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Easy Stuffing Recipe

Easy Stuffing Recipe

Name: Easy Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or margarine; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 3 1/3 cups water or Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz. carton); 2 (6-oz.) pkg. chicken-flavored stuffing mix

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By Pillsbury Kitchens

Updated Jun 27, 2024

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Though turkey is the undisputed star of the Thanksgiving table, stuffing is a supporting player that might just steal the show! Especially with the irresistibly savory, quick and easy stuffing recipe. This stuffing recipe has enough bold flavor to stand up to any other dish in your holiday spread and it couldn’t be more simple to make. You’ll have the perfect crisp on the top, soft in the middle stuffing with just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of prep.

So, is it stuffing or is it dressing? Whatever you call this dish, you’ll want to make sure this one is front and center on your holiday table. But what is the difference between stuffing and dressing anyway? Although the terms are used interchangeably, stuffing is cooked in the cavity of a turkey, and dressing is cooked on the side in a separate casserole dish. The ingredients for both dishes are essentially the same, including bread crumbs, veggies, herbs and spices.

This dish is a must-have at any Thanksgiving celebration. The savory blend of herbs pairs perfectly with most other traditional holiday dishes, from turkey, to mashed potatoes, to gravy and veggies.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your holiday feast, check out our collection of crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving recipes that will take your meal over the top.

How to Make Stuffing

This easy stuffing recipe comes together in no time, making your holiday meal prep even easier. It’s a no-fuss way to add an impressive side dish to any fabulous feast. Here’s how it’s done:

Sauté the Veggies

Melting a bit of butter and cooking the celery and onions until they’re tender adds a bit of extra richness to the dish. If you like extra veggies in your stuffing, feel free to experiment with some of your favorites. Mushrooms and garlic make a fantastic addition to this dish. The perfect texture for the veggies is up to you, so sauté as much as needed to get your preferred finish. Just keep in mind they’ll soften a bit more as the stuffing bakes.

Add the Remaining Ingredients

Pour in water or Progresso™ Chicken Broth, as well as seasonings, and bring to a boil. Make sure to remove the mixture from the heat before gently folding in your bread cubes.

Time to Bake

This is where you get to decide! For a traditional stuffing preparation, stuff your turkey with the mixture. Or, if you prefer dressing, place it in a greased casserole dish and bake until heated through.

How to Store Stuffing

If you’re looking to get a head start on your Thanksgiving meal prep, stuffing is the ultimate make ahead MVP. You can whip it up the day before to save time and oven space on the big day. Just prepare the recipe as directed below, then allow the stuffing to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.

Reheating pre-made stuffing is easy. If you prefer to stuff your turkey, just transfer your premade stuffing into the bird. If serving separately, reheat the pre-made dressing in a casserole dish at 350°F, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. You may need to add a bit of extra liquid during the reheating process, but don’t add too much or your stuffing will get mushy. Start with ¼ cup and add more as needed.

If you want to reheat your stuffing in a hurry, you can warm it in the microwave instead. Just transfer your stuffing to a microwave-safe dish, add 1/4 cup broth to prevent it from drying out, and cover with a piece of parchment paper. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring after each minute so the stuffing heats evenly.

Best Occasions to Serve Stuffing

Though stuffing is a traditional fixture at almost any Thanksgiving table, there’s no need to reserve this savory side dish for just once a year. Warm and comforting, stuffing works well with a wide variety of meals—it makes a fabulous companion for almost any protein. Try it alongside beef, pork, chicken, or even fish. When it’s not Thanksgiving, one of our favorite dishes to pair with stuffing is this Sous Vide Chicken Breast—the simple, classic flavor complements the stuffing perfectly. You can also substitute stuffing for mashed potatoes for a bit of added flavor. No matter the time of year, stuffing will add some comforting goodness to nearly any meal.

Other Stuffing Variations We Love

There’s nothing like a classic stuffing. But sometimes you’re just craving a little extra flavor. This ultra-versatile dish has almost endless variations so you can try a slight twist, or go even bolder with one of these tasty varieties.

Try adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage to this easy stuffing recipe for a smoky, meaty flavor. Or for a sweet note, mix in dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apples.

For something totally new at your Thanksgiving table, give this savory Sausage Cornbread Stuffing recipe a whirl. Or try this Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing recipe for just the right touch of tartness. With so many fun variations to try, there’s a stuffing recipe to go with every meal. This side dish might just become the main character at your next celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?

Though they’re often thought of as the same food, stuffing and dressing are actually slightly different. They have the same main ingredients: a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, veggies, herbs and spices. The difference between the two is how they are prepared. Stuffing is cooked inside the cavity of the turkey or other poultry, absorbing the juices from the meat as it cooks. Dressing is cooked on the side in a separate casserole dish. Since it’s baked independently, dressing can have a much more uniform texture and a crispier top layer.

Should I Use Stock or Broth for Stuffing?

The choice between stock and broth in stuffing can subtly influence its flavor and texture. Stock has a fuller, richer flavor that can make the stuffing more moist and decadent. Broth, on the other hand, is a lighter, clearer liquid with a more delicate flavor. Using broth in a stuffing recipe can enhance the dish without overwhelming the other flavors. Both are excellent choices, so it’s really up to your preference which to use. If using stock, you’ll need to add salt to taste.

Can I Add Eggs to My Stuffing?

Adding eggs to homemade stuffing is a trick many use for a firmer texture. Eggs help bind the ingredients together allowing a consistency that is perfect for slicing. Eggs also give stuffing a richer, denser, more custard-like texture. We don’t recommend adding egg if you’ll be cooking your stuffing inside your turkey. But if you’d like to add an egg to this recipe, make sure to cook immediately after placing the mixture in your casserole dish.