Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t complete without a big dish of warm, savory stuffing. Whether you love classic bread stuffing, sausage stuffing, cornbread stuffing, apple and sage stuffing, mushroom stuffing, or creative holiday variations, there’s a recipe here for every Thanksgiving table.

These 31 Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes include traditional favorites, easy casseroles, vegetarian options, and creative combinations packed with herbs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and plenty of comforting flavor.

1. Classic Thanksgiving Bread Stuffing 🍞🌿

This traditional bread stuffing is exactly what you want alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Crispy golden edges surround a soft, flavorful center.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spread bread cubes over a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 10–15 minutes until slightly dry and golden.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet.
5. Add onion and celery and cook until soft.
6. Stir in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Place toasted bread in a large bowl.
8. Add the sautéed vegetables.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Pour the liquid over the bread gradually, tossing gently.
11. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
13. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden.

Tip: Day-old bread absorbs the broth better than fresh bread.

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2. Classic Sausage Stuffing 🥓

Savory sausage adds richness and makes this stuffing hearty enough that everyone will want a second helping.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed French bread
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet.
3. Break it into small pieces while cooking.
4. Transfer the sausage to a bowl.
5. Add butter to the skillet.
6. Cook onion and celery until tender.
7. Add sage, thyme, and rosemary.
8. Combine bread, sausage, and vegetables.
9. Add broth gradually.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Transfer to a casserole dish.
12. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
13. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes.

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3. Cornbread Stuffing 🌽

Slightly sweet cornbread makes an incredible base for Thanksgiving stuffing.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed cornbread
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2 cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cut cornbread into cubes.
2. Let it dry overnight or toast lightly.
3. Melt butter in a skillet.
4. Cook onion and celery.
5. Add sage and thyme.
6. Combine vegetables with cornbread.
7. Whisk eggs and broth together.
8. Pour over the cornbread.
9. Toss gently.
10. Transfer to a baking dish.
11. Bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

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4. Apple Sage Stuffing 🍎

Sweet apples balance savory herbs beautifully in this cozy Thanksgiving stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add diced apples.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine with bread cubes.
8. Add cranberries.
9. Pour broth over everything.
10. Toss gently.
11. Transfer to a baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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5. Mushroom Herb Stuffing 🍄

Earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs make this vegetarian stuffing especially flavorful.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 12 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves
• 5 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Sauté onion and celery.
3. Add sliced mushrooms.
4. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated.
5. Add garlic and herbs.
6. Combine vegetables with bread.
7. Gradually add broth.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Place in a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
11. Broil briefly for extra-crispy edges if desired.

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6. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing 🍒🥜

Cranberries and pecans give traditional stuffing a festive sweet-and-nutty twist.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Cook onion and celery in butter.
3. Stir in sage and thyme.
4. Combine bread, vegetables, cranberries, and pecans.
5. Add broth gradually.
6. Toss until evenly moistened.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Bake covered at 375°F for 20 minutes.
9. Remove foil.
10. Bake another 15–20 minutes until golden.

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7. Garlic Parmesan Stuffing 🧄🧀

Garlic and Parmesan turn basic stuffing into a rich, savory side dish.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 5 tbsp butter
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Melt butter.
3. Cook onion until soft.
4. Add minced garlic.
5. Cook for 30 seconds.
6. Add thyme.
7. Combine with bread.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Add Parmesan and parsley.
10. Toss gently.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
12. Finish with extra Parmesan.

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8. Bacon and Herb Stuffing 🥓🌿

Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunchy bits throughout this classic stuffing.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Remove and crumble.
3. Reserve some bacon fat.
4. Cook onion and celery in the skillet.
5. Add herbs.
6. Combine toasted bread and vegetables.
7. Add bacon.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Mix gently.
10. Transfer to a baking dish.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
12. Sprinkle additional bacon on top before serving.

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9. Caramelized Onion Stuffing 🧅

Slow-cooked onions provide deep sweetness and rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 3 large onions
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• ½ cup Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slice onions thinly.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Cook onions over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until deeply golden.
5. Toast bread cubes.
6. Combine bread and onions.
7. Add herbs and Parmesan.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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10. Sausage Apple Stuffing 🍎🥩

Sausage and apples are a classic Thanksgiving combination.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.
2. Remove from the skillet.
3. Cook onion and celery in butter.
4. Add diced apples.
5. Cook for several minutes.
6. Combine with bread.
7. Add sausage.
8. Add sage and thyme.
9. Pour in broth.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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11. Wild Rice Stuffing 🌾

Wild rice adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked wild rice
• 5 cups bread cubes
• 1 onion
• 2 celery stalks
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook wild rice according to package directions.
2. Toast bread cubes.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage.
5. Combine bread and rice.
6. Add cranberries and pecans.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

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12. Cornbread Sausage Stuffing 🌽🥩

This Southern-inspired stuffing combines tender cornbread with savory sausage and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed cornbread
• 1 lb sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the cornbread cubes.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add herbs.
5. Combine cornbread, sausage, and vegetables.
6. Whisk eggs with broth.
7. Pour over the mixture.
8. Toss gently.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake covered for 20 minutes.
11. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes at 375°F.

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13. Chestnut Herb Stuffing 🌰

Chestnuts bring a rich, slightly sweet flavor that makes this stuffing feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Sauté onion and celery.
3. Add herbs.
4. Stir in chestnuts.
5. Combine with bread.
6. Add broth gradually.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Cover with foil.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil.
11. Bake another 15 minutes until golden.

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14. Sausage Mushroom Stuffing 🍄

The combination of browned sausage and mushrooms creates a rich, savory stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 8 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown sausage.
2. Remove it from the pan.
3. Cook onion and celery.
4. Add mushrooms.
5. Cook until browned.
6. Add herbs.
7. Combine everything with bread.
8. Add broth.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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15. Cranberry Apple Stuffing 🍎🍒

This colorful stuffing combines tart cranberries with sweet apples and savory herbs.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 apples
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast bread.
2. Sauté onion and celery.
3. Add apples.
4. Cook briefly.
5. Stir in sage and thyme.
6. Combine with bread.
7. Add cranberries.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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16. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Stuffing 🌶️🧀

For a Thanksgiving stuffing with a little heat, add jalapeños and sharp cheddar to cornbread.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cornbread cubes
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 onion
• 2 cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the cornbread.
2. Melt butter.
3. Cook onion and jalapeño.
4. Add sage.
5. Combine with cornbread.
6. Add cheddar.
7. Whisk eggs with broth.
8. Pour over the stuffing.
9. Mix gently.
10. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

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17. Parmesan Herb Stuffing 🌿🧀

A generous amount of fresh herbs and Parmesan gives this stuffing a sophisticated flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Cook onion and celery in butter.
3. Add herbs.
4. Combine with bread.
5. Add Parmesan.
6. Gradually add broth.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Uncover.
10. Bake for another 15–20 minutes.

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18. Pear and Walnut Stuffing 🍐🌰

Sweet pears and crunchy walnuts make this stuffing especially beautiful for fall.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 pears
• ¾ cup walnuts
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Sauté onion and celery.
3. Add diced pears.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add sage and thyme.
6. Combine with bread.
7. Add walnuts.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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19. Spinach Artichoke Stuffing 🥬

Creamy spinach and artichoke flavors transform traditional stuffing into a fun holiday variation.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 onion
• 2 cups broth
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onion in butter.
2. Add spinach and artichokes.
3. Cook until spinach wilts.
4. Stir in cream cheese.
5. Combine with bread.
6. Add Parmesan.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Mix gently.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

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20. French Onion Stuffing 🧅

Inspired by French onion soup, this stuffing is packed with caramelized onions and cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 3 large onions
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slowly caramelize sliced onions in butter.
2. Continue cooking until deeply golden.
3. Add thyme.
4. Toast bread cubes.
5. Combine bread and onions.
6. Add broth gradually.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with Gruyère.
9. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
10. Broil briefly for a golden cheese topping.

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21. Butternut Squash Stuffing 🎃

Roasted butternut squash gives this stuffing beautiful color and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 3 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ cup pecans

Instructions

1. Roast squash at 400°F until tender.
2. Toast bread cubes.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Combine all ingredients.
6. Add pecans.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.

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22. Rosemary Garlic Stuffing 🧄🌿

If you love aromatic herbs, this simple stuffing delivers plenty of savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread.
2. Melt butter.
3. Cook onion.
4. Add garlic and rosemary.
5. Stir for 1 minute.
6. Combine with bread.
7. Add thyme and parsley.
8. Pour in broth.
9. Season well.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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23. Pecan Maple Stuffing 🍁🥜

Maple syrup and pecans add a subtle sweet flavor without turning this into a dessert.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• ¾ cup pecans
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Toast pecans separately.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Combine bread, vegetables, and pecans.
6. Add maple syrup.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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24. Mediterranean Stuffing 🫒🌿

Olives, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta give traditional Thanksgiving stuffing a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup olives
• ½ cup feta
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Toast bread.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Stir in oregano and thyme.
5. Combine with bread.
6. Add olives and feta.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Toss gently.
9. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
10. Garnish with parsley.

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25. Sweet Potato and Sage Stuffing 🍠

Creamy roasted sweet potatoes add color, sweetness, and a wonderful fall flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Roast diced sweet potatoes until tender.
2. Toast bread cubes.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add sage.
5. Combine all ingredients.
6. Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
7. Pour in broth.
8. Transfer to a casserole.
9. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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26. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Stuffing 🥬🥓

Crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts make this stuffing hearty and full of texture.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 onion
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Crumble and set aside.
3. Cook onion in the bacon drippings.
4. Add Brussels sprouts.
5. Cook until lightly browned.
6. Toast bread.
7. Combine bread, vegetables, and bacon.
8. Add thyme.
9. Pour in broth.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

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27. Wild Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing 🍄🌰

Mushrooms and chestnuts create an especially rich vegetarian stuffing for an elegant Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 12 oz mixed mushrooms
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Sauté onion and celery.
3. Add mushrooms.
4. Cook until browned.
5. Add chopped chestnuts.
6. Stir in herbs.
7. Combine with bread.
8. Add broth.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

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28. Pizza-Style Mozzarella Stuffing 🍅🧀

This fun variation combines Italian-inspired ingredients with classic stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup mozzarella
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cups broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Sauté onion and garlic.
3. Add diced tomatoes.
4. Combine with bread.
5. Add Italian seasoning.
6. Pour in broth.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
10. Serve warm.

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29. Holiday Herb Stuffing 🌿

A simple herb-forward stuffing lets the flavors of sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley shine.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
3. Add herbs.
4. Combine with bread.
5. Add broth gradually.
6. Add parsley.
7. Season well.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

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30. Cranberry Walnut Sourdough Stuffing 🍒🌰

Tangy sourdough provides a delicious base for cranberries and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

• 10 cups sourdough bread cubes
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup walnuts
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Cube and dry the sourdough.
2. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
3. Add sage and thyme.
4. Combine with bread.
5. Add cranberries and walnuts.
6. Pour in broth.
7. Toss gently.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
10. Serve warm.

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31. Ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing 🦃🍞🌿

If you want one stuffing recipe that brings together the best Thanksgiving flavors, this loaded version combines bread, sausage, apples, cranberries, pecans, celery, onion, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

For the stuffing:

• 10 cups cubed French or sourdough bread
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 apples, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the bread: Spread bread cubes on baking sheets and let them sit overnight, or toast them at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
2. Cook the sausage: Brown the sausage in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer it to a bowl.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add butter to the skillet. Sauté onion and celery until tender.
4. Add apples: Stir in diced apples and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add herbs: Mix in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Combine ingredients: Place bread in a very large mixing bowl.
7. Add sausage, vegetables, apples, cranberries, and pecans.
8. Prepare the liquid: Whisk eggs with 2½ cups broth.
9. Slowly pour the liquid over the bread mixture while tossing.
10. Add more broth if the stuffing seems too dry.
11. Season with salt and pepper.
12. Transfer everything to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
13. Cover tightly with foil.
14. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
15. Remove the foil.
16. Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
17. Let the stuffing rest for 5–10 minutes.
18. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Why everyone asks for it: You get savory sausage, sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, aromatic herbs, and crispy golden bread in every serving.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Thanksgiving Stuffing

Stuffing is incredibly versatile and pairs with almost every traditional Thanksgiving dish.

Main Dishes

• Roast turkey
• Turkey breast
• Roast chicken
• Honey-glazed ham
• Roast beef
• Prime rib
• Vegetarian Wellington

Thanksgiving Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glazed carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Creamed spinach
• Dinner rolls

Sauces

• Turkey gravy
• Mushroom gravy
• Giblet gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Herb gravy
• Onion gravy

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🥄 How to Make the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing

1. Use slightly stale bread

Fresh bread can become mushy because it absorbs liquid too quickly. Day-old or dried bread generally gives stuffing a better texture.

2. Don’t add all the broth at once

Start with less liquid and add more as needed. Different breads absorb different amounts of broth.

3. Season in layers

Season the vegetables, sausage, broth, and bread mixture rather than relying on salt at the end.

4. Don’t overmix

Toss gently so the bread maintains some structure.

5. Create crispy edges

Bake uncovered for the final portion of cooking time to develop golden, crunchy edges.

6. Add fresh herbs at the end

Fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, or thyme can brighten the finished stuffing.

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🗓️ Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Stuffing

Stuffing is one of the easiest Thanksgiving dishes to prepare ahead.

The day before:

1. Cube and dry the bread.
2. Chop onions and celery.
3. Cook sausage if using.
4. Prepare vegetables and herbs.
5. Assemble the stuffing.
6. Cover and refrigerate.

On Thanksgiving:

• Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
• Check that the stuffing is evenly moistened.
• Bake covered first.
• Remove the foil toward the end so the top becomes crisp and golden.

For food safety, keep perishable ingredients properly refrigerated and avoid leaving prepared stuffing at room temperature for extended periods.

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❓ Thanksgiving Stuffing FAQs

What is the most popular type of Thanksgiving stuffing?

Traditional herb-seasoned bread stuffing is one of the classic choices, while sausage, cornbread, apple-sage, and mushroom versions are also popular variations.

Can I make stuffing without eggs?

Yes. Eggs can help bind stuffing, but they aren’t essential. You can make stuffing with broth and butter or another suitable binder.

What bread is best for stuffing?

French bread, sourdough, Italian bread, white sandwich bread, cornbread, and rustic artisan loaves can all work well.

Is stuffing better with broth or stock?

Either works. Chicken broth gives a classic flavor, while vegetable broth is useful for vegetarian stuffing.

How do I keep stuffing from becoming soggy?

Use dried bread, add broth gradually, and avoid oversaturating the mixture.

Can Thanksgiving stuffing be vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and replace sausage or bacon with mushrooms, chestnuts, lentils, nuts, or additional vegetables.

Can I freeze stuffing?

Yes. Fully cooked stuffing can generally be frozen in an airtight container and reheated thoroughly. Texture may be slightly softer after freezing.

Can stuffing be made outside the turkey?

Yes. Baking stuffing separately in a casserole dish is a convenient way to control the texture and browning.

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🍂 Final Thoughts

These 31 Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes Everyone Will Ask For give you everything from traditional herb stuffing to creative combinations featuring sausage, apples, cranberries, pecans, mushrooms, chestnuts, wild rice, butternut squash, bacon, and cornbread.

For a classic Thanksgiving table, start with Classic Bread Stuffing, Sausage Stuffing, or Cornbread Stuffing. For something more memorable, try Apple Sage Stuffing, Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, Wild Mushroom and Chestnut Stuffing, or the Ultimate Thanksgiving Stuffing.

Serve your favorite stuffing alongside turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables for a comforting Thanksgiving feast.