12 Best Stuffing Recipes for Your Thanksgiving and Christmas (2024)

Good stuffing can make or break your holiday dinner, but so many of us leave it to the last minute before deciding what we’re doing. Here are 12 quick and easy stuffing recipes to get you out of a jam this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

12 Best Stuffing Recipes for Your Thanksgiving and Christmas (1)

Table Of Contents

  1. Oyster Dressing Grand-Mère
  2. Artichoke
  3. 12 Best Stuffing Recipes for Your Thanksgiving and Christmas

Holiday dinners. We all look forward to them, starving ourselves all morning to make room for the turkey and all of those wonderful sides and desserts. And what about the stuffing? Probably one of the most underrated sides of the whole meal. The right stuffing could add just enough pizzazz to an otherwise average Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Here are a few delicious examples, if you’re looking to switch up your recipe this year.

Toasted Bread, Sage & Onion

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This easy stuffing recipe is proof that sides are best when kept simple. Made with just a handful of ingredients including toasted bread cubes, fresh sage, and diced onion, this easy vegan stuffing makes completing your holiday dinner a breeze, while satisfying even the strictest of diets.

Cranberry & Pear

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This is a sweet classic favorite, cranberry stuffing but with a twist. It has all of the usual ingredients such as celery, seasoning, pecans and of course cranberries. But with an added sweet touch, adding chopped pears to an already mouth-watering side.

This creates a sweet and savory stuffing perfect for all holiday dinners. This could be just what your missing for your perfect holiday dinner this year.

Check it out here

Caramelized Onion & Cornbread

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If you’re looking for a more savory twist to your favorite holiday side, this would be a perfect go to recipe. Adding soft, browned onions and sage to really give your stuffing the flavor it needs.

Such a simple recipe that will go great with that turkey and gravy this year. The smell alone will have everyone’s mouths watering!

Check it out here

Poblano Peppers, Cornbread & Pumpkin Seed

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This Southwestern-Style stuffing will add just the kick your holiday dinner needs. A unique blend of sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and roasted Poblano will have your entire family begging for the recipe.

Add the perfect pizzazz to your holiday meal with this amazing, flavorful twist.

Oyster Dressing Grand-Mère

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Are you a sucker for the unusual? Want a stuffing recipe that’s not quite like the rest? Well look no further because this stuffing is the crazy recipe you’ve waited for your entire life for. Mixing things up with oysters, scallions, and cayenne pepper, this recipe will send your taste buds on an adventure.

Check it out here

Peach & Italian Bread

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From that cooking genius Martha Stewart comes another deliciously sweet surprise. She takes the traditional savory seasoned stuffing, and adds peaches and orange juice for a stuffing that is sure to bring everyone back. Nothing like that sweet and salty mix to put a smile on the whole families face, while adding the perfect taste to an already amazing dish.

Check it out here

Tortilla Chips & Chorizo

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Are you a nacho lover? Do you have an obsession with queso and tortillas? Crave an “out-there” stuffing recipe that you can eat any day of the year? Well look no further. This interesting stuffing is a nacho lovers dream. Using tortilla chips, chorizo, and queso fresco to bring in a new flavor to this holiday favorite.

It is definitely a conversation starter.

Check it out here

Cornbread, Wild Mushroom & Pecan

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This fantastic, mouth-watering recipe is by far a favorite in my household. It takes the traditional cornbread and pecan-based stuffing and adds the savory flavor of wild mushrooms and just a bit of white wine. This creates a slightly different texture adding the chewy mushrooms but the taste will blow you away.

If you want a fun, new recipe that will not disappoint, give this one a try!

Check it out here

Artichoke

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If you prefer a more simple recipe, but still want a savory, sweet stuffing to ‘wow’ the family with. This apple walnut stuffing is a perfect fit. It takes your basic boxed stuffing, adds some onions, apples, and celery (as well as the seasonings of course) and you have a quick, delicious stuffing everyone will love.

A quick fun recipe for that last minute go-to, or even just a simple one for all families to enjoy.

Check it out here

Whole Grain Bread & Leeks

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Do you prefer any healthier options on your stuffing recipe this year? Well, if you are trying to not completely ruin your diet and need a whole wheat version of that holiday favorite, look no further. This recipe is vegan friendly and dairy free. Not to mention super simple to make!

It calls for whole grain bread, leeks, celery, and olive oil, making it a perfect healthy option for all of you stuffing lovers who desire something diet friendly.

Check it out here

Rosemary, Fig & Hazelnut

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Here is, yet another healthy twist to our favorite holiday side. If you prefer a more flavorful recipe that is still vegetarian friendly, you will love this stuffing. It adds rosemary, garlic, hazelnuts, and just a bit of Tawny port for a sophisticated and healthy holiday side.

Though a bit more work than some other healthy options, it is still a delicious and healthy alternative!

Check it out here

Ground Beef & Walnut

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Of course, there may be some who don’t even know how to start making a holiday stuffing. Perhaps, you are a first timer, making the family dinner on your own this year. Or, maybe you’ve never even heard or tried a holiday stuffing and you are eager for your first experience. Either way it is a delightful food to try and to cook.

The great thing about stuffing is it’s changeable. You can experiment with it. There are so many different things you can do with it, so many flavors. You can start simple with just the basics or you can add fruits and odd vegetables. Maybe even throw in some peppers or fun seasonings. It’s a fun and delicious side dish that has a recipe for every taste and occasion.

If you would like a common recipe and guide to get started you can check this one out here!

Check it out here

Challah Apple & Thyme

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This delicious stuffing is made with challah, unsalted butter, celery, onion, Granny Smith apples, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, chicken broth, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Make it part of your Thanksgiving menu.

Check it out here

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12 Best Stuffing Recipes for Your Thanksgiving and Christmas (2024)

FAQs

Should I put egg in my stuffing? ›

The most important ingredient of stuffing may be the binder, which keeps all the other elements in place. For a fluffy texture, use eggs. Stock is the most-used binder. Less conventional possibilities include fruit juice (such as apple or orange) and alcohol (wine or liqueur).

Is it better to make stuffing the day before? ›

Absolutely. Most Thanksgiving stuffing recipes can be made at least partially in advance since: A) They're easily assembled a day or two ahead of Thanksgiving Day; and B) They're often baked using a two-step process (once covered with foil to cook through, then uncovered to achieve a crispy top).

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.

Is it better to stuff the turkey or make the stuffing on the side? ›

On not stuffing your turkey

Bishop: Instead, put the stuffing in a dish — but then it becomes "dressing," if you want to be technical about it. The problem is, when you stuff the turkey, yes, the stuffing gets all of the wonderful flavors from the bird, but it makes it much more difficult to cook the bird.

How soggy should stuffing be before baking? ›

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.

Can you prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate? ›

If you don't plan on stuffing the bird, but preparing the dressing as a side dish, you can prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time as long as you freeze the stuffing immediately after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing.

Can you use week old bread for stuffing? ›

In fact, using stale bread and fresh bread will both leave you with equal amounts of mush. The longstanding tip to use old, stale bread for the perfect stuffing is actually a myth. Letting bread go stale doesn't actually dry it out. After sitting out on your counter, bread goes through the process of retrogradation.

Why can't you refrigerate uncooked stuffing? ›

Because stuffing is an excellent medium for bacterial growth, it's important to handle it safely and cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. Here are some common ques- tions consumers ask. Stuffing should not be prepared ahead.

What is the best bread to use for stuffing? ›

Breads such as sour dough, French bread or Italian loaves are for the best bread for stuffing. Their soft-but-sturdy interiors are the perfect texture for stuffing. The pieces retain their shape without crumbling.

Is homemade stuffing better than store bought? ›

While the instant stuffing was actually a closer contender than most of our testers anticipated, the homemade won hearts (and palates) for its subtle flavor and pleasing texture.

Why add eggs to turkey 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.

Do you cook stuffing before putting it in the turkey? ›

Give stuffing a head start by heating it up before placing inside the turkey. Like the turkey, stuffing needs to reach the 165 degree mark. If the bird is done before the stuffing, remove stuffing from the cavities and continue to cook in a baking dish.

What is Christmas stuffing made of? ›

There are many different types of stuffing and thousands of different stuffing recipes, with the most popular being pork, sage and onion - which is made with sausagemeat. Chestnut stuffing (made with chopped chestnuts and herbs and spices) is also very popular, as is apple stuffing, and even oyster stuffing.

How do you keep stuffing from getting mushy? ›

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush. Curtis Stone says to pour it on a large sheet tray and spread it out. Bake it on high heat to crisp it up, but make sure it doesn't burn.

What can I use instead of egg to bind stuffing? ›

Some common egg substitutes include:
  1. Mashed banana. Mashed banana can act as a binding agent when baking or making pancake batter. ...
  2. Applesauce. Applesauce can also act as a binding agent. ...
  3. Fruit puree. ...
  4. Avocado. ...
  5. Gelatin. ...
  6. Xanthan gum. ...
  7. Vegetable oil and baking powder. ...
  8. Margarine.
Mar 30, 2021

How do you keep stuffing moist? ›

Use enough liquid: The key to keeping stuffing moist is to use enough liquid. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, melted butter, or a combination of both. The amount of liquid you need will depend on the recipe, but a good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid for every 4 cups of bread cubes.

Can you mess up stuffing? ›

Baking It Inside Your Bird

I know it's classic, but it could be screwing up your dinner. Baking stuffing inside the turkey could result in soggy stuffing, or even an overcooked turkey, because for the stuffing to get to 165 degrees (the temperature needed to cook it), the turkey will get to 180-190, which is too high.

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