Forget about the boxed or bagged mixes of stuffing this holiday season and bring comfort to the table with our old fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing recipe made from hearty whole wheat bread, fresh apples, walnuts, and fragrant sage. Unlike store-bought stuffing, our homemade Thanksgiving stuffing is naturally higher in protein and fiber thanks to whole grains, nuts, and egg whites, with 7g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving. Lower in sodium and saturated fat than packaged blends, this dish supports heart health while delivering the classic flavor you love. With a crisp golden top and tender, savory center, this healthy Thanksgiving Stuffing is perfect for your Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, or even as a comforting and healthy weeknight dinner side dish.
Discover more deliciously healthy Thanksgiving sides that bring nutrition and flavor to every holiday table.
If your favorite part of Thanksgiving is the stuffing, you’re not alone! This lighter side dish for Thanksgiving dinner proves you can still enjoy it without overloading on saturated fat or sodium. Made with whole wheat bread for extra fiber, just 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and plenty of vegetables, this healthy Thanksgiving Stuffing keeps the comfort while cutting back on the heavy stuff. Each serving has just 1 gram of saturated fat, 7 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber, with under 400 milligrams of sodium. Apples and walnuts add texture and natural sweetness, while herbs like sage and garlic powder bring in the savory holiday flavor you expect from a classic Thanksgiving dressing.
Traditional stuffing can be high in sodium, butter, and refined carbs. This recipe for healthy stuffing uses whole wheat bread, more vegetables, and lower sodium broth to reduce saturated fat and boost fiber, making it a better choice for holiday meals or potlucks.
The best stuffing balances moisture and texture. Use dry bread cubes to absorb the broth evenly, add flavorful mix-ins like onions, shallots and herbs, and don’t skip a binder like eggs to help it hold together. Letting it sit before baking helps the flavors meld.
Yes, you can prep this stuffing in advance. Assemble it up to a day ahead and store it unbaked in the fridge. Bake it just before serving so the top stays crisp and the interior doesn’t dry out.
Most Thanksgiving dressing recipes include bread cubes, broth, onions, celery, herbs, and some kind of fat or binder like eggs. This healthy Thanksgiving stuffing keeps the basics but uses whole grain bread, less butter, and add-ins like apples and walnuts for texture and flavor.
Day-old whole wheat, multigrain, sourdough, or rye breads all work well. The key is to let the bread dry out first so it can soak up the broth without getting soggy.
Start by toasting or drying your bread cubes. Cook your aromatics in olive oil or butter, then mix everything, including broth, eggs, herbs, and mix-ins, in a large bowl. Press it into a baking dish and bake until the top is golden brown.
They’re essentially the same dish, bread-based with herbs and broth. However, “stuffing” is usually cooked inside the bird, while “dressing” is baked separately. This Thanksgiving dressing recipe is baked on its own for food safety and texture.
Just swap the bread with a gluten-free version. Make sure the broth and any added seasonings are also certified gluten-free.
Use no-salt-added broth and limit added salt or seasoning blends. Adding fresh herbs, garlic powder, and natural flavor-boosters like apples or celery helps keep things tasty without the salt.
Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving. These lighter versions are easy to prep for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any time you need a healthy side dish that feels comforting and filling.
Looking for something to pair with your stuffing? These lighter turkey dinner ideas are all great options for Thanksgiving or any cozy fall meal.
Recipe yields 15 servings
On a large baking sheet, toast bread cubes in oven. Allow the toasted bread to sit approximately 24 hours, until hard.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly coat a large ovenproof baking dish (9 x 13 inch) with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery and slowly cook until soft. Remove from heat.
Add the eggs, chicken broth and breadcrumbs to onion mixture. Mix together thoroughly. Mix in the rubbed sage, garlic powder, walnuts, apples and pepper.
Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is browned and crisp.
Try chopped unsalted pecans or almonds for a similar crunch.
Use any firm apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for extra natural sweetness.
Use a flax egg substitute (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water per egg).
Use low sodium or unsalted vegetable broth to keep the sodium low and to make it vegetarian.
Multigrain or rye works well, or use your favorite gluten-free bread to make a gluten free stuffing recipe.
If you loved this healthy stuffing, try one of these other healthy Thanksgiving sides next. These dishes are made with simple ingredients and smart cooking methods to help you build a satisfying, balanced holiday plate. You can also browse all of our healthy side dish recipes here.
