When it comes to holiday gatherings, there’s nothing quite like a warm, aromatic loaf of stuffing fresh from the oven. Whether you’re a traditionalist who sticks to classic bread-based recipes or an adventurous cook looking to mix things up with unique ingredients and flavors, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 savory stuffing recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your holiday table.
From comforting combinations of sausage and apple to more unexpected pairings like oyster and bacon, our recipes showcase a wide range of flavors and textures to suit every taste. And with options ranging from classic herb and onion to quinoa and dried fruit, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Stay tuned for the full recipe roundup, complete with step-by-step instructions and mouthwatering photos to inspire your holiday cooking.
Classic Herb and Onion Stuffing
This simple yet flavorful stuffing recipe is a staple for any holiday meal. With its blend of fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and crunchy bread, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium onions, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the melted butter, thyme, and sage to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed onion mixture, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
5. Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sausage and Apple Stuffing
This stuffing combines the warmth of sausage with the sweetness of apples, creating a deliciously balanced flavor profile. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumnal gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cubed
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate pan, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
4. Combine cooked sausage, apple mixture, bread, and herbs in a large bowl.
5. Dot with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer stuffing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Elevate your holiday dinner game with this sweet and savory stuffing recipe, featuring the perfect blend of juicy cranberries and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together bread, pecans, remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked cranberry mixture to the bread mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing
This savory stuffing combines the warmth of cornbread with the spicy kick of chorizo, perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. This unique twist on traditional stuffing is sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1 pound cooked chorizo sausage, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chorizo sausage over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Add onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, cooked chorizo mixture, and chicken broth. Mix well.
5. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer stuffing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Thyme Stuffing
This savory stuffing is perfect for the holidays, featuring earthy wild mushrooms and fragrant thyme. It’s a simple yet impressive side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup sautéed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake or chanterelle), chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the wild mushrooms in butter until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. In a separate bowl, combine bread cubes, mushroom mixture, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix well until bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Oyster and Bacon Stuffing
Elevate your holiday turkey with this savory Oyster and Bacon Stuffing recipe, featuring the brininess of oysters and the smokiness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, diced
– 1/2 cup freshly shucked oysters, drained and chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the bacon until crispy; set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, melted butter, cooked oysters, sautéed onion mixture, and crumbled bacon.
5. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff loosely into turkey cavity or bake in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F (180°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato and Sage Stuffing
This sweet potato and sage stuffing is a delicious twist on traditional bread-based stuffing. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of sage, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday table.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, chopped sage, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add butter and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chestnut and Rosemary Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this savory chestnut and rosemary stuffing. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of chestnuts with the piney flavor of fresh rosemary, creating a unique and aromatic side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chestnuts
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped rosemary and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Stir in cooked chestnuts, breadcrumbs, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffing
Add a flavorful twist to your holiday meals with this Spinach and Feta Stuffing recipe. This savory side dish combines the earthy taste of spinach with the tanginess of feta cheese, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as a main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
5. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa and Dried Fruit Stuffing
This sweet and savory stuffing is perfect for the holidays or any time you need a flavorful side dish. Quinoa adds protein and texture, while dried fruits provide natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add nuts and cook until toasted, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and apricots. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Brioche and Leek Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this rich and savory Brioche and Leek Stuffing, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or served as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.1 oz) loaf brioche, cubed
– 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted 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 (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté leeks, onion, and garlic in melted butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add cubed brioche to the skillet and toss until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked mixture with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or use as a casserole topping.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffing
This recipe combines the warm spices of pumpkin with the earthy flavor of sage, creating a deliciously savory stuffing perfect for your holiday meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this tasty side dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, pumpkin, sage, melted butter, chopped onion, and poultry seasoning.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing
Elevate your holiday spread with this bold and flavorful stuffing recipe, combining the warmth of cornbread with the spicy kick of jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread, crumbled
– 2 cups cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 2-3 diced jalapeños (depending on desired heat level)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped cilantro, red bell pepper, and diced jalapeños in melted butter until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, bread cubes, sautéed mixture, and chicken broth. Mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Stuffing
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Stuffing: Elevate your holiday meals with this savory and aromatic stuffing, perfectly balancing sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked bread, Gruyère cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the caramelized onions to the bread mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fig and Prosciutto Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this unique stuffing recipe that combines the natural sweetness of figs with the salty, crispy goodness of prosciutto. This sweet and savory combination is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
– 6 slices prosciutto, diced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 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 parsley, figs, prosciutto, and chicken broth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the toasted bread mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Stuffing
Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Stuffing: Elevate your holiday meal with this savory and aromatic stuffing recipe that combines the richness of roasted garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and fold the foil to create a packet.
3. Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the bread cubes in a little bit of oil until lightly toasted.
5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted garlic, toasted bread, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Cook for an additional 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Apple and Walnut Stuffing
This autumn-inspired stuffing combines the natural sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a delicious side dish or savory centerpiece. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a mouthwatering accompaniment to your favorite roasted meats.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large apples, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the apples and walnuts in butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix bread, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the apple-walnut mixture to the bread mixture; toss until well combined.
5. Stuff into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or use as a topping for roasted meats.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Stuffing
This recipe combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the richness of cheddar cheese to create a savory stuffing perfect for the holidays. It’s easy to make and sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the crumbled bacon and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread, cheese, melted butter, cooked bacon mixture, and poultry seasoning.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rosemary and Olive Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meal with this aromatic and flavorful stuffing, infused with the piney essence of rosemary and the brininess of olives. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a new dimension to their traditional stuffing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup pitted and chopped green olives
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and rosemary; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add bread cubes to the skillet and toss to coat with the rosemary mixture.
4. Stir in chopped olives, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this flavorful stuffing infused with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the brightness of fresh basil. Perfect for accompanying roasted poultry or pork.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped basil, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the mixture is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread, skillet mixture, and chicken broth. Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with these 20 savory stuffing recipes! From classic herb and onion to wild mushroom and thyme, there’s something for everyone. Try sausage and apple for a twist on tradition, or go bold with oyster and bacon. You’ll also find sweet potato and sage, chestnut and rosemary, and quinoa and dried fruit options. And don’t forget the cornbread and chorizo, pumpkin and sage, jalapeño cornbread, and many more! Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something new, these recipes are sure to impress your guests.
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