21 Easy & Delicious Stuffing Recipes Recipe to Try

let’s be honest: stuffing gets a bad rap sometimes. People think it’s just a boring sidekick for your turkey, mashed potatoes, or holiday meal. But here’s the secret stuffing is basically the unsung hero of any feast. Packed with herbs, spices, veggies, and sometimes a cheeky bit of cheese or sausage, it can steal the spotlight if you do it right.

I’ve spent countless holidays (and random weeknight dinners, don’t judge me) testing stuffing recipes, tweaking seasonings, and, yes, occasionally eating the entire pan straight from the oven. Trust me, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. So, buckle up. We’re about to go through 21 stuffing recipes that are as easy to make as they are irresistible to eat.

1. Classic Bread Stuffing

You can’t start a stuffing list without the OG: classic bread stuffing. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect if you’re a traditionalist.

Ingredients:

• 10 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onions and celery in butter until softened.
3. Toss bread cubes, herbs, and sautéed veggies in a large bowl.
4. Slowly add broth until the bread is moist but not soggy.
5. Bake in a greased dish for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Don’t over-moisturize your bread nobody likes soggy stuffing.

2. Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Sweet meets savory, and honestly, it’s a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage (mild or spicy, your call)
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 10 cups cubed bread
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage in a pan until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and apples in butter until soft.
3. Mix bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and herbs in a large bowl.
4. Slowly stir in chicken broth.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes until lightly browned.

FYI: The apples give a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage perfectly.

3. Cornbread Stuffing

If you want Southern comfort vibes, cornbread stuffing is your jam.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
3. Toss cornbread, sautéed veggies, and herbs together.
4. Add broth gradually until bread is moistened.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden.

Quick tip: Crumble your cornbread fresh for a fluffier stuffing.

4. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Add a touch of sweetness and crunch trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
3. Mix bread cubes, cranberries, pecans, sautéed veggies, and thyme.
4. Pour in broth gradually.
5. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Toasting the pecans brings out the flavor exponentially don’t skip it!

5. Mushroom and Herb Stuffing

Earthy, savory, and oh-so-decadent. This is my personal favorite for veggie lovers.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft.
2. Toss with bread cubes and herbs.
3. Slowly add broth until bread is evenly moistened.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Fun fact: The mushrooms release moisture while baking, keeping the stuffing perfectly soft.

6. Wild Rice Stuffing

Want a nutty, hearty twist on classic stuffing? Wild rice is your answer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
2. Mix cooked rice, cranberries, walnuts, sautéed veggies, and thyme.
3. Gradually add broth until everything is slightly moist.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

IMO: This is perfect for when you want something less bready but still comforting.

7. Italian Sausage and Parmesan Stuffing

If you’re craving a stuffing with some Italian flair, this one’s for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked
• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage until browned; set aside.
2. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter.
3. Mix bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
4. Slowly pour in broth and mix.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Trust me: The Parmesan melts into the bread, creating a cheesy, savory heaven.

8. Bacon and Cheddar Stuffing

Because bacon makes everything better. End of story.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.
2. Sauté onions and celery in butter.
3. Mix bread cubes, bacon, sautéed veggies, and cheddar.
4. Slowly add broth.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

FYI: This one’s a total crowd-pleaser. Be prepared to share or fight for the last bite 😏.

9. Corn and Chorizo Stuffing

A spicy, sweet, and slightly smoky combo that makes your stuffing stand out.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb chorizo, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 8 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Cook chorizo and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and corn in butter.
3. Mix bread, chorizo, veggies, and paprika.
4. Add broth gradually.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Pro tip: Smoked paprika gives a subtle depth that makes this stuffing unexpectedly amazing.

10. Spinach and Feta Stuffing

If you’re going for a Mediterranean twist, spinach and feta never disappoints.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and spinach in butter.
2. Mix bread cubes, sautéed veggies, and feta.
3. Gradually add broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

IMO: It’s light, tangy, and perfect for balancing heavier mains.

11. Wild Mushroom and Thyme Stuffing

Similar to mushroom stuffing but with a more earthy, gourmet vibe.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and celery in butter.
2. Mix with bread cubes and thyme.
3. Slowly pour in broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Pro tip: Use fresh thyme for that gourmet punch.

Perfect! Let’s keep the stuffing train rolling 😎. Here’s the continuation with stuffing recipes 12–21, all in the same conversational, playful, and foodie-friendly style.

12. Pumpkin Sage Stuffing

Yes, pumpkin isn’t just for pies. It gives your stuffing a silky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not the pie filling, FYI)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
2. Stir in pumpkin, sage, and thyme; cook 2–3 minutes.
3. Toss with bread cubes and gradually add broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Tip: This one’s creamy without being overwhelming seriously, try not to eat it straight from the pan.

13. Cranberry Orange Stuffing

Bright, zesty, and festive perfect for holiday vibes.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
2. Toss in bread, cranberries, and orange zest.
3. Add broth gradually, stir to combine.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden.

Fun fact: The orange zest adds a fresh pop that cuts through the richness of the meal.

14. Pecan and Maple Stuffing

Sweet, nutty, and slightly indulgent, because why not?

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
2. Mix in bread cubes, toasted pecans, and sage.
3. Drizzle maple syrup and stir in broth gradually.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Toast the pecans first you’ll thank me when that nutty aroma hits your kitchen.

15. Leek and Gruyere Stuffing

For something fancy but not pretentious, this hits the spot.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté leeks in butter until soft.
2. Toss with bread cubes, thyme, and Gruyere.
3. Add broth gradually and mix.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.

IMO: Gruyere gives it a slightly nutty, creamy bite that elevates any meal.

16. Apple, Walnut, and Sage Stuffing

A crunchy-sweet version of a classic herb stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
2. Add apples and cook 2–3 minutes.
3. Toss with bread cubes, walnuts, and sage.
4. Slowly add broth and mix.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Use crisp-tart apples like Granny Smith they don’t get mushy and balance the savory flavor perfectly.

17. Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffing

Because sometimes, you just need Italian comfort in a casserole dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and zucchini in butter until tender.
2. Toss bread, veggies, pesto, and mozzarella together.
3. Gradually add broth until moist.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

FYI: This one’s great for summer or non-traditional Thanksgiving meals.

18. Vegan Stuffing

Yes, you can have stuffing without dairy or meat and it still rocks.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread (vegan-friendly)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, celery, and mushrooms in olive oil.
2. Toss bread cubes and herbs together.
3. Slowly add broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Use a mix of wild mushrooms for extra depth and umami.

19. Chive and Goat Cheese Stuffing

Tangy, creamy, and a little unexpected perfect if you like bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup chives, chopped
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in butter.
2. Toss with bread cubes, chives, and goat cheese.
3. Gradually add broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

IMO: Goat cheese melts into creamy pockets a total flavor bomb.

20. Sweet Potato and Sage Stuffing

Sweet potato stuffing = fall comfort in one fluffy, golden bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted sweet potato, cubed
• 8 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp sage
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
2. Mix with roasted sweet potatoes, bread cubes, and sage.
3. Gradually stir in broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Roasting the sweet potato first gives a rich caramelized flavor that plain boiled sweet potato can’t compete with.

21. Wild Mushroom, Chestnut, and Thyme Stuffing

Okay, let’s finish strong with the ultimate gourmet stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread
• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp fresh thyme
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and celery in butter.
2. Add chestnuts and thyme, cook 2 minutes.
3. Toss with bread cubes and gradually add broth.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Trust me: This one tastes like a fancy restaurant side but is 100% doable at home.

Final Thoughts

There you have it: 21 stuffing recipes that cover everything from classic and comforting to bold and unexpected. Whether you like it sweet, savory, cheesy, vegan, or pumpkin-spiced (yes, that exists 😏), there’s something here for everyone.

A few quick tips to remember:

• Don’t over-moisturize: soggy stuffing = sad stuffing.
• Toast nuts and bread cubes when the recipe calls for it; it adds flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs > dried, whenever possible. They make a huge difference.
• Experiment! Stuffing is one of those dishes that’s forgiving, so don’t be afraid to mix ingredients or try a flavor twist.

Honestly, I could go on forever about stuffing because it’s just that versatile. But here’s my advice: pick a couple of recipes from this list, prep them with love, and watch your guests fight over who gets the last bite.

So, are you ready to level up your stuffing game this season? Grab your favorite bread, turn on some tunes, and get cooking you’ve got a lot of deliciousness ahead!