Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • 6 Garden Ideas That Will Boost the Value of Your Home

      6 Garden Ideas That Will Boost the Value of Your Home

      These simple outdoor upgrades can benefit your home's curb appeal and resale value. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu

    27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu

    Deck yourself out in green and celebrate everything Irish with our absolute favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes for brunch and dinner. That might mean corned beef and cabbage, the standout dish stateside, or a lamb or beef stew—the entrées those in the Emerald Isle are most likely to eat on March 17. Perhaps you'd prefer bangers and mash or a Guinness pie packed with beef? Create your St. Patrick's Day menu from our selection of appetizers and main courses (we included a few drinks, too!). Whatever you do, be sure to bake a loaf of soda bread for the table—and end the meal on a sweet note with one of our dessert recipes just right for the holiday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden

    The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden

    These five trees provide shade and foliage more quickly than other varieties.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    The Right Way to Clean Every Part of Your Oven, From the Racks to the Door Glass

    The Right Way to Clean Every Part of Your Oven, From the Racks to the Door Glass

    This workhorse kitchen appliance will look good as new if you follow these expert-approved steps.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say

    These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say

    Take these easy steps to ensure the strength of your relationship.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    15 St. Patrick's Day Decoration Ideas—From Ornamental Cabbage to DIY Rainbows

    15 St. Patrick's Day Decoration Ideas—From Ornamental Cabbage to DIY Rainbows

    Feeling lucky? It could be the luck of the Irish. After all, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. On March 17, there's much to do—from cooking corned beef and cabbage and donning your finest green attire to raising a glass in honor of Irish pride. You can (and should!) also decorate as part of the festivities.  If you're looking for a golden idea, you're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more decoration ideas. 
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Causes of Hair Loss at the Crown—Plus, What to Do About It, According to Experts

    The Causes of Hair Loss at the Crown—Plus, What to Do About It, According to Experts

    From high ponytails to poor nutrition, here's what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the scalp.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Sensational Stuffing and Dressing Recipes for Thanksgiving

Sensational Stuffing and Dressing Recipes for Thanksgiving

dscf5175.jpg
By Anna Kovel Updated October 13, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
med106155_1110_tkg_mushroom_walnut.jpg
Stuffing (or dressing) is one of the most eagerly anticipated dishes on the Thanksgiving table. Here's a collection of our favorite recipes—all guaranteed to pair perfectly with a bird prepared using our easy and complete turkey tutorial and keep guests requesting seconds.
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
plated Thanksgiving meal
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

When Americans gather on Thanksgiving, it's not just food we're eating and thanks we're giving; many of us are also enjoying a taste of tradition. As it turns out, we are creatures of habit, and one of the most beloved dishes on the Thanksgiving table is the reliable side dish known as dressing—or stuffing.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is? The origin of the two terms might seem pretty obvious: Stuffing is baked inside the bird and scooped onto our plates, while dressing is baked in a separate dish, right? In fact, whether you're baking it in or out of the turkey, the dish is almost always called dressing down South. And if you're in the Northeastern United States or parts of the Midwest, you're likely to hear it called stuffing, and that's true no matter how it's baked. Of course, over time many families move and recipes go with them, but the terms seem to be rooted in those regions.

Essentially, these are two words for the same thing: a savory mixture of bread, crackers, or grains tossed with vegetables and seasoned with herbs before being moistened and baked. Everything else depends on your preferences—and what region you're from. Additions to the dish, such as sausages, ham or bacon are popular nationwide, and mushrooms and root vegetables are, too. Oysters, fresh or smoked, and occasionally mussels, mixed with crackers, are served up and down the Eastern seaboard. Cracker stuffings and dressings were common in Colonial times. Nuts and fruit have always had a place in dressings and stuffings: Hazelnuts (known as filberts in the Northwest), and walnuts are delicious, and pecans are a real classic when paired with the crumbled cornbread that is essential to most Southern and Southwestern dressing recipes. Dried fruits and fresh, seasonal fruits such as apples and pears, add their tender texture and an element of sweetness.

So, choose from one of these satisfying recipes for your Thanksgiving table and say it your way: Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, everyone will agree it's a delicious slide.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sausage Pear Stuffing

sausage-stuffing-0109-d110470.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This one's great for traditionalists: a bread stuffing full of sausage, herbs, and pears. The bread gets moist and flavored when cooked in the bird.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dried-Fruit and Nut Cornbread Dressing

cornbread-dressing-0110-d110470.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Get ahead by baking the cornbread with nuts and dried fruit mixed right in, then freeze it for up to a month. The day of, combine with a few more ingredients and bake in a buttery dish.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wild Mushroom, Leek, and Filbert Dressing

wild-mushroom-leek-filbert-dressing-m109160.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The combination of mushrooms in this dish made with rustic bread creates a savory depth of flavor. Choose your favorite mushrooms, or take our suggestion of a mix of chanterelle, oyster, cremini, and shiitake.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms and Leeks

vegan stuffing in casserole dish
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Invite vegan and vegetarian guests knowing you've got them covered with this recipe. It has all of the traditional stuffing flavors—without the traditional poultry broth, dairy, or eggs.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Test Kitchen's Favorite Stuffing

test kitchen favorite stuffing
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Who better to guide you on the best stuffing recipe than our food editors? They use soft country white bread in this classic stuffing because it absorbs flavors best.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cornbread, Bacon, Leek, and Pecan Stuffing

cornbread stuffing
Credit: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Toasted walnuts add a surprise crunch to this mushroom-sage stuffing. Mix in beaten eggs to give it a slightly custardy texture.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Oyster and Bacon Stuffing

oyster-bacon-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bacon and oysters come together in this simple one-hour stuffing. Need we say more?

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chorizo-Almond Stuffing

chorizo-almond-stuffing-med107616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We're all about atypical Thanksgiving menus. Adding chorizo and almonds to this crusty white bread stuffing gives the dish an unexpectedly delicious taste.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Cracker Stuffing

herbed-cracker-stuffing-mld108379.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Connect with colonial times on Thanksgiving by making this herbed cracker stuffing. Crackers were a common ingredient in kitchens two centuries ago. The actual recipe is a breeze—it requires just 30 minutes of prep time.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prune and Sausage Stuffing

stuffing-mld107005.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The traditional Thanksgiving flavors in this stuffing are enhanced by cooking the vegetables in bacon fat. Use your favorite cornbread for this recipe, whether homemade or store-bought.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing

med106155_1110_tkg_mushroom_walnut.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prunes, brandy, sage, and sausage contribute sophisticated flavors to this stuffing, which can be prepared up to two days ahead and finished just before serving. It's first cooked in a water bath to seal in the juices, then baked to give it some crunch.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pecan Dressing

102782985-pecan-dressing.jpg
Credit: Anna Williams
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The title gives this away as a Southern-influenced dish, as do the addition of pecans. But cubes of chewy Italian bread and cranberries add a touch of Northern style to this dressing.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Porcini, Chestnut, and Sausage Stuffing

stuffing
Credit: JOHN KERNICK
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh pork sausage and turkey giblets lend their rich, meaty flavors to this lightly sweet cornbread stuffing. The chicken broth and beaten eggs added to the stuffing soak into the soft, crumbled cornbread to create a custardy texture.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

cornbread sausage stuffing
Credit: David Loftus
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a recipe for the stuffing purists. Fresh sage and tidbits of sautéed chicken liver in the cornbread complement the slightly sweet pork sausage to give this stuffing an extra meaty taste.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sourdough Stuffing with Apples, Acorn Squash, and Hazelnuts

sourdough dressing with apples acorn squash and hazelnuts
Credit: Paola + Murray
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

All the fall flavors are here: crunchy hazelnuts, sweet acorn squash, and tangy granny smith apples. This is sure to become a family classic.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oyster Brioche Stuffing

sides_00814_t.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pecans, shallots, wild mushrooms, and fresh thyme and rosemary flavor this brioche stuffing. White wine and cream add luxurious richness to the recipe.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Susan's Peach Stuffing

mld104241_1108_su_stuffing.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This beloved family recipe comes from editorial director of food, Sarah Carey. Her mom makes this recipe every Thanksgiving. Canned peaches add a unique twist.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cornbread Stuffing with Pancetta and Scallions

cornbread skillet dressing
Credit: Julia Gartland
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread stuffing has a rustic look and a delicious flavor—with pancetta plus celery, onions, white wine, and stock how could it not taste good?

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wild Rice Stuffing

gluten-free-wild-rice-006-med109000.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's always a place for wild rice at the Thanksgiving table, not least because it's a gluten-free stuffing option. Green pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and fresh chiles add flavors of the Southwest to this delicious stuffing, which is also dairy and egg-free.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Anna Kovel

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 Sausage Pear Stuffing
    3 of 20 Dried-Fruit and Nut Cornbread Dressing
    4 of 20 Wild Mushroom, Leek, and Filbert Dressing
    5 of 20 Vegan Stuffing with Mushrooms and Leeks
    6 of 20 Test Kitchen's Favorite Stuffing
    7 of 20 Cornbread, Bacon, Leek, and Pecan Stuffing
    8 of 20 Smoked Oyster and Bacon Stuffing
    9 of 20 Chorizo-Almond Stuffing
    10 of 20 Herbed Cracker Stuffing
    11 of 20 Prune and Sausage Stuffing
    12 of 20 Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing
    13 of 20 Pecan Dressing
    14 of 20 Porcini, Chestnut, and Sausage Stuffing
    15 of 20 Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing
    16 of 20 Sourdough Stuffing with Apples, Acorn Squash, and Hazelnuts
    17 of 20 Oyster Brioche Stuffing
    18 of 20 Susan's Peach Stuffing
    19 of 20 Cornbread Stuffing with Pancetta and Scallions
    20 of 20 Wild Rice Stuffing

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Corporate

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Sensational Stuffing and Dressing Recipes for Thanksgiving
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.