Classic Poultry Seasoning Stuffing (Easy Thanksgiving Recipe)

Make classic poultry seasoning stuffing with fresh herbs and zesty Tradition Spice. Buttery, golden, and easy to make ahead for Thanksgiving.

***This post is in partnership with Tradition Spice Company. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. ***

Let’s be honest: the turkey gets the glory, but stuffing is the reason people go back for seconds. Steaming, buttery, and loaded with herbs, with a golden, crunchy top, this classic poultry seasoning stuffing delivers everything you want from a Thanksgiving side, and it’s easier than you’d think.

I used to believe my mom made the best stuffing, straight from a bag (sorry, Mom!). Then I tried making it from scratch, and I never looked back. This recipe uses simple ingredients, it’s easy to prep ahead, and it tastes like every Thanksgiving you’ve ever loved. The secret is a bold poultry seasoning, bloomed in butter so the flavor goes all the way through. It’s the traditional stuffing recipe everyone will ask you to bring.

The Secret to Flavorful Stuffing

For this recipe, I reach for Tradition Spice Company’s Zesty Chicken Seasoning, and it’s what takes this stuffing from good to unforgettable. The blend combines garlic, lemon peel, orange peel, red and green bell pepper, and a touch of sugar. The result is savory, slightly sweet, and citrusy, with bright, garlicky notes that cut through all that butter and bread. Paired with fresh herbs, it gives you the cozy, traditional flavor you expect, plus a fresh lift that keeps every bite interesting.

It’s also a flexible pantry staple so it’s easy to serve a crowd with different dietary needs. And while it shines in stuffing, it’s just as good on roast chicken, grilled thighs, wings, marinades, and roasted vegetables, so a bottle won’t sit around after the holidays. 

One tip: the blend already contains salt, so start with the smaller amount of added salt in the recipe and adjust to taste.

Ingredients Used to Make Classic Poultry Seasoning Stuffing

• 1 lb day-old white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups yellow onions, diced
• 4 celery ribs, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tbsp Tradition Spice Zesty Chicken Seasoning 
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground to taste
• 2 cups warm chicken or turkey broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How to Make Classic Poultry Seasoning Stuffing 

1. Toast the cubes on baking sheets at 275°F for about 25 minutes, until dry and lightly golden. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions and celery for 8 to 10 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the poultry seasoning, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour the vegetables over the bread. Whisk the warm broth with the eggs, pour it over, and fold gently until evenly moist but not mushy.
5. Transfer to a buttered 9×13-inch dish. Bake covered at 350°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Stuffing Variations

• Sausage stuffing: Brown 1 pound of Italian or breakfast sausage and fold it in with the vegetables.
• Cranberry pecan stuffing: Add ¾ cup dried cranberries and ½ cup toasted pecans for sweet-tart crunch.
• Cornbread stuffing: Swap half the bread for crumbled, day-old cornbread for a Southern-style twist.
• Gluten-free stuffing: Use gluten-free bread, dried well, and check your broth label.
• Apple and herb stuffing: Stir in two diced apples while sautéing the onions for a subtle sweetness.

Stuffing FAQ

Can I make stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding about 10 minutes to the covered time.

How do I keep stuffing from getting soggy or dry?
Dry your bread thoroughly so it absorbs the broth without turning to paste. Add the liquid gradually, and cover the dish for the first half of baking so it stays moist, then uncover to crisp the top.

What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?
Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the bird, while dressing is baked separately in a dish. Baking it separately, as in this recipe, is safer, easier, and gives you more crispy edges.

Can I use a different seasoning blend?
Absolutely. Any quality poultry seasoning works. If your blend contains salt, reduce the added salt and taste before serving.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftover Stuffing

Leftover stuffing is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, and it keeps well when stored properly.

Refrigerating: Let the stuffing cool, then refrigerate it within 2 hours of baking. Store it in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze stuffing. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Frozen stuffing keeps its best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Freezing before baking: To get ahead on Thanksgiving prep, assemble the stuffing in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding 10 to 15 minutes if needed.

Reheating in the oven (best method): Spoon the stuffing into a baking dish, drizzle with a splash of warm broth, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes to re-crisp the top. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating in the microwave: For a quick single serving, sprinkle a little broth over the stuffing, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot all the way through.

Leftover idea: Press cold stuffing into patties and pan-fry them in butter until crisp for a next-day breakfast, or stack it with turkey and cranberry sauce for the ultimate leftover sandwiches. 

Whether you stick with tradition or add a zesty twist, this make-ahead stuffing will earn a spot on your Thanksgiving table. Pair it with roasted turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce, and save the leftovers for stuffing-and-turkey sandwiches the next day.

Learn more about Tradition Spice Company and to shop more of their incredible spice line make sure to visit their website: www.traditionspicecompany.com and give them a follow on Instagram & Facebook.