26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (2024)

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (1)

Though turkey gets a lot of the fanfare come Thanksgiving, and some people are all about the mashed potatoes, the green bean casserole, or the pecan pie, we’re in it for the STUFFING (aka "dressing" for our Southern friends). So whether you like it crispy, soggy (it’s a thing!), or a mix of both, we’ve got tons here for you here. Check out our 26 stuffing recipes for ideas, then get creative and make your own.

At its most basic, stuffing is a mixture of (stale) bread, herbs, and spices, and sometimes meat, held together with eggs. Sort of like bread pudding, but savory. Technically, it should only be called stuffing if it’s “stuffed” inside your turkey; otherwise, it’s known as dressing. The more you know! Because it’s hard to guarantee both your stuffing and your turkey to come out well if they’re made that way, most people bake theirs outside the bird and use both terms interchangeably.

The great thing about stuffing is how much you can do within the confines of that basic structure. Use a baguette or sourdough, like we do in our classic recipe, or swap in different breads, like we do in our cornbread stuffing, our croissant stuffing, our soft pretzel stuffing, or our crescent roll stuffing. Just make sure whatever you use is stale so it can soak up all the yummy liquid—tear whatever you use into pieces, then leave it out overnight for best results. Some stuffings have meat, like our sausage stuffing or our oyster stuffing, but they’re also great without. Add other ingredients in instead, like the fruit in our apple stuffing, our pineapple stuffing, or our cranberry stuffing. Though most stuffings are baked in a casserole dish, there’s room to play there too. Try our stuffing stuffed pumpkins, our sheet pan stuffing, or our stuffin’ muffins to see what we mean. Once you’ve got the basic structure, stuffing is easily adapted to your tastes—you never know, you might discover a combination you’ll want to make for years to come.

Want more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out our top Thanksgiving appetizers, our best Thanksgiving desserts, and our favorite Thanksgiving cocktails too.

1

Classic Turkey Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (3)

When it comes to the big Thanksgiving feast, we consider the roast turkey and the sweet potato casserole as sides to the STUFFING. A good stuffing makes or breaks Thanksgiving dinner, and this one will absolutely make your holiday meal all the better.

Get the Classic Turkey Stuffing recipe.

2

Sausage Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (4)

If you’re looking to bulk up the classic Thanksgiving side (or if your ideal stuffing just isn’t complete without a protein), then this stuffing is here for you. Cranberries add a bit of sweetness to balance out our sausage in this recipe that’s baked until toasty-yet-soft perfection.

Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.

3

Cornbread Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (5)

Also known as cornbread dressing, this dish is a classic in the South, where you’ll often find it mixed with sausage, bacon, jalapeños, nuts, even chopped oysters. We kept ours simple with flavors you’d find in classic stuffing, but don't let us stop you from jazzing up yours.

Get the Cornbread Stuffing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

Oyster Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (6)

If you're new to the oyster stuffing game, let us tell you, you're in for a treat. Oysters lend a briny, super-savory flavor to your stuffing that will keep your guests coming back for second and third helpings.

Get the Oyster Stuffing recipe.

5

Apple Stuffing

The classic stuffing recipe is always a favorite at Thanksgiving, but sometimes it can feel a bit heavy. Apples and cranberries add a freshness to stuffing that is greatly needed, and the bright tart notes go perfectly with the buttery bread.

Get the Apple Stuffing recipe.

6

Cornbread Dressing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (8)

Craving something a little different than classic stuffing this year? Our cornbread dressing has all of the beloved, classic Thanksgiving flavors, plus Italian sausage for a heartier touch. It has a perfect crumbly texture, isn’t dry, and pairs well with all the rest of our savory (and sweet!) sides.

Get the Cornbread Dressing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Easy Cranberry Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (9)

You don't need meat to make a stuffing everyone will love. This vegetarian option is filled with everyone's favorite Thanksgiving flavors—apples! cranberries! sage! thyme!—if anyone complains about meatless stuffing, just send them home without dessert. 😉

Get the Easy Cranberry Stuffing recipe.

8

Keto Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (10)

Haters will say you can't make stuffing that's low-carb. We say, bye haters! Using our recipe for keto bread yields a stuffing that's crisp on top and deliciously tender on bottom, just like a good stuffing should be.

Get the Keto Stuffing recipe.

9

Crockpot Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (11)

One of our favorite ways to keep our oven free for the major players—the roast turkey and pumpkin pie, of course—is by utilizing the magic of the slow cooker. While you buzz around the kitchen, it'll cook your stuffing for you!

Get the Crockpot Stuffing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

Gluten-Free Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (12)

Many would argue that the table just isn’t complete without a big dish of classic Thanksgiving stuffing. But what about your friends and family with allergies that prevent them from eating wheat? This gluten-free stuffing will save the day—and spoiler alert, it tastes exactly the same as the real thing.

Get the Gluten-Free Stuffing recipe.

11

Vegan Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (13)

Listen, we all know that stuffing is the best part of a staple Thanksgiving menu. But because of the butter, eggs, and chicken broth that usually goes into classic stuffing, it's a dish that vegans can't always enjoy—until now!

Get the Vegan Stuffing recipe.

12

Cauliflower Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (14)

This low-carb cauliflower stuffing proves that you don’t always need bread to make an amazing stuffing. Cauliflower is basically a sponge: It’ll soak up the flavor of whatever you cook it with, so we recommend going heavy on the herbs (and the butter! 😈).

Get the Cauliflower Stuffing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

Pineapple Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (15)

This pineapple stuffing isn't meant to replace your traditional stuffing. Instead, it's meant to come at the end of the meal for dessert. Weird, we know, but trust us! This bread pudding is perfect year round but makes a warm welcome against all of the heavier, pumpkin-flavored desserts.

Get the Pineapple Stuffing recipe.

14

Spinach & Artichoke Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (16)

is what your stuffing has been missing. This stuff is dangerously delicious.

Get the .

15

Crescent Roll Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (17)

It's official: There's nothing crescent rolls can't do. Grab a couple tubes and use them to make our cranberry brie bites or sweet potato crescent bites for appetizers too.

Get the Crescent Roll Stuffing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

16

Soft-Pretzel Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (18)

Get your hands on the best-quality soft pretzels you can find, tear them up into bite-size pieces, bake them according to package directions, and turn 'em into stuffing! Aside from the soft pretzel mix-up, this stuffing recipe is pretty standard, so feel free to make it your own.

Get the Soft-Pretzel Stuffing recipe.

17

Apple & Sausage Focaccia Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (19)

Apples lend sweetness to this herb-flecked stuffing made with chewy focaccia bread. Vegetarian? Skip the sausage and swap in for veg stock.

Get the .

18

Beer Cheese Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (20)

Beer nicely cuts the richness of the bacon and cheddar in this stuffing recipe that's inspired by the deliciousness of pub cheese. Pair with our pickle-brined turkey for a Thanksgiving perfect for football lovers.

Get the Beer Cheese Stuffing recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

19

Everything Bagel Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (21)

Have leftover bagels kicking around? Use them to make this inspired stuffing. Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning, or make your own.

Get the Everything Bagel Stuffing recipe.

20

Sheet Pan Stuffing

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (22)

Can we all agree that the best part of stuffing is that delectable top layer that gets extra buttery and crunchy? This sheet-pan version is one big serving of that. Bonus: It takes less time to cook too!

Get the Sheet Pan Stuffing recipe.

26 Must-Have Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

How much stuffing do I need for 28 people? ›

How much stuffing do you need for Thanksgiving? Plan to serve about 3/4 cup of stuffing per guest.

How many cups of stuffing do I need for 20 people? ›

In order to fill the cavity of the bird you are stuffing, you should make 3/4 cup of stuffing per person. You may not be able to fit all the stuffing into your turkey. If this is the case, then you can even make a casserole to fill up your guests!

What's the difference between stuffing and dressing for Thanksgiving? ›

The primary difference between stuffing and dressing is that stuffing is cooked inside a bird and dressing is made on the side.

How many bags of stuffing do I need for 12 people? ›

How much stuffing per person? A 14-ounce bag of stuffing makes about 11 servings; a 6-ounce box of stuffing mix makes 6 servings.

How many rolls do I need for 25 guests? ›

For salad go for 3 oz per person, or a large handful. For most other sides a 4oz. portion per guest is a pretty safe bet. For rolls estimate 2 per person.

What is the best kind of bread to use for stuffing? ›

The Best Bread for Stuffing

Many types of artisan-style bread will work, from sourdough and rye to whole-grain and garlicky herb. Check out your grocery store or local bakery to see what's in stock.

How much Thanksgiving food do you need for 25 people? ›

Three or four bites of food per person should be plenty.

Should I put an egg in my stuffing? ›

Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy. Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you'd like, to achieve your desired consistency.

Can you leave uncooked stuffing out overnight? ›

If stuffing is prepared ahead of time, it must be either frozen or cooked immediately. To use cooked stuffing later, cool in shallow containers and refrigerate it within 2 hours.

What do southerners call stuffing? ›

But for the Thanksgiving side dish in the South, the term dressing was adopted in place of stuffing, which was viewed as a crude term, during the Victorian era. Although dressing and stuffing are interchangeable terms, the signature ingredient of this Thanksgiving side dish in the South is cornbread.

Is stuffing better moist or dry? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

What is stuffing called when it's not in a turkey? ›

Stuffing and dressing are commonly used as different names for the same thing—a dish consisting of bits of bread (or other starchy things) and various seasonings. The dish can be made by stuffing it (hence the name) inside a turkey or other bird that will be roasted, or by baking or cooking it separately.

How many bags of pepperidge farm stuffing for a 20 lb turkey? ›

One 16-oz. bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix is recommended for every 20 lbs. of poultry. Now, let's get that turkey stuffed!

Why can't you make stuffing ahead of time? ›

You haven't said whether you are going to cook the stuffing inside the bird or out, but it's fine to make almost any stuffing a few hours before you'll need it. The important thing is to keep it properly chilled so that bacteria won't have a chance to grow in it.

How much stuffing is needed for 20 people? ›

20 people – 19.5 cups

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

How much pasta do I need for 28 people? ›

When you cook pasta, 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta per person is a good rule of thumb to follow. What does 2 ounces (56 g) of dry pasta look like? It depends on the shape.

How much stuffing per person calculator? ›

Holiday Servings Calculator
DishPer Person8 People
Salad2 cups4 quarts
Stuffing¾ cup6 cups
Potatoes/Starch**¾ cup6 cups
Veggie Sides1 cup2 quarts
9 more rows

How many people does one box of stuffing feed? ›

Each 6 oz box makes around 6 servings.

How much food do you need for 30 guests? ›

The easiest rule is the “One Pound Rule.” Provide one pound of food for each adult guest (not including drinks or dessert).

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 5796

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.