Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2024)

This recipe is: dairy freeegg freenut freevegan

This easy homemade stuffing recipe is made from scratch with croutons and loaded with flavor. It’s baked in the oven and can be made in advance, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Plus, this cranberry stuffing is naturally vegan and dairy free. Makes 12 servings.

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Homemade Stuffing Recipe (1)

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Homemade stuffing is the best Thanksgiving stuffing

When we first moved to France, I was determined to make Thanksgiving dinner. It was just Marc and myself, but I was going to have everything I wanted.

Of course, I didn’t realize just how few of those Thanksgiving staples you could find in a French grocery store. I quickly realized that there would be no cranberry sauce, no pumpkin pie, and no stuffing unless I made it myself.

But ever since I made that first batch of stuffing from scratch, I won’t make any other kind. We’ve had it for years now.

Making homemade stuffing isn’t the quickest fix, but it sure is worth the time and effort. You can customize it to suit your taste by changing the herbs or even using different types of bread to make croutons.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cranberry stuffing recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

For the recipe, we are using unseasoned stuffing mix (breadcrumbs), but you can also use homemade croutons. If you’re making your own, try doing it a day or two ahead of time because that’s the most time-consuming part.

You also want to double check the ingredients of the stuffing mix or breadcrumbs for hidden dairy.

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How to make stuffing for turkey

Sauté the savories. Heat a large skillet to medium-high. Add the olive oil, onion, celery, dried herbs and cranberries. Sauté until the onions and celery are soft and translucent.

This should take about 5 – 7 minutes and you should stir as needed to prevent burning. I also like to add a pinch of salt to bring out the juices from the vegetables.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (4)

Moisten the stuffing mix. Put the stuffing mix (or homemade croutons) in a large bowl. Transfer the cooked herb/vegetable/cranberry mixture to the bowl.

Pour about 1 cup of the chicken or turkey broth into the bowl and stir to combine. Continue to add broth until your stuffing is fully moistened and soft.

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Remember you will be baking this, so it will dry out a little while it’s in the oven, so you want it pretty wet.

Bake the stuffing. Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake immediately in a 350˚F oven or refrigerate until ready to bake.

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FAQS and tips for making this homemade stuffing recipe

Can I make stuffing the day before Thanksgiving?

Yes. In fact, I would encourage you to do so. It makes things a lot easier. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Does stuffing need egg?

No. There is no reason to add egg to homemade stuffing. If you want it to hold together better, simply add more broth.

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

I honestly don’t think there is a difference other than the names themselves. It seems to be a regional thing, and even though some people say it’s a matter of preparation, I would disagree.

Why is it called stuffing?

Traditionally, Thanksgiving stuffing was prepared to fill the empty cavity of the turkey. It has since become a staple Thanksgiving side dish, and is often prepare in a large baking dish.

Can you make stuffing ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes. You don’t even need to thaw it before baking. Just cook the stuffing from frozen by adding an additional 20 minutes to the cooking time.

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More dairy free Thanksgiving basics

  • Dairy free green bean casserole
  • Dairy free pumpkin pie
  • Vegan scalloped potatoes
  • Healthy sweet potato casserole
  • How to cook a turkey breast

More homemade stuffing recipes

  • Pineapple stuffing
  • Pancetta chestnut stuffing
  • Herb Panko breadcrumb stuffing
  • Baked stuffed pork chops

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Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (8)

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This easy, homemade stuffing recipe is made from scratch with croutons and loaded with flavor thanks to all the savories and cranberries. It’s baked in the oven and can be made in advance, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Plus, this almost traditional stuffing is naturally vegan and dairy free. #stuffing #Thanksgiving

  • Author: Melissa Belanger
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion (sweet or yellow), chopped
  • 6 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried tarragon or sage
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 12-ounce package unseasoned stuffing mix (or about 8 cups ofhomemade croutons)
  • 23 cups reduced-sodium chicken, turkey or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, spices and cranberries. Sauté until onions stirring occasionally until are completely translucent and tender – about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. Place croutons and cooked mixture into a large bowl. Slowly stir in chicken broth – one cup at a time – until croutons have reached desired softness.
  3. Transfer stuffing to a large baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350˚F oven, removing foil for the final 10 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 7.9 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 8.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
  • Fiber: 1.9 g
  • Protein: 3.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.3 mg

Published: October 2, 2019. Updated: October 17, 2023.

Homemade Stuffing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional stuffing made of? ›

Classic stuffing made with bread cubes, seasonings, and held together with chicken stock and eggs. A holiday staple!

Is stuffing better with or without eggs? ›

It's all about personal preference. If you want a sturdier dressing, eggs can help do that. I don't use eggs in this recipe, though, because I like a lighter, more crumbly texture in my dressing.

How many cups of stuffing do I need for 10 people? ›

In order to fill the cavity of the bird you are stuffing, you should make 3/4 cup of stuffing per person. You may not be able to fit all the stuffing into your turkey. If this is the case, then you can even make a casserole to fill up your guests!

What does egg do for stuffing? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture.

What is the best kind of stuffing? ›

Our Top Store-Bought Stuffing Picks
  • Best Overall: Arnold Herb Seasoned Premium Cubed Stuffing.
  • Best Classic: Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing.
  • Best Instant: Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix.
  • Best Gluten-Free: Williams-Sonoma Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix.
  • Best for Celiac: Trader Joe's Gluten Free Stuffing Mix.
Nov 13, 2023

What bread is best for stuffing? ›

I love using sourdough bread, but really any neutral bread will work fine. White sandwich bread from the grocery store is the most common choice, and it works perfectly here!

What makes stuffing unhealthy? ›

Stuffing is not strictly a healthy food, because it is typically high in calories, fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. 1 But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, All foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation.

Is it better to make stuffing with fresh or dry bread? ›

Any attempts to make stuffing with soft, fresh baked bread will result in a bread soup with a soggy texture. Follow this tip: Stale, dried-out bread makes the best stuffing.

Do you cook stuffing before you stuff? ›

Fully cook raw meat, poultry, or seafood ingredients before adding to stuffing. Combine the ingredients and place them in your bird immediately before cooking. Don't stuff whole poultry with cooked stuffing. In addition to the turkey, the stuffing's center needs to reach 165 F.

Is homemade stuffing better than boxed? ›

The Foodie picked: Homemade. "The texture of the homemade is really superior, mostly moist and tender but with those crispy, crunchy, buttery edges, almost like French toast.

How many pounds of stuffing do I need for 20 people? ›

I think it's safe to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per person. What's the worst that could happen? A leftover turkey sandwich?! 3/4 cup of stuffing per person should be plenty.

Can you prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate? ›

If you don't plan on stuffing the bird, but preparing the dressing as a side dish, you can prepare uncooked stuffing ahead of time as long as you freeze the stuffing immediately after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. USDA recommends that you never refrigerate uncooked stuffing.

What is traditional stuffing made of turkey? ›

How do you make traditional stuffing? If you've never made Thanksgiving turkey stuffing before, you may think it is difficult. Our recipe is very simple, though and calls for just a handful ingredients: bread, butter, onion, celery, chicken broth, eggs and spices.

What is the difference between Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing? ›

"Stuffing is cooked in the cavity of the turkey, so the juices soak into the ingredients, making it more flavorful. Dressing gets cooked on its own and needs extra liquid to make it flavorful." So stuffing is cooked inside the bird. Dressing is cooked outside the bird, usually in a casserole dish.

What is stuffing made of Thanksgiving? ›

The BEST traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe is easy to make dried bread cubes, sausage, diced vegetables, and chicken broth. It's a great side dish to make ahead of time and it definitely tastes best homemade! Pair this easy homemade stuffing with our popular turkey recipe, homemade rolls, and Thanksgiving pie.

What's the difference between stuffing and filling? ›

Although most people in America debate on whether the dish should be called stuffing or dressing the people of Pennsylvania call it filling. Essentially filling is the same as stuffing or dressing. The name suggests that it will fill something like stuffing does.

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