30 Traditional Turkey Stuffing Recipes

When Thanksgiving rolls around, my kitchen turns into a bustling hub of ingredients.

It’s one of my favorite holidays.

I’m all about the fresh herbs to chunks of soft bread waiting to be transformed into the heart of our meal: the turkey stuffing.

There’s just something about the aroma of sage and thyme mingling with that perfect, savory blend of vegetables and stock that feels like the official kickoff to the holiday season.

I remember the first time I made my own turkey dressing instead of going with a boxed mix and the difference was night and day.

Now, it’s become my little tradition to mix it up each year with new flavors while keeping those comforting, familiar tastes we all love!

Thanksgiving Dressing Recipes

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a cozy, homemade dressing.

It’s one of those Thanksgiving side dishes that everyone looks forward to, soaking up all the flavors on the plate and adding that perfect savory touch.

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make these turkey dressing recipes and fill the kitchen with holiday warmth and tastes like pure comfort with every bite.

1. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

This turkey dressing recipe is all about tradition!

Ingredients

1 loaf day-old bread, cubed and lightly toasted (about 10 cups)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
3-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or casserole dish and set aside.
Toast the bread cubes: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add herbs: Stir in the parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine bread and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes. Pour the vegetable mixture over the bread, stirring to combine.
Add broth: Pour in 3 cups of broth, mixing until the bread is evenly moist but not soggy. Add more broth if needed.
Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

Classic, simple, and everyone’s favorite!

2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Apples

For a heartier option, try sausage stuffing with a pop of sweetness from apples. Brown your sausage first, and then toss in onions, celery, and diced apples. Mix with bread, fresh herbs, and some stock for moisture. The sausage and apples give this stuffing a unique, savory-sweet balance.

3. Make Ahead Stuffing with Herbs

I love this one because it makes Thanksgiving day a little less hectic. Prep everything the night before, letting the flavors blend in the fridge. Toast your bread cubes, cook the vegetables, and mix with herbs and broth. Then, just bake on the day of—it’s stress-free and delicious!

4. Cornbread Stuffing

Using cornbread adds a sweet, crumbly texture that’s so satisfying. Mix in sautéed onions, celery, and a sprinkle of thyme. You’ll want to add just enough broth to bind it all together without losing that cornbread crumble. It’s a twist on tradition with Southern flair!

5. Buttery Herb Dressing

Think of this as a soft, herb-infused stuffing. It’s all about the butter—melt it with sage, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic base. Pour this over cubed bread, stir in warm broth, and bake until the top is golden and crisp, but the center stays soft and buttery.

6. Mushroom Sausage Stuffing

This is a go-to when I want something filling and packed with flavor. Sauté the mushrooms with sausage, then mix in onions, celery, and your bread of choice. It’s earthy, savory, and practically a meal in itself!

7. Sweet Potato Sausage Stuffing

Sweet potatoes add a nice color and sweetness here. Brown your sausage, then toss with small sweet potato cubes, onions, and bread. Add some thyme and sage, then bake. The sweet potato and sausage combo makes it hearty and vibrant.

8. Cranberry Stuffing

This one adds a pop of color and tartness with dried cranberries. Mix with cubed bread, sautéed onions, and a blend of fresh herbs. The cranberries give a festive touch that pairs so well with roasted turkey.

9. Overnight Sausage and Sage Stuffing

This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Brown the sausage, mix with cubed bread, sage, and broth, and let it chill overnight. The flavors blend beautifully, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven the next day.

10. Vegan Stuffing

This vegan option is packed with veggies and flavor! Use a mix of onions, celery, mushrooms, and even a bit of kale or spinach. Moisten with vegetable broth, toss with bread cubes, and bake until crisp. It’s hearty without any animal products.

11. Gluten-Free Stuffing

For a gluten-free crowd, use gluten-free bread or a blend of cornbread and gluten-free cubes. Sauté veggies like onions and celery, then mix with the bread and a rich chicken or vegetable broth. Bake until golden, and no one will miss the gluten!

12. Crockpot Stuffing

If you’re like me and need the oven space, the crockpot is a lifesaver! Combine all your ingredients—bread, veggies, herbs, and broth—in the crockpot and cook on low. It turns out wonderfully moist and flavorful without taking up your oven.

13. Easy Low-Carb Stuffing

For a lighter option, use cauliflower rice or low-carb bread. Mix with sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms, then bake. It’s perfect for those looking to keep things low-carb without missing out on flavor.

Turkey Stuffing Mix-Ins You Need to Try!

Sometimes making the perfect turkey dressing recipe is all about adding simple mix-ins to a basic stuffing.

If you want to get really creative, try adding these ingredients for a layer of flavor and texture that makes your Thanksgiving side dish uniquely yours!

Toasted Pecans – A classic nutty crunch that adds depth without overwhelming.
Diced Carrots – Adds color, sweetness, and a touch of earthy flavor.
Sliced Water Chestnuts – For a subtle crunch that doesn’t alter the flavor.
Chopped Green Apples – A touch of tart sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
Chopped Fresh Parsley – A fresh, bright herb that keeps the flavor traditional.
Sautéed Shallots – A slightly sweeter and milder onion flavor.
Fresh Celery Leaves – Adds a delicate, aromatic touch to enhance the stuffing.
Fresh Sage Leaves – Use whole leaves for a stronger sage flavor, a timeless herb for Thanksgiving.
Chopped Chestnuts – Soft, slightly sweet, and earthy, adding richness to the stuffing.
Golden Raisins – A classic choice for a light touch of sweetness without overpowering.
Minced Fresh Garlic – Adds warmth and depth to the savory blend without being overpowering.
Fresh Thyme Sprigs – Whole sprigs add a light, earthy essence that infuses well with other ingredients.
Dried Currants – Smaller and less sweet than raisins, they add a traditional pop of tartness.
Leeks – A gentle onion flavor that is softer and more refined than regular onions.
Fresh Marjoram – A sweet, mild herb often used in classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Diced Button Mushrooms – Earthy and subtle, perfect for classic stuffing.
Butter Toasted Bread Crumbs – Adds extra texture and richness to the stuffing.