Are you tired of serving the same old side dishes at every holiday gathering? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious twist on traditional stuffing recipes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering stuffing recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic Thanksgiving staples to savory twists on familiar flavors, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just looking for a tasty way to mix things up at home, our collection of stuffing recipes has got you covered. We’ll start with some tried-and-true classics, like our Classic Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey and Sausage and Herb Stuffing. But we won’t stop there – we’ve also included some unexpected flavors, like Cranberry Walnut Stuffing and Wild Mushroom and Leek Stuffing.
In the following pages, you’ll find recipes that incorporate everything from apples and sage to bacon and cheese. And with a variety of ingredients and cooking methods, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. So why wait? Dive in and start stuffing!
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Recipe
This beloved recipe yields a moist and flavorful turkey filled with savory aromas and delicious seasonings. Perfect for the centerpiece of your holiday feast, this classic stuffed turkey is sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup chopped celery
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together butter, breadcrumbs, celery, onion, garlic, sage, and poultry seasoning.
3. Loosely fill the turkey cavity with the stuffing mixture, making sure not to pack it too tightly.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-4 1/2 hours
Sausage and Herb Stuffing
A flavorful and savory stuffing recipe that combines sweet Italian sausage with fresh herbs and soft bread, perfect for the holidays or a cozy dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove sausage from skillet; set aside.
4. In same skillet, add butter and let melt. Add bread cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, toasted bread, parsley, thyme, and cheese (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
Cranberry Walnut Stuffing Recipe
Summary: This recipe combines the sweetness of dried cranberries and toasted walnuts with savory herbs to create a delicious and aromatic stuffing perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, toast the bread cubes over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Add the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, melted butter, and chicken broth to the dry mixture. Toss until well combined.
5. Add the toasted bread cubes to the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon
Elevate your holiday table with this mouthwatering cornbread stuffing infused with crispy bacon and a hint of sweetness. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a non-traditional take on the classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, cooked bacon mixture, chicken broth, heavy cream, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple and Sage Stuffing
This savory stuffing combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of sage, perfect for a Thanksgiving or fall-themed dinner. This recipe yields a deliciously moist and aromatic side dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large apples, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and diced apples in butter until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread, apple mixture, sage, and poultry seasoning. Toss until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and dot the top with remaining melted butter.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Leek Stuffing
Wild Mushroom and Leek Stuffing Recipe
This savory stuffing combines earthy wild mushrooms with the sweet, tender flavor of leeks, creating a delicious side dish perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
– 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), cleaned and chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the leek, mushrooms, and onion in melted butter until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add bread cubes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet; toss until bread is evenly coated.
4. Transfer stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meal with this mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffing recipe. Perfectly seasoned and infused with the warmth of garlic, this stuffing is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the bread cubes in butter until lightly toasted.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cheese, parsley, garlic, and sage.
4. Add the cheese mixture to the bread cubes and toss until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the stuffing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Herb and Onion Stuffing
This recipe combines the flavors of fresh herbs, caramelized onions, and crispy bread to create a delicious savory stuffing perfect for accompanying roasted meats or vegetables. With its rich aroma and tender texture, this stuffing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add herbs, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and onion mixture.
5. Mix well to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing Recipe
A delicious twist on traditional stuffing, this recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin with the earthy flavor of sage for a perfect fall side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the bread cubes in butter until lightly toasted.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed pumpkin, chopped sage, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the pumpkin mixture to the toasted bread cubes and toss until bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oyster Stuffing
Oyster Stuffing Recipe: Elevate Your Holiday Feast
This classic Southern side dish combines succulent oysters with savory bread and herbs to create a deliciously flavorful accompaniment to your favorite holiday dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping stuffing that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh oysters, shucked and chopped
– 2 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the chopped oysters to the skillet and cook until they’re opaque and slightly browned.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, melted butter, cooked oyster mixture, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dinner with this flavorful Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
A flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory taste of ground beef, all wrapped up in a delicious package.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the ground beef mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffed Pork Chops with Apples
This recipe combines tender pork chops with a sweet and savory filling of caramelized apples and aromatic spices, resulting in a deliciously flavorful main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
– 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add sliced apples and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, season pork chops with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
5. Stuff each pork chop with the apple mixture, dividing it evenly among the four chops.
6. Place stuffed pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your meal with this flavorful recipe featuring sautéed spinach and feta cheese stuffed inside meaty portobello mushrooms. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add spinach leaves; cook until wilted.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach mixture, followed by crumbled feta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa
This recipe celebrates the flavors of fall with roasted acorn squash filled with a nutritious quinoa mixture, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squashes (about 1 lb each)
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off each squash, scoop out seeds, and place in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, mix quinoa with sage, pecans, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each squash with the quinoa mixture, filling as much as possible.
5. Cover with foil and roast for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until squash is tender.
7. Serve warm, topped with crumbled goat cheese or feta if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This classic Eastern European dish is a staple of comfort food, filled with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground meat and rice. With this simple recipe, you’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Roll up the leaf and secure with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down in a large baking dish. Pour over the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
This recipe transforms zucchinis into flavorful boats, filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix together cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stuffed French Toast with Cream Cheese
Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and creamy take on classic French toast. A layer of cream cheese filling adds a tangy surprise to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or Brioche)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Spread about 2 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread.
5. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until golden brown.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes per batch of two slices.
Summary
Get ready to stuff your senses with these 18 mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion! From classic Thanksgiving dishes like Stuffed Turkey and Sausage and Herb Stuffing, to creative twists like Apple and Sage Stuffing and Cheesy Garlic Bread Stuffing. There’s something for everyone on this list, including savory options like Wild Mushroom and Leek Stuffing and sweet treats like Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing. Whether you’re looking for a main course or a side dish, these recipes are sure to impress your guests.