Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing Recipe

Looking for the perfect holiday side dish that’s full of nostalgic flavor? This Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing is a classic recipe made with tender turkey giblets, buttery bread cubes, and savory herbs. It’s the kind of stuffing that brings back memories of family gatherings, big turkey dinners, and comforting home-cooked meals. Whether you serve it inside your Thanksgiving turkey or bake it separately as dressing, this traditional dish is sure to be a favorite at your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing

• Classic holiday flavor – This stuffing delivers the traditional, savory flavor that everyone expects at a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The combination of buttery bread, rich giblets, and aromatic seasoning creates that cozy, home-cooked taste. It’s a recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite. If you love old-school holiday dishes, this one’s a must-make!

• Easy to prepare – With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking steps, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. It comes together quickly on the stovetop and finishes easily in the oven. You don’t need fancy tools or techniques, just a skillet, a bowl, and some broth. Perfect for busy holiday cooking!

• Versatile cooking options – You can bake this as a standalone dressing or stuff it inside your turkey, either way works beautifully. It adapts to your meal plan and oven space on the big day. Whether you’re making a big turkey or skipping it altogether, this stuffing fits in perfectly. It’s flexible, flavorful, and always satisfying.

• Full of hearty texture – The tender giblets and sautéed veggies add richness and bite to every forkful. Combined with perfectly moistened bread cubes, it gives you that perfect mix of soft and slightly crisp texture. It’s filling, comforting, and totally crave-worthy. A true crowd-pleaser for stuffing lovers!

• Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the giblet mixture and cube the bread a day ahead to save time. Just mix everything together before baking, and you’re ready to go. It’s great for reducing stress on a busy holiday. Anything that helps make dinner easier is a win!

Ingredients For Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing

• Giblets from one turkey – These include the liver, gizzard, heart, and neck, which bring rich, meaty flavor to the stuffing.

• Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the giblets and veggies to perfection.

• Celery – Gives the stuffing a slight crunch and classic flavor.

• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish once cooked down.

• Poultry seasoning – A cozy blend of herbs like sage and thyme that makes the stuffing taste like the holidays.

• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out all the savory flavors.

• Dry bread cubes – The hearty base that soaks up all the buttery, savory goodness.

• Chicken broth – Moistens the stuffing and brings everything together with extra flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing

• Medium skillet – For sautéing the giblets, celery, and onion in butter.

• Large mixing bowl – To combine the bread cubes with the cooked mixture and broth.

• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for measuring out butter, broth, and seasonings accurately.

• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the stuffing mixture gently without breaking up the bread too much.

• 2-quart casserole dish – If baking the stuffing as a side dish instead of stuffing a turkey.

• Aluminum foil – Used to cover the dish while baking to keep the stuffing moist.

How To Make Old-Fashioned Giblet Stuffing

• Start by cooking the giblets in butter until they begin to brown slightly and smell delicious.

  Want to save this recipe?

  Just enter your email and I’ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly!

• Add chopped celery and onion to the skillet and sauté everything together until the veggies are soft.

• Stir in the poultry seasoning, along with salt and pepper, then take the pan off the heat.

• In a large bowl, add the dry bread cubes.

• Pour the warm giblet mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat.

• Gradually pour in chicken broth, mixing until the bread is just moistened—not soggy.

• If you’re stuffing a turkey, go ahead and fill the cavity and cook it as your turkey recipe directs.

• If you’re baking the stuffing as a casserole, transfer it to a greased dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 40 to 45 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside juicy turkey tenderloin and warm homemade gravy for a classic holiday combination.

• Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, and keto green bean casserole for a complete Thanksgiving meal.

• Add a salad with fresh lettuce, or steamed asparagus to lighten up the plate.

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or crispy onion bits for extra flavor and a pretty touch.

Tips For Success

• First, make sure the giblets are chopped into small, even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and blend into the stuffing without large chewy chunks. You want the flavor of the giblets in every bite, not just in one spot. If you’re unsure, it’s better to chop them smaller.
• Next, sauté the giblets first before adding the vegetables. Giblets have a stronger flavor and need a little longer to cook than the celery and onion. Cooking them first in butter also helps mellow out the richness and adds extra depth to the stuffing. Once they’re browned, adding the veggies will bring balance and texture.
• When it comes to seasoning, taste as you go, especially after mixing the giblet mixture with the bread. Poultry seasoning gives that signature holiday flavor, but salt and pepper are just as important. Some broths are salty, so add broth gradually and adjust the salt at the end.
• Speaking of broth, don’t overdo it. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Add the broth slowly and mix gently to help everything come together. If you’re baking the stuffing in a dish, covering it with foil helps lock in moisture while allowing the top to stay soft.
• Planning to stuff the turkey? Be sure to stuff it loosely. Stuffing expands as it bakes, and packing it in too tightly can affect the cooking time of the bird. Also, always check the internal temperature of the stuffing inside the turkey, it should reach 165°F to be safe to eat.
• Lastly, consider using stale or toasted bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can get mushy, but day-old bread holds up perfectly. If your bread isn’t quite dry enough, just toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes before using.

Variations And Substitutions

• This old-fashioned giblet stuffing is a timeless favorite, but you can easily adapt it to fit different tastes and dietary needs. One of the simplest changes is swapping the butter for a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe dairy-free. Plant-based butter works well and still gives that rich flavor. You can also use olive oil, though it will give the stuffing a slightly different taste.
• If you’re not a fan of giblets or don’t have them on hand, you can replace them with cooked sausage, ground turkey, or even diced mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option. The mushrooms add a meaty texture and soak up the seasoning beautifully. Another tasty alternative is using chopped cooked chicken or turkey in place of the giblets, especially if you’re cooking this after Thanksgiving and have leftovers to use up.
• Want to add more veggies? You can mix in finely chopped carrots, leeks, or bell peppers with the celery and onion for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to cook them until soft before combining with the bread cubes. Some people also like to add chopped apples, dried cranberries, or raisins for a sweet-savory twist.
• For those who love texture, try adding toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. They give a nice crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory ingredients. If you like a bit of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce can give your stuffing a gentle kick.
• Gluten-free option? No problem! Use gluten-free bread cubes and make sure your broth and seasoning are also gluten-free. The result will still be flavorful and hearty. You can also experiment with cornbread stuffing by swapping out half or all of the bread cubes for crumbled cornbread—it gives the dish a southern flair.
• Finally, you can turn this into a one-pan meal by adding cooked protein like shredded chicken or turkey and baking it as a casserole. It’s a great way to stretch leftovers or make the stuffing more filling as a main dish. With a few tweaks, this classic recipe can fit just about any table!

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover giblet stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep it fresh and safe. If you used it to stuff a turkey, remove the stuffing from the bird before storing it.
• To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1–2 minutes until warm. If the stuffing seems a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture.
• You can freeze giblet stuffing, too! Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make giblet stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make giblet stuffing ahead of time to save stress on the day of your holiday meal. You can prepare the giblet mixture and cube the bread a day in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply combine everything, add broth, and bake. If you want to assemble the full stuffing ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it uncooked, then bake just before serving.

What exactly are turkey giblets?

Turkey giblets usually include the liver, heart, gizzard, and neck, which are often found inside the cavity of a whole bird. These parts are edible and full of flavor, especially when cooked into dishes like stuffing or gravy. The liver adds richness, while the gizzard and heart add a meaty bite. They’re a traditional part of many old-fashioned holiday recipes.

Can I leave the giblets out of the stuffing?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of giblets or want to make the stuffing vegetarian, just leave them out. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or extra vegetables. The stuffing will still be delicious and flavorful thanks to the broth, seasoning, and vegetables.

What kind of bread works best for stuffing?

Day-old white or French bread works great because it’s slightly dried out and absorbs the broth well. You can also use sourdough, whole wheat, or a mix of different types. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can get too mushy. For best results, cube your bread and let it sit out overnight or lightly toast it in the oven.

How much stuffing does this recipe make?

This recipe makes enough to stuff an 18-pound turkey or to fill a 2-quart casserole dish. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and baking dish. Keep in mind that doubling the recipe may require slightly longer baking time.

Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought chicken or turkey broth works perfectly in this recipe. Just check the label if you’re watching for sodium or specific ingredients. If your broth is unsalted, you may want to adjust the seasoning to taste. Homemade broth is a great option too, especially if you’re already cooking a turkey.

Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the turkey?

Yes, but you need to be careful with temperature. Always make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F to be food-safe. Stuff the turkey loosely so heat can circulate. If you’re unsure, bake it separately in a casserole dish instead.

Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

Definitely! Let the stuffing cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Other Easy Turkey Recipes

Ground Turkey Fajitas – These sizzling ground turkey fajitas are a quick and flavorful dinner made in just one pan.

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – This juicy air fryer turkey tenderloin cooks to perfection without any marinating or fuss.

Grilled Turkey Cheese Melt Sandwich – This crispy grilled sandwich is packed with melty cheese and thin-sliced turkey for the ultimate comfort food.

Baked Turkey Bacon – Oven-baked turkey bacon comes out crispy and evenly cooked with no flipping required.

Tender Turkey Legs – These turkey legs turn out fall-off-the-bone tender with rich, savory flavor in every bite.

Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey Filling – These oven-baked bell peppers are stuffed with seasoned ground turkey for a healthy, hearty meal.

Boneless Turkey Breast – This easy roasted boneless turkey breast is perfect for a small holiday dinner or everyday meal prep.

More Side Dish Recipes

• Easy Pineapple Stuffing Recipe – Perfect Holiday Side Dish
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe
• Homemade Creamed Peas And Baby Potatoes Recipe