A Thanksgiving staple that brings comfort and flavor to every bite.
This Thanksgiving cheese stuffing combines golden sourdough, sharp cheddar, and fragrant sage for a side that’s both nostalgic and elevated. Its buttery, crumbly texture and rich flavor make it the perfect complement to roasted turkey.
Whether you’re hosting your first holiday feast or have decades of tradition under your belt, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results. The cheese adds a creamy depth while the sourdough base keeps it light and absorbent.
What sets this apart is the balance of textures—crunchy edges from the buttery crust contrast with the soft, cheesy interior. It’s a classic that modernizes beautifully with its rich flavor profile.
From preparation to serving, this stuffing is designed for holiday ease. It’s a make-ahead recipe that reheats perfectly, freeing you to focus on other elements of your Thanksgiving spread.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Foolproof for Beginners
The step-by-step guide eliminates guesswork with precise measurements and timing. No culinary experience required!
💰 Cost-Effective
Uses pantry staples like sourdough and cheddar for a luxurious result at a budget-friendly price.
👥 Family-Friendly
Perfect for feeding a crowd—adjustable recipe yields 8-10 generous servings.
🌟 Flavor Layering
Combines toasted sourdough, fresh sage, and aged cheddar for complex, balanced flavors.
Thanksgiving Cheese Stuffing
The ultimate holiday side dish
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 loaf (12 oz) sourdough bread, cubed
- - 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 2 cups chicken broth
- - 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1/4 tsp black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Bread: Toss cubed sourdough with 2 tbsp melted butter. Spread on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden.
💡 Use day-old bread for better texture
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix toasted bread with cheddar, broth, sage, salt, pepper, and remaining 2 tbsp butter.
💡 The mixture should be moist but not soggy
Bake: Transfer to greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
💡 Check for doneness with a toothpick
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread
Provides chewy texture and tangy flavor. Substitute with day-old brioche or French bread.
Substitutions: 1 loaf of any crusty bread
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar adds depth. Use Gouda or Gruyère for milder flavor.
Substitutions: 4 cups shredded Gouda or Gruyère
Chicken Broth
Adds moisture without heaviness. Substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
Substitutions: 2 cups vegetable broth
Fresh Sage
Adds aromatic earthiness. Substitute with dried thyme or rosemary.
Substitutions: 1 tbsp dried thyme
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing
🍁 Bread Prep
Toast bread in batches if using a large quantity. Under-toasted bread won’t absorb flavors properly.
🧀 Cheese Selection
Use pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for better meltability. Freshly grated works but may weep more.
🔥 Baking Technique
Place baking dish on lower oven rack to prevent top from browning too quickly. Cover with foil if edges brown too fast.
🧂 Seasoning Balance
Taste the mixture before baking. Adjust salt only if the bread or cheese is particularly salty.
Variations & Customizations
Herb-Infused
Add 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary for additional herbal notes. Great with herb-roasted turkey.
Vegetable Boost
Mix in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or diced apples for texture and flavor contrast.
Spicy Twist
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 minced garlic clove for a kick.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey with gravy for a classic holiday combo
- Green bean casserole with mushrooms for balanced flavors
- Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions for creamy contrast
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a full-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the rich cheese flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the bread and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking. Add 10 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in oven rather than microwave to maintain texture. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My stuffing is too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Check bread-to-broth ratio. Increase broth by 1/2 cup next time. Also ensure you're using day-old bread which absorbs more liquid.
Q: How to prevent cheese from weeping?
A: Use pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Press mixture firmly into baking dish to create a cohesive mass.
Q: Can I use fresh bread?
A: Yes, but it will absorb more broth and may become soggy. Add 1/4 cup more bread to balance moisture.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving cheese stuffing is more than a side dish—it's the heart of your holiday meal. Its rich, buttery aroma alone will make your home smell like a Midwest kitchen on Christmas Eve.
From the first golden crust to the last cheesy bite, this recipe delivers comfort and tradition in every mouthful. Whether you're serving it with roasted turkey, green bean casserole, or simply enjoying it as a standalone comfort food, it’s sure to become a new holiday favorite.
Recipe Tags
Explore more recipes with similar tags
Liam Croft
Nov 18, 2025
Thanksgiving Cheese Stuffing turned out wonderfully moist for my family. Baked until the cheddar melted into a golden crust that smelled buttery and sage. I tossed an extra handful of fresh sage because my pantry was low, just this morning. 5 stars - it’s now a new holiday staple.
Share Your Experience
1 review (1 chef review + 0 visitor reviews)
Based on 1 chef review and 0 visitor reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!