Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing, Simple Classic Recipe
Grandma's Thanksgiving Dressing is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. It’s full of soft, flavorful bread cubes mixed with herbs like sage and thyme,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. It’s full of soft, flavorful bread cubes mixed with herbs like sage and thyme, bits of onion and celery for crunch, and just the right touch of seasoning. This dressing is everything you imagine when you think of cozy family gatherings and home-cooked goodness.
I love making this dressing because it feels like a little piece of tradition in every bite. There’s something so satisfying about mixing the simple ingredients together — it’s like bringing a part of my grandma’s kitchen right into my home. The best tip I have is to let it soak up all the flavorful broth before baking; that way, every spoonful is tender and bursting with taste.
My favorite way to serve Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is alongside a big roast turkey, with plenty of gravy to drizzle over the top. This recipe never fails to get compliments and is always the first side dish to disappear. It’s the kind of dish that makes me appreciate the simple things during the holidays and brings my family together around the table year after year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread & White Bread: Day-old or toasted bread works best for soaking up the broth without getting mushy. If you prefer gluten-free, use gluten-free cornbread and bread cubes. Stale bread is perfect here—it soaks in flavor and holds texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps soften the veggies. You can swap it with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Parsley): These classic herbs give the dressing its signature warm, earthy flavor. Fresh herbs work great, just use about three times the dried amount. If you don’t have all three, sage and thyme are must-haves for that familiar holiday taste.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds moistness and depth to the dressing. Low-sodium or homemade broth allows you to control saltiness. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dressing so it holds together nicely. For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) as a binder.
How Do I Get the Perfect Moist & Crispy Texture in Thanksgiving Dressing?
The balance between moistness and crispiness is key! Here’s how to nail it:
- Use day-old bread: It soaks up the broth without turning gummy.
- Don’t over-wet the bread: Add broth little by little. The mixture should feel damp but not soggy.
- Cover with foil during baking: This traps steam and keeps the inside moist.
- Uncover near the end: This lets the top brown and get crunchy.
- Let it rest: After baking, wait 5-10 minutes so the dressing firms up and slices nicely.
Following these steps means your dressing will have a tender inside with a golden, slightly crispy top—just like Grandma’s!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for sautéing onions and celery evenly without crowding.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to toss all the bread cubes with herbs and broth comfortably.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – gives your dressing room to bake evenly and get that perfect crust.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for gently folding the moist bread without breaking it up too much.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting the right balance of herbs and liquids.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cornbread for herb or sourdough bread to change the flavor base and add more texture.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a richer, meaty taste that works well with the herbs.
- Stir in chopped apples or dried cranberries for a little sweet contrast and festive touch.
- Mix in shredded cheese like sharp cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist that melts into the dressing.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing, Simple Classic Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Breads:
- 8 cups cornbread, crumbled (preferably day-old)
- 4 cups white bread, cubed and dried (day-old or toasted)
Vegetables & Butter:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Seasonings & Liquids:
- 3 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dressing recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll sauté veggies, mix everything together, and then bake it until the top is golden and crispy. It’s perfect to get ready while the turkey cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well so the dressing doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened but not browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and makes the dressing tasty.
3. Mix the Dressing Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and cubed white bread. Add the sautéed onion and celery mixture. Sprinkle in the dried sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to spread the flavors evenly through the bread.
4. Add Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this over the bread mixture. Fold everything together gently until all the bread feels moist but not soggy. If it feels dry, add a little more broth. This step makes the dressing tender and moist.
5. Bake Your Dressing:
Spread your dressing mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the top gets golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the dressing cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect alongside turkey and plenty of gravy. Enjoy your classic, comforting side dish with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Dressing?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely and then toast it lightly to dry before using. This helps prevent the dressing from becoming too soggy.
Can I Make Grandma’s Dressing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add Meat or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Cooked sausage, bacon, chopped apples, or dried cranberries are great additions. Just fold them in before baking to customize your dressing.