my mom’s perfect thanksgiving stuffing

🍞 Step 3: Combine the Base Mixture

1. Transfer the dried bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the warm buttery vegetable mixture over the bread.
3. Gently toss until all the cubes are coated with butter and herbs.

(If using sausage, nuts, or fruit, now’s the time to add them.)

🧂 Step 4: Add Seasoning and Broth

1. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, about a half cup at a time, tossing gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
3. Stir in the beaten eggs — this helps bind the stuffing and gives it that perfect texture.

(Tip: If you prefer a softer stuffing, add a little more broth. For a drier, crispier version, use less.)

🦃 Step 5: Bake the Stuffing

You can bake the stuffing inside the turkey or separately — my mom always preferred baking it in a dish so the top got beautifully golden.

To bake separately:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
3. Spread the stuffing evenly in the dish, dotting the top with a few small pieces of butter.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown.

(If baking inside the turkey, make sure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C before serving.)

🌿 Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. The texture should be soft and moist inside, with just the right crunch on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color.

The moment you lift that first spoonful, the aroma of buttery herbs and toasty bread will fill the air — a smell that says home.

❤️ Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect balance of texture: Moist inside, crispy edges.
• Classic flavors: The blend of sage, thyme, and celery is timeless.
• Flexible and forgiving: You can add sausage, nuts, or fruit to suit your taste.
• Made with love: Every step carries the warmth and care of a family tradition.

🍂 Final Thoughts

My mom’s perfect Thanksgiving stuffing is more than just a recipe — it’s a memory baked into every holiday meal. It’s what everyone looks forward to the most, and no store-bought mix can ever compare. Whether it’s your first time making stuffing or your hundredth, this recipe promises comfort, flavor, and the taste of togetherness.

When you pass this dish around the table, you’re not just serving food — you’re sharing tradition, love, and a little piece of family history.

Would you like me to include a version with sausage and apples (a sweet-savory twist that many love) as a variation section at the end?