggs in a separate bowl and then fold them thoroughly into the moistened stuffing mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking the stuffing.
How long does the stuffing bake in the oven?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the greased baking dish with foil before placing it in the oven.
Can I make this recipe in a crockpot?
Yes, the stuffing can be cooked in a crockpot set to the low setting.
How long does it cook in the slow cooker?
In a crockpot on low, the stuffing will take about 3 hours to cook fully.
Do I need to stir the stuffing in the crockpot?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally while it is in the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this dressing doubles beautifully if you are serving a larger crowd.
Is this stuffing good as leftovers?
Absolutely, it is noted as being delightful when served cold the next day.
What is the texture of this stuffing?
The combination of sautéed vegetables, water, and 4 eggs creates a moist, comforting texture that is not overly dry.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It can be adapted for vegetarians by using cooking oil instead of bacon grease and omitting the optional oysters.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include thanksgiving, comfort food, dressing, holiday tradition, and family recipe.
What makes this recipe a 'legacy'?
The recipe was originally penned on General Shale Brick notepaper and has been passed down through generations.
How many ingredients in total are used?
There are 9 listed ingredients used to create this classic holiday dish.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe utilizes the dried herbs found in the Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix along with additional dried sage.
Can this be served as a side dish for other holidays?
Yes, while it is a Thanksgiving classic, its comfort-food profile makes it a great addition to any holiday gathering.