10 Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes to Elevate Your Feast

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulgence—and no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a rich, flavorful stuffing to complement the turkey. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best Thanksgiving stuffing recipes, from classic herb stuffing to creative variations like sausage and apple or cornbread with bacon. These recipes will elevate your holiday feast and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Classic Herb Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

For lovers of tradition, this classic herb stuffing is a timeless favorite. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, making it a star among Thanksgiving stuffing recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (French or sourdough works best)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toast the bread cubes lightly on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté the onion and celery until softened and aromatic.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
4. Gradually pour in the stock, mixing until the bread is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes to achieve a crispy top.

Sausage and Apple Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This recipe balances savory and sweet, making it a standout option among Thanksgiving stuffing recipes. The addition of sausage and apple creates a flavorful pairing that’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 loaf of bread, cubed
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and apples until tender.
3. Combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed mixture in a large bowl.
4. Mix in the chicken stock and sage until everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake in a greased casserole dish at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.

Cornbread Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe with Bacon

This Southern-inspired recipe is one of the most flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing recipes, blending the sweetness of cornbread with smoky, crispy bacon.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cornbread, cubed (homemade or store-bought)
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toast the cornbread cubes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving some of the bacon fat.
3. In the reserved fat, sauté the onion and bell pepper until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine the toasted cornbread, crumbled bacon, sautéed vegetables, and parsley.
5. Gradually add chicken stock and mix until the stuffing is moist.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Mushroom and Wild Rice Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

For those seeking gluten-free options, this hearty wild rice stuffing is a unique and earthy choice among Thanksgiving stuffing recipes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work well)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Cook the wild rice according to the package instructions.
2. In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and thyme in a large bowl.
4. Add the vegetable stock, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Cranberry and Walnut Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

This festive stuffing combines tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, making it a popular pick among Thanksgiving stuffing recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread, cubed
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

1. In a skillet, sauté the onion and celery in butter until softened.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cranberries, walnuts, and sautéed mixture.
3. Gradually add chicken stock, mixing until the stuffing is moist.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread absorbs flavors better than fresh bread.
• Gradually add stock: Avoid soggy stuffing by adding the stock a little at a time.
• Season generously: Use fresh herbs and spices for bold flavors.
• Customize your recipe: Experiment with add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or unique seasonings.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

Stuffing is the heart of any Thanksgiving table, offering warmth, flavor, and tradition. These Thanksgiving stuffing recipes range from classic herb to creative twists like sausage and apple or wild rice and mushroom. With the tips and recipes provided, you’ll find something to please every guest at your holiday feast.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every bite of these delightful stuffing creations!

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