Impress Your Guests With These Best Stuffing Recipes

When it comes to holiday feasts, stuffing holds a special place at the table. Whether you're a fan of the classic, no-frills version or enjoy getting adventurous with bold flavors and ingredients, stuffing recipes epitomize comfort food. 

There are so many fun and unique ways to put a twist on this holiday staple. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, fire up the oven, and learn how to make stuffing with a savory twist!

Homemade Stuffing Recipes

Let’s start with a tried-and-true classic: traditional bread stuffing. This recipe has stood the test of time for a reason – it’s simple, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with almost any holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups of cubed, day-old bread (sourdough, white, or a mix)

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped

• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast lightly, about 10 minutes.

2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in poultry seasoning, thyme, and sage. Cook for another minute to release the herbs' aroma.

4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until golden and crispy on top.

This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser all on its own, but also provides a great base if you want to add extra ingredients.

Savory Sausage and Herb Stuffing

For meat lovers, a sausage stuffing recipe is the ultimate indulgence. The rich, savory flavor of sausage paired with aromatic herbs takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups bread cubes (day-old works best)

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped

• 3 cups chicken stock

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toast the bread cubes if they’re not already dry.

2. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Once browned, remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft. Stir in rosemary and sage.

4. Combine bread cubes, sausage, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring gently until well combined.

5. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the mixture for added richness.

6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 35 - 40 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden.

The sausage adds a delightful depth of flavor, making this stuffing the star of any holiday meal.

Gluten-free Stuffing: Wild Rice and Mushroom

If you’re catering to vegetarians or simply want a lighter, gluten-free option, this wild rice and mushroom stuffing is a fantastic choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.

3. Stir in thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, and nuts. Mix gently to combine.

5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 - 25 minutes.

This stuffing is bursting with earthy flavors and colorful textures, making it a beautiful addition to your table.

Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing: A Spicy Twist

For those who like a little kick, this may be one of the best cornbread stuffing recipes – cornbread and chorizo, to be precise. This curveball serves up a zesty flavor profile for the holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cornbread, crumbled

• 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, cooked and crumbled

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the chorizo in a skillet until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and corn until slightly softened.

4. Combine the crumbled cornbread with chorizo and vegetables in a bowl. Gradually add broth until the mixture is moist.

5. Stir in cilantro and transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.

This recipe is perfect for adding some Southwestern flair to your traditional holiday meal.

Sweet and Savory Apple Pecan Stuffing

For a festive stuffing with a hint of sweetness, apple and pecan stuffing is a standout choice.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups bread cubes (a mix of white and whole wheat works well)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 2 apples, peeled and diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toast the bread cubes if needed.

2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté apples and onion until softened. Add pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to combine.

3. Mix the bread cubes with the apple mixture in a large bowl. Gradually add broth, stirring gently until moistened.

4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until the top is golden and fragrant.

The combination of sweet apples and crunchy pecans creates a stuffing that’s both unique and comforting.

Pro Tips for Stuffing Success

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs liquid better without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, toast it in the oven first.

• Adjust the Liquid: The amount of broth you use depends on the type of bread and your desired texture. Start with less and add more as needed.

• Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Mix different bread types, add your favorite herbs, or include unexpected ingredients like roasted chestnuts or dried apricots.

• Bake Separately: While some prefer to stuff the turkey, baking stuffing in a dish ensures it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully on top.

May Your Bellies Be Full and Your Hearts Be Light

With these stuffing recipes, your holiday meals are sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classics or venture into creative combinations, there’s no wrong way to make this beloved side dish your own. Stay with us, all season long. We’re brimming with ideas to make your table merry and bright and all holiday gatherings something to cherish forever.