The BEST Thanksgiving stuffing! Based on my family's classic recipe, it's rich and savory, made with fresh herbs, celery, butter, and leeks.

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This stuffing recipe is my favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Based on my grandma’s homemade stuffing, it’s buttery and flavorful, made with celery, leeks (or onions), fresh herbs, and dried bread cubes. As it bakes, it gets crisp and golden on top but stays moist and gooey in the middle.

If you’re looking for a traditional stuffing to complete your Thanksgiving menu, I think you’ll love this recipe. Simple, classic, and SO delicious, it’s hands down the best stuffing recipe I’ve tried. Find make-ahead tips and variations below!

Stuffing Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade stuffing recipe:

Bread, of course! My favorite type of bread to use in this recipe is crusty sourdough or French bread. A rustic loaf of wheat or white bread works too.
Butter – For rich, buttery flavor. Use salted butter or unsalted butter plus an extra 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Leeks – For sweet, oniony flavor. If you don’t cook with leeks often, check out this post to learn how to cut and clean them!
Celery – A stuffing essential.
Garlic – For sharp depth of flavor.
Fresh herbs – Rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley fill this Thanksgiving stuffing with a mouthwatering mix of earthy, fresh, and savory flavors.
Vegetable broth – To moisten the bread.
Eggs – They add richness and moisture, helping to create the stuffing’s irresistible gooey center.
And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Stuffing

You can find the complete stuffing recipe with measurements below, but for now, here’s a quick overview of how it goes:

Start by drying the bread. You want it to be dry so that it soaks up flavor and moisture from the other ingredients.

Option 1 – Plan ahead: Cut or tear the bread into cubes a day or two in advance. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it sit uncovered on your counter to dry out.
Option 2 – Dry the bread in the oven: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F to dry them out.

Next, cook the veggies. Sauté the leeks, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

Then, season the bread. In a large bowl, use your hands to toss together the dried bread, vegetables, and herbs.

Pour 1 1/2 cups of the broth over the bread and toss again. Add the eggs and toss again. At this stage, the bread should be very moist. If it feels dry at all, add an additional 1/2 cup broth.

Finally, bake! Transfer the bread mixture to a greased casserole dish and arrange it in an even layer. Drizzle the top with melted butter, cover, and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.

If you’re like me, and you like your stuffing to have a crispy, golden brown top, uncover the dish and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more.

Enjoy!

Stuffing Recipe Variations

Use onions instead of leeks. Replace the leeks with 1 yellow onion, chopped.
Use dried herbs instead of fresh. Replace the fresh herbs with 1 to 2 tablespoons mixed dried sage, thyme, rosemary, and/or poultry seasoning.
Skip the eggs. Add extra broth as needed to moisten the bread before baking.
Make it vegan. Skip the eggs and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular.

How to Store and Make Ahead

You have two options for prepping this herb stuffing ahead:

A few hours ahead: Follow the recipe as written, stopping right before you bake the stuffing. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate until about an hour before your meal. Bake according to the recipe before serving.
A day ahead: Fully assemble and bake the stuffing 1 day in advance, but leave it covered for the entire time it’s in the oven. Refrigerate it overnight. The next day, reheat it, still covered, in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through. Uncover it for the last few minutes of baking to crisp the top.

Leftover stuffing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven.

More Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

You could serve this easy stuffing recipe with any meal, but it’s especially perfect for Thanksgiving. Round out your feast with one or more of these delicious Turkey Day side dishes:

Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Best Mashed Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
Or any of these 50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes!