20 Easy Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving in 2025

Stuffing is more than just a side dish. It’s the heart of the holiday table, cozy family dinners, and fall gatherings. Whether you call it stuffing, dressing, or bread pudding, this dish always brings warmth and nostalgia.

But here’s the exciting part, stuffing doesn’t have to be boring! From savory herbs to bold flavors like bacon, cranberries, or even fajita spice blends, you can transform basic bread cubes into a star dish.

This list of 20 stuffing recipes will inspire you to try new twists and keep your guests talking long after dinner ends.

So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s dive into some of the most mouthwatering stuffing ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall feast.

1. Classic Herb Stuffing

Something is comforting about classic herb stuffing. It’s the dish that ties the entire holiday spread together, filling the kitchen with the smell of butter and sage.

The base is simple: cubes of day-old bread toasted until slightly crisp, onions sautéed until sweet, and celery for crunch.

What makes it shine are the herbs sage, thyme, and rosemary, each adding its own layer of flavor.

To make this dish perfect:

• Use sturdy bread, such as sourdough or a French loaf.
• Toast the bread lightly so it holds up to the broth.
• Add plenty of fresh herbs instead of dried for a fresher flavor.

Pair this stuffing with roast turkey, chicken, or even pork chops. The texture is golden on top and soft inside, making every bite warm and satisfying. This recipe is the ideal starting point for anyone new to stuffing.

2. Homemade Stuffing from Scratch

Making stuffing from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a rewarding and delicious experience. Start by baking your own bread; white, wheat, or even cornbread works. Once cooled, cube it into bite-sized pieces.

Toast these cubes until golden. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and celery in butter to create an aromatic base. Add broth, whisked eggs, and your choice of herbs to bind the ingredients together.

Steps at a glance:

1. Bake the bread a day in advance and cut it into cubes.
2. Toast cubes to create texture.
3. Cook onions, garlic, and celery in butter.
4. Mix everything with broth and eggs.
5. Bake until golden and crisp.

The result? A hearty, rustic stuffing that tastes fresher than any boxed mix. You control the salt, texture, and herbs, which means every bite feels personal and unique. Guests always notice the difference when stuffing is made entirely from scratch.

3. Savory Bread Pudding Stuffing

Savory bread pudding stuffing is rich, custardy, and oh-so satisfying. Unlike traditional stuffing, this recipe uses eggs and cream to bind the bread into a pudding-like texture. It feels luxurious, almost like a main dish on its own.

The result is a golden-brown dish with crispy edges and a creamy middle. Each bite delivers savory comfort, making it perfect for special gatherings.

It pairs well with roasted turkey, but honestly, it can hold its own at the table.

If you want stuffing that feels gourmet yet remains approachable, this variation is a must-try.

4. Cranberry and Herb Stuffing

Cranberries add a burst of tartness that makes stuffing unforgettable. Imagine buttery bread cubes, soft on the inside and crisp on top, mixed with onions, celery, and fresh herbs. Then add pops of sweetness from dried cranberries. The result is a dish that looks festive and tastes balanced.

• Why cranberries work: They cut through richness with bright flavor.
• The best bread choices are sourdough or white sandwich bread.
• Extra touch: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.

This stuffing doesn’t just taste good, it looks stunning. The jewel-toned cranberries add a pop of red that feels perfect for the holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Serve alongside roasted poultry, or make it the centerpiece of a vegetarian holiday spread. It’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

5. Bacon Lover’s Stuffing

Bacon transforms stuffing into something indulgent. The crispy, smoky bits add crunch and flavor in every bite. To build this dish, start by cooking the thick-cut bacon until it is crisp.

Remove the bacon, then sauté onions and celery in the bacon fat for extra depth. Add toasted bread cubes, herbs, and broth, then fold the bacon back in. Bake until golden.

Quick highlights:

• Crispy bacon = smoky richness.
• Bacon fat = flavor boost for veggies.
• Bread soaks up savory drippings.
• Golden crust = irresistible texture.

The finished stuffing is salty, savory, and packed with flavor. It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even roasted pork. If you love bacon, this recipe will be your new favorite. Guests won’t stop asking for the recipe, it’s that good.

6. Gluten-Free Stuffing

Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. This recipe proves that stuffing can still be hearty and satisfying without wheat bread.

The base can be made from gluten-free bread cubes, wild rice, or even quinoa. The key is to keep the flavors bold so no one misses the traditional version.

Tips for success:

• Use day-old gluten-free bread for the best texture.
• Add plenty of vegetables, such as onions, celery, and mushrooms.
• Choose a rich broth (chicken or vegetable) to keep it moist.
• Finish with fresh herbs for aroma and freshness.

The result is a stuffing that’s light but still rich in flavor. It’s perfect for guests with dietary needs, yet it blends seamlessly with the rest of your holiday feast. Everyone at the table will want a scoop.

7. Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Traditional stuffing is like a warm hug from your childhood. It’s simple, humble, and the perfect side to a juicy turkey.

The classic recipe begins with bread cubes, onions, celery, and an abundance of butter. Add poultry seasoning, broth, and maybe even a drizzle of turkey drippings for extra flavor.

Why it never fails:

1. Familiar flavors bring comfort and nostalgia.
2. Simple ingredients are always readily available.
3. The texture, crispy on top, soft underneath, hits the spot every time.

This is the recipe you bring out when you want tradition on your table. Pair it with gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted turkey, and you’ve got the whole Thanksgiving experience.

8. Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Sometimes, life calls for shortcuts. This easy homemade stuffing is perfect when you want that from-scratch taste without the extra hours in the kitchen.

Instead of baking bread, grab a bag of pre-cubed stuffing mix. Then elevate it with fresh herbs, onions, and broth.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have homemade stuffing that pairs beautifully with any holiday spread. It’s proof that quick doesn’t mean boring.

9. Turkey Stuffing with Sausage

When sausage enters the scene, stuffing becomes a meal in itself. The sausage brings spice, fat, and richness that bread alone can’t match.

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet. Add onions, celery, and garlic, then fold in bread cubes and broth.

Single-line highlights:

• Sausage = rich and hearty flavor.
• Broth = moisture that keeps it tender.
• Herbs = balance and freshness.
• Golden crust = the irresistible finish.

This stuffing is a hit at Thanksgiving, but it also works year-round with roasted chicken or pork. It’s filling, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

10. Mushroom and Herb Stuffing

Mushrooms bring earthy depth that makes stuffing taste elevated and rich. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors.

Start by sautéing mushrooms, garlic, onions, and butter until they are caramelized. Add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, then combine with bread cubes and broth.

Best flavor pairings:

• Button mushrooms for a classic taste.
• Cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
• Parmesan or Gruyère for richness.

The mushrooms create a meaty, umami-rich dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. This stuffing pairs beautifully with turkey, beef, or even as a vegetarian main dish.

11. Whole Grain Bread Stuffing

Whole-grain bread stuffing is hearty, nutty, and full of flavor. Using bread with seeds or whole wheat flour adds texture and depth. This is a healthier twist on classic stuffing that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Why it’s a win:

• Whole-grain bread holds up well to broth and doesn’t get soggy.
• The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with dried fruit like cranberries or apricots.
• Adding toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, enhances the crunch.

This stuffing is perfect for those who want a wholesome dish that still feels indulgent. It balances well with roasted turkey or pork and is a great way to add fiber to your holiday spread.

12. Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing brings a touch of Southern comfort to the holiday table. The slightly sweet cornbread cubes absorb flavors differently than white bread, creating a crumbly, soft texture that feels cozy.

You can keep it simple with herbs and broth or dress it up with extras like sausage, peppers, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Perfect pairings include:

• Sweet Italian sausage for richness.
• Bell peppers for color and flavor.
• Jalapeños for heat.

Cornbread stuffing is versatile, hearty, and a crowd-pleaser. It works beautifully as a side dish but can also be the star of the plate when loaded with bold ingredients.

13. Classic Turkey Stuffing with Giblets

This recipe is as old-fashioned as Thanksgiving itself. Giblets (the heart, liver, and gizzard) are simmered in broth to create an intensely flavorful liquid.

That broth is then poured over bread cubes mixed with onions, celery, and herbs. The chopped giblets are added directly to the stuffing, lending it richness and authenticity.

This stuffing tastes bold and traditional, the kind many families pass down through generations. If you want to capture the true essence of Thanksgiving, this is the one to try.

14. Easy Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Sausage and apples may seem like an unusual pairing, but together they create magic. The savory richness of sausage balances the sweetness of apples, while herbs like thyme and sage tie everything together.

Quick highlights:

• Sausage gives a savory, meaty base.
• Apples add a juicy, sweet contrast.
• Bread cubes soak up both flavors.
• Broth binds everything for the perfect texture.

The result is juicy, flavorful, and festive stuffing that smells like autumn in the oven. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a balance of sweet and savory on their holiday table.

15. Savory Herb and Mushroom Stuffing

Savory herb and mushroom stuffing doubles down on flavor. The mushrooms add earthiness, while herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley give freshness. It’s a rustic, woodsy dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

This variation works beautifully with cheese for extra richness. Gruyère or Parmesan melted into the bread cubes turns it into a decadent side dish.

Why you’ll love it:

• Mushrooms add a hearty, meaty texture.
• Fresh herbs keep it fragrant.
• Cheese makes it indulgent.

This stuffing is a show-stopper at dinner parties, adding elegance to the table while staying true to comforting holiday traditions.

16. Stuffing with Cranberries and Pecans

This stuffing is all about texture and balance. Imagine soft bread cubes mingling with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans.

The cranberries brighten the dish with a pop of color and tang, while the pecans add a buttery crunch. Together, they create a dish that feels festive and luxurious.

• Cranberries: Sweet and tart flavor with jewel-like color.
• Pecans: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness.
• Herbs: Sage and thyme tie it all together.
• Bread base: White or sourdough for structure.

This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you want something that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the perfect mix of soft, crunchy, savory, and sweet in one bite.

17. Fajita-Inspired Stuffing

If you love bold, Tex-Mex flavors, this stuffing will make your holiday table unforgettable.

Start with bread cubes, but instead of classic herbs, season them with fajita spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Add sautéed peppers, onions, and even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

This stuffing feels vibrant, spicy, and modern. It pairs well with roasted chicken, turkey, or even as a fun side for tacos on a holiday twist night.

18. Leftover Bread Stuffing

Sometimes the best dishes come from using what you already have. Leftover bread stuffing is a budget-friendly option that reduces waste while still tasting amazing.

Gather stale bread, such as baguettes, sandwich bread, and rolls, and cube them. Toast lightly, then mix with onions, celery, broth, and herbs.

Single-line takeaways:

• Great for using bread scraps.
• Easy to customize with veggies or meat.
• Always budget-friendly.
• No two batches ever taste the same.

This is the stuffing you can whip up on a whim, whether it’s a holiday or just a cozy dinner at home. It’s simple, flexible, and always comforting.

19. Easy Holiday Stuffing with Sausage

This recipe is made for busy hosts who still want a dish that feels special. Sausage is browned first, releasing flavor that infuses the onions, celery, and garlic.

Add bread cubes, broth, and herbs, and bake until golden. In less than 45 minutes, you’ve got stuffing that tastes like it took all day.

What makes it great:

• Quick cooking but big on flavor.
• Sausage adds richness and heartiness.
• Works with turkey, chicken, or pork.

It’s a dish that feels festive without stress. Perfect for weeknight holiday parties or when you need a side that wows without taking hours.

20. Foolproof Make-Ahead Stuffing

The holidays can get chaotic, and that’s why make-ahead stuffing is a lifesaver. Prepare the dish one day in advance, bake it once, and then refrigerate. On the big day, reheat in the oven until it’s golden and fragrant.

The beauty of this recipe is its convenience. You don’t sacrifice flavor; in fact, it gets better. Guests will never know you prepped it ahead of time, and you’ll have one less dish to worry about on Thanksgiving morning.

Conclusion: Stuffing That Brings Everyone Together

Stuffing is more than a side dish; it’s tradition, comfort, and creativity all in one plate. From classic herb stuffing to bold fajita flavors, there’s a recipe here for every taste.

Next time you plan your holiday dinner, pick one of these 20 stuffing recipes and watch how quickly it disappears from the table.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.