World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (2024)

Looking for a homemade Stuffing Recipe that is moist, packed with flavor, and beautiful on your holiday table? Then you have come to the right place! But maybe you are wondering how it got the name “World’s WORST Stuffing”? Read on my friend.

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (1)

World’s Worst Stuffing Recipe

So you actually came here looking for a GOOD stuffing recipe, right? Well, you are in the right place. This stuffing recipe is one that has been perfected over many years of trial, error, and feedback from family and friends.

It all started many years ago when I hosted my very first Thanksgiving. I had never done it before, had no clue what to do, and relied heavily upon pre-packaged options, like stuffing. I prepared the stuffing just as the bag told me and served it to a table full of hungry family members, all who were expecting homemade. The look on their faces was priceless when they tried it… they were less than impressed. (To be fair, it was dry and bland.) One of my cousins blurted out, “this stuffing is the WORST!”. I didn’t know what to do, so I laughed. We all did! And then we all devised a plan as to how to make the world’s BEST stuffing. Everyone offered what they loved most about stuffing… the moisture, the cranberries, the bacon, the celery, the flavor, the type of bread… we discussed every detail. Even down to what pan to make it in. And THAT is how this recipe was born.

The next year when the family arrived they joked, “are we going to have the worst stuffing this year?” But after trying the new homemade recipe, everyone agreed. It was the BEST!

I still get requests for my “world’s worst stuffing” and am happy to oblige!

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (2)

Stuffing Recipe

So technically the recipe below is a dressing because I did not specify that it has to be stuffed into the turkey. (Although we do love it that way!) A stuffing recipe goes into the bird, a dressing recipe gets cooked in a pan. However, I am from the midwest and we call it stuffing no matter where you cook it.

I like to use yellow, white, or sweet onions in this recipe. You don’t need any extra color as the cranberries provide a beautiful pop of deep red and you don’t need the extra sweetness a red onion can provide.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how moist it is. I have had (and made!!) dry stuffing and there is nothing worse then crunching down on bread that lacks flavor. You will not have that problem with this recipe.

Another thing of note, this is a big recipe. Stuffing is the favorite side dish of 3 of my 5 children so I always make enough for leftovers!

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (3)

Skillet Stuffing

I love what cooking this recipe in a skillet does. All that amazing flavor from the bacon and onions and seasonings gets cooked to perfection when using a cast iron skillet. Other than in the bird itself, it’s the only way I prepare stuffing now. Once you try your stuffing in a skillet, you will be hooked too!

How to Reheat Stuffing

Remove stuffing from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Then, warm it in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 30 minutes. If the stuffing looks too dry, add chicken stock, leftover turkey drippings, or gravy. I have also added a couple of tablespoons of butter to my skillet, let melt, then added the stuffing and cooked for about 10 minutes stirring frequently.

I do not put stuffing in the microwave, I just don’t particularly enjoy the texture of the heated stuffing. It’s all soft and sort of melts in your mouth.

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (4)

Looking for more Holiday Menu Recipes?

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Green Bean Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

CaramelApple Pie

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (5)

5 from 5 votes

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

It's actually the best, as you will soon find out!

SavePrint Rate Comment

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick or 113g) salted butter
  • 2 medium onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 3 cups)
  • 6 stalks celery with leaves, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 4 slices thick cut bacon, cut into small chunks
  • 2 loaves (9-inch each) of french bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 cups warm chicken stock

Instructions

  • In 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, add butter and cook until melted.Add bacon to skillet and cook 5-10 minutes until bacon is cooked through and starting to get crispy. (There should be a lot of liquid in the pan.)

  • Stir in onion and celery, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5-10 minutes. You want onions to be translucent.

  • Transfer to alarge bowl (the bigger the better) and add bread cubes, parsley, celery salt, sage, rosemary, thyme, cranberries, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir in 3 1/2 cups warm chicken stock.

  • If using to stuff turkey: Use immediately to fill cavities of turkey.

  • If baking entire recipe as side dish: Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Transfer all ingredients back to original skillet. Drizzle with an additional 1/2 cup hot stock. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.

  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 302kcal

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: Dressing, Stuffing, thanksgiving

Servings: 12

Calories: 302

Author: Amanda Rettke

Did you make this recipe?

Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.

Categorized in: Drinks

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

World's WORST Stuffing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is stuffing not healthy? ›

Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated. Traditionally, a stuffing would use the giblets of the bird with the addition of sausage meat, a source of starch, such as bread, with some aromatics such as onion, herbs and spices.

Can you mess up stuffing? ›

Your Bread Is Too Fresh

There's nothing better than soft, fresh bread—except for when it comes to stuffing. If you want your stuffing to hold up and not end up a soupy, soggy mess, make sure your bread is dried out or staled for a few days.

In what did recipes did people originally use stuffing? ›

So how far back can we find stuffing used in cooking? Some time between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, a chef by the name of Apicius created a cookbook entitled, “Apicius de re Coquinaria.” In its pages are recipes for stuffed chicken, rabbit, pig, and even dormouse.

Why do people put eggs in their stuffing? ›

Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy. Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you'd like, to achieve your desired consistency.

Why is stove top stuffing banned in Europe? ›

The EU requires warning labels on dyes, and countries like Austria, Finland, and Norway have banned Twinkies. Stove Top Stuffing: Contains a combination of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), leading to its ban in countries like Japan, the UK, and several European nations.

Why is stove top stuffing so bad for you? ›

Like many convenience foods, Stove Top stuffing has gotten a bad rap in recent years, especially from people who have *opinions* about what is healthy to eat. It's got too much sodium, there are weird ingredients that you can't pronounce, and it's just better to make your own stuffing. But “better” is subjective.

Should you add eggs to stuffing? ›

Eggs add richness to the stuffing, and makes it cohere better. I'd use two eggs per pound of bread.

Is it better to stuff a turkey or not? ›

The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends cooking the stuffing out side of the bird. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165 F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Some people feel that stuffing has a better taste and is moister when prepared in the turkey.

Why does stuffing go bad so fast? ›

People have a habit of leaving the food out on the buffet table long after the meal is finished. If turkey, stuffing, or gravy is left out at room temperature (40 to 140°F) for over 2 hours it may no longer be safe to eat. Bacteria prospers at this temperature, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

What country invented stuffing? ›

Purportedly ancient Roman, or else Medieval, cooks developed engastration recipes, stuffing animals with other animals. An anonymous Andalusian cookbook from the 13th century includes a recipe for a ram stuffed with small birds.

What is stuffing called in America? ›

In the context of Thanksgiving, the word dressing is commonly used to mean the same exact thing as stuffing—including when it's cooked inside the bird.

What animal does stuffing come from? ›

According to question, Traditionally, stuffing is often made using poultry meats like turkey or chicken. However, other meats like pork, sausage, or even vegetarian options can also be used based on personal preferences and regional variations. Stuffing is usually large bread crumbs with herbs.

Why do people put mayo in scrambled eggs? ›

Mayonnaise adds to the liquid. Adding more liquid to scrambled eggs makes them more tender and moist. It adds salt and flavor. Mayonnaise is generally salty and helps season the eggs.

What is traditional stuffing made of? ›

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

Why put mayo in eggs? ›

The mayo helps to stabilize the mixture and incorporate more egg into the eggs, making them fluffy. Plus, the extra fat can also make them silkier, and more rich.

Is it OK to eat stuffing? ›

Insert a food thermometer into the center of the stuffing to make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165 degrees that could then cause food poisoning.

Is stuffing bad for your heart? ›

The traditional turkey-day feast, replete with fatty, high-cholesterol, high-fat, and starchy foods like drumsticks, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, is generally anything but heart-healthy.

Is stuffing bad for weight loss? ›

Overall, it's packed with processed ingredients that can seriously throw a wrench in your weight loss goals. "Boxed stuffing is made with refined carbohydrates, high sodium, and questionable ingredients that slow metabolism and raise inflammation in the body," she warns.

Is stuffing safe to eat? ›

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after they've been removed from the oven: In general, your stuffing should be safe to eat for 3 to 4 days after it's been cooked. However, when you reheat your leftovers, be sure to heat them to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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