20 Classic Stuffing Recipes Worth Passing Down

Southern Dressing (Stuffing)

Air Fryer Dressing in a white casserole dish with a silver serving spoon. — Southern Dressing (Stuffing). Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

This Southern Air Fryer Dressing takes a beloved holiday classic and gives it a modern, flavorful twist. Made with golden cornbread and a blend of savory spices, it’s full of the comforting flavors that make Thanksgiving so special. Cooking it in the air fryer creates a satisfyingly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, moist, and bursting with taste. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save oven space without compromising on tradition or flavor. Whether you’re serving a small family meal or a larger holiday gathering, this dressing is sure to become a new favorite on your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Dressing (Stuffing)

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

This garlic and herb stuffing isn’t just a perfect companion for your roasted turkey—it’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The savory herbs and rich garlic make it a standout side at any holiday meal, and the aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds. Even after the big dinner, it shines in leftover turkey or chicken sandwiches, adding a comforting, flavorful twist to lunch. Soft, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, it’s one of those recipes that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Truly, this stuffing is a must-have for both festive meals and everyday enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing

Sourdough stuffing served in a cast iron skillet, with sage leaves to garnish. — Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing. Photo credit: The Sassy Foodie.

Elevate your holiday table with this irresistible sourdough bacon & pecan stuffing, the perfect side to pair with a golden, juicy turkey. Fresh sourdough bread is mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, then combined with smoky bacon and crunchy, buttery pecans for a deliciously rich flavor and texture. Unlike boxed stuffing, this skillet version feels homemade and festive, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Each bite is comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to fill your home with the scents of the season. Your guests won’t be able to resist going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing

Sage and Bacon Stuffing

Sausage and peppers sandwiches on a white platter. — Sage and Bacon Stuffing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This recipe takes the classic flavors of stuffing—aromatic sage, tender onions, crisp celery, and fresh parsley—and elevates them with the addition of salty, savory bacon. Each bite is packed with a perfect balance of herbaceous warmth and smoky richness that feels like the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of side dish that disappears first at any holiday table, yet somehow always leaves you wanting more. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. The combination of textures and tastes makes this stuffing one you’ll want to make year after year.
Get the Recipe: Sage and Bacon Stuffing

Instant Pot Stuffing

A slice of stuffing slightly pulled away from the rest of the bundt pan stuffing casserole. — Instant Pot Stuffing. Photo credit: The Recipe Well.

If you’re looking to make your holiday stuffing without crowding the oven or the turkey, this Instant Pot Stuffing is a game-changer. Made with simple, everyday ingredients, it captures all the rich, savory flavors that make stuffing a holiday favorite. The best part? It comes together quickly, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a dish that both family and friends will go back for seconds on. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or a cozy gathering, this stuffing is the ultimate side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffing

Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing

This festive stuffing is bursting with flavor, combining tart cranberries and crunchy pecans for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Made in the Crock Pot, it’s wonderfully easy to prepare and frees up your oven for other holiday dishes. Each bite is warm, comforting, and full of classic holiday flavors that everyone will love. It’s an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering where you want to impress without the stress. Cozy, flavorful, and effortless, this stuffing is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing

Italian Sausage Stuffing

This Italian Sausage Stuffing is a comforting, savory dish that brings together the bold, hearty flavors of seasoned Italian sausage with the warm, aromatic notes of classic poultry seasoning. Melted mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, indulgent touch that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re stuffing a turkey, filling colorful bell peppers, or simply serving it as a side dish, it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy family meal, this stuffing delivers rich, comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Its combination of savory, cheesy, and aromatic elements makes it a standout addition to any festive table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Stuffing

Brioche Stuffing

A top down shot of stuffing made with brioche in a glass baking dish surrounded by fresh herbs. — Brioche Stuffing. Photo credit: From Valerie's Kitchen.

This Brioche Stuffing takes traditional comfort food to a whole new level, combining the rich, buttery texture of brioche with the fresh, aromatic flavors of herbs. Each bite is perfectly balanced, offering a sophisticated twist that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes your Thanksgiving table feel special and inviting. Guests will be delighted by the depth of flavors and the light, fluffy texture that sets it apart from ordinary stuffing. Easy to serve yet impressive enough for a holiday feast, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Stuffing

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing is a beloved side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table. It’s made with tender bread cubes seasoned with aromatic herbs, sautéed onions, and crisp celery, all brought together with rich butter and savory broth. Unlike traditional stuffing baked inside the turkey, this version is baked in a casserole, making it perfectly golden and slightly crispy on top. Each bite is bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. It’s the kind of dish that smells like home and disappears fast whenever it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Cauliflower Stuffing with Sausage and Pecans

This cauliflower stuffing is a flavorful, low-carb, and gluten-free twist on the classic holiday side dish. It’s loaded with savory sausage, tender cauliflower, aromatic onions and celery, and a satisfying crunch from toasted pecans. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of texture, making it a perfect addition to any festive meal. Even those who usually love traditional stuffing will be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and hearty this version is. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Stuffing with Sausage and Pecans

Pretzel Ale Stuffing

This Pretzel Ale Stuffing is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic holiday favorite, combining soft, chewy pretzel buns with a splash of pale ale and a hint of tangy mustard. Each bite is packed with rich, savory goodness that feels both comforting and a little adventurous. Inspired by Bavarian flavors, it brings a unique, festive touch to your holiday table that guests won’t soon forget. Perfect alongside roasted meats or as a stand-alone side, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. This dish turns traditional stuffing into something special, making your meal feel extra celebratory.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Ale Stuffing

Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

Discover how to make a foolproof and delicious traditional stuffing that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This easy sourdough stuffing uses simple ingredients, yet it delivers rich, savory notes that everyone will love. Perfectly moist with just the right amount of seasoning, it pairs beautifully with turkey and other Thanksgiving favorites. A classic stuffing is more than just a side—it’s a centerpiece of the holiday meal, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the table. Every bite captures the essence of the season, making it an absolute must-have for your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Butter Herb Stuffing

Cheesy Herb Stuffing

This Cheesy Herb Stuffing takes traditional stuffing to the next level with a savory blend of dill, chives, and fresh parsley, giving every bite a bright, herbaceous flavor. The richness of buttery bread and gooey cheese makes it irresistibly comforting, perfect for cozy holiday dinners. It’s the kind of side dish that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and instantly feels like home. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey, ham, or a vegetarian main, this stuffing adds a flavorful, cheesy touch that everyone will love. It’s a simple way to make your holiday table feel extra special and festive.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Herb Stuffing

White Castle Holiday Stuffing

Holiday Stuffing made with White Castle Hamburgers. — White Castle Holiday Stuffing. Photo credit: Carne Diem.

This Thanksgiving stuffing takes a fun and delicious twist on a classic holiday favorite by using juicy hamburger sliders as the star ingredient. It’s packed with flavor, combining savory seasonings and tender bread to create a comforting, hearty side dish that everyone will love. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday kitchens. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey or as a centerpiece on its own, this White Castle-inspired stuffing is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. It’s a creative, crowd-pleasing dish that brings both nostalgia and a fresh spin to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: White Castle Holiday Stuffing

Sourdough Stuffing with Venison Sausage

Plate with venison and sourdough stuffing. — Sourdough Stuffing with Venison Sausage. Photo credit: Peak To Plate.

This rustic sourdough stuffing is the ultimate comfort side dish, packed with rich, homemade flavors that make any holiday meal feel extra special. Cubes of freshly baked sourdough and savory venison sausage are gently soaked in a buttery, homemade stock mixture, allowing each bite to be perfectly moist and flavorful. Aromatic herbs and crisp, garden-fresh vegetables add layers of texture and fragrance that fill the kitchen with warmth. It’s the kind of dish that evokes cozy family gatherings, where everyone reaches for seconds. Whether paired with turkey, roast, or simply enjoyed on its own, this stuffing brings a heartfelt, homemade touch to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing with Venison Sausage

Wild Rice Stuffing

A bowl filled with wild rice, cranberries and pecans. — Wild Rice Stuffing. Photo credit: Beyond The Chicken Coop.

Savor the comforting flavors of this Wild Rice Stuffing, a hearty and gluten-free twist on the classic holiday favorite. It’s perfect for stuffing a turkey, chicken, or even oven-roasted Cornish hens, adding both flavor and texture to your meal. The dish features a nutty wild rice blend paired with earthy mushrooms, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, creating a delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. Each bite is full of warmth and texture, making it a standout side that guests will keep coming back for. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Stuffing

Smoked Stuffing

Stuffing close up showing ingredients. — Smoked Stuffing. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Take your holiday table to the next level with our Smoked Stuffing recipe! Packed with the deep, savory flavors of tangy sourdough bread and a fragrant mix of fresh herbs, each bite offers a comforting, smoky twist on a classic favorite. It’s the kind of side dish that makes the whole house smell like the holidays and instantly draws everyone to the kitchen. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this stuffing is hearty enough to satisfy any crowd while still feeling special. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a seasonal staple you reach for year after year.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Stuffing

Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing

This chorizo cornbread stuffing is packed with bold, savory flavors and just the right amount of spice to make it unforgettable. The crumbly, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with the smoky, zesty chorizo, creating a hearty dish that’s full of character. It’s the kind of side that steals the show at any holiday meal, adding warmth and depth to your table. Easy to make but impossible to resist, it’s a festive favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables, this stuffing brings a little extra excitement to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing

Bacon, Sage and Onion Stuffing

This homemade sage and onion stuffing with crispy bacon is packed with savory, comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The aromatic sage and sweet onions perfectly complement the smoky richness of the bacon, creating a side dish that feels both hearty and indulgent. It’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday spread, adding warmth and nostalgia to your meal. With its golden, slightly crispy top and soft, flavorful interior, this stuffing is sure to be a favorite at the table. Once you serve it, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite!
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Sage and Onion Stuffing

Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

This chestnut stuffing is a cozy, flavorful dish that brings the best of winter to your holiday table. Toasted cubes of homemade cornbread form a golden, buttery base, while savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant fennel add rich depth. Sweet cranberries and tender chestnuts provide bursts of flavor and texture, perfectly balanced by fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. Each bite is comforting, festive, and packed with the classic tastes of the season. It’s a side dish that’s sure to become a favorite at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing