23 Creative Holiday Stuffing Ideas That Upgrade Your Feast
Introduction
Stuffing is a holiday classic that can make your feast feel extra special. From savory herbs to sweet fruits and nuts, there are so many ways to give your holiday stuffing a delicious twist. Here are 23 tasty ideas that your guests will love.
1. Classic Herb and Sage Stuffing
A timeless favorite, this herb-filled stuffing is aromatic and comforting.
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and celery until soft.
- Add sage and thyme, cook 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed vegetables.
- Gradually stir in broth until slightly moist. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve alongside roasted turkey for a classic holiday presentation.
2. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans make this stuffing festive and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups celery, diced
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter and sauté onions and celery until soft.
- Add cranberries and cook 2 minutes.
- Mix bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Pour in broth gradually, stir gently.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until top is golden.
How to Serve It
Top with extra toasted pecans for crunch and a festive look.
3. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
The savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet apples for a hearty twist.
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped onions
- 1 ½ cups diced celery
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook sausage until browned and crumbly. Set aside.
- Sauté onions, celery, and apples in butter until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, and sautéed vegetables.
- Stir in broth gradually, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
4. Mushroom and Thyme Stuffing
Earthy mushrooms add depth and richness to this herb-infused stuffing.
Ingredients
- 9 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 ½ cups chopped onions
- 1 ½ cups celery, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté mushrooms, onions, and celery in butter until softened.
- Add thyme and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Combine bread cubes and vegetable mixture in a large bowl.
- Gradually add broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 minutes until lightly browned.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top before serving for an aromatic touch.
5. Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing
Cornbread and spicy chorizo bring a bold, Southern-inspired flavor to the table.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed cornbread
- 1 lb chorizo, cooked
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped onions
- 1 ½ cups celery, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook chorizo until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Mix cornbread cubes, chorizo, and sautéed vegetables.
- Gradually add broth and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
6. Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing
Nutty wild rice and tart cranberries create a wholesome, flavorful stuffing.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until softened.
- Mix cooked wild rice, cranberries, sautéed vegetables, and thyme.
- Gradually add broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake, covered, 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes until lightly golden.
How to Serve It
Top with extra cranberries for a festive pop of color.
7. Pecan and Maple Stuffing
Sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans make this stuffing irresistible.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
- Mix bread cubes, pecans, and vegetables in a bowl.
- Drizzle in maple syrup and gradually stir in broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 minutes until top is golden.
How to Serve It
Drizzle a little extra maple syrup before serving for a sweet finish.
8. Apple, Walnut, and Sausage Stuffing
The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts is perfect for holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 lb sausage, cooked
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups onions, chopped
- 1 ½ cups celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Mix cooked sausage, apples, walnuts, bread, and vegetables.
- Gradually stir in broth and season.
- Bake, covered, 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive look.
9. Chestnut and Mushroom Stuffing
Roasted chestnuts give this mushroom stuffing a rich, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 ½ cups chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms in butter until soft.
- Combine bread, chestnuts, sautéed vegetables, and thyme.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in greased dish, covered, 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Top with additional roasted chestnuts for crunch.
10. Bacon and Cheddar Stuffing
Cheddar cheese and bacon add a smoky, cheesy twist to traditional stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Combine bread, bacon, cheddar, and sautéed vegetables.
- Gradually add broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for a melty finish.
11. Pear and Almond Stuffing
Sweet pears and crunchy almonds bring a subtle sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 pears, diced
- ½ cup toasted almonds
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
- Mix bread cubes, pears, almonds, and sautéed vegetables.
- Gradually stir in broth and season.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with sliced almonds for a pretty presentation.
12. Mediterranean Stuffing with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes give this stuffing a bold Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Mix bread, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and vegetables.
- Gradually stir in broth and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh oregano leaves for an herbal touch.
13. Spinach and Feta Stuffing
Fresh spinach and tangy feta make a bright, flavorful stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender. Add spinach and cook 2 minutes.
- Mix bread, sautéed vegetables, and feta.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle extra feta before serving for added tang.
14. Butternut Squash and Sage Stuffing
Roasted squash adds sweetness and a creamy texture to this sage-infused stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender. Add roasted squash and sage.
- Mix with bread cubes.
- Gradually add broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh sage leaves for aroma.
15. Corn and Jalapeño Stuffing
Sweet corn and spicy jalapeño make this stuffing lively and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions, celery, and jalapeños in butter until tender. Add corn.
- Mix with bread cubes.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Top with extra corn kernels or fresh herbs.
16. Pomegranate and Pistachio Stuffing
Sweet pomegranate and nutty pistachios give a festive look and flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
- Mix with bread cubes, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios.
- Gradually add broth and season.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds for a sparkling presentation.
17. Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffing
Tangy blue cheese pairs perfectly with crunchy walnuts for a bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Mix with bread cubes, blue cheese, and walnuts.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle additional blue cheese on top before serving.
18. Cranberry and Orange Zest Stuffing
Cranberries and orange zest add a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
- Mix with bread cubes, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh cranberries or orange slices.
19. Maple Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Sweet maple syrup with savory sausage and apples makes this stuffing comforting.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 lb sausage, cooked
- 2 apples, diced
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter. Add cooked sausage and apples.
- Mix with bread cubes and drizzle maple syrup.
- Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Drizzle extra maple syrup before serving for sweetness.
20. Caramelized Onion and Herb Stuffing
Sweet, caramelized onions bring rich flavor to this herb-packed stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slowly caramelize onions in butter over medium-low heat until golden.
- Sauté celery and add fresh thyme.
- Mix with bread cubes. Gradually add broth and season.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
21. Sweet Potato and Sage Stuffing
Roasted sweet potatoes add color, sweetness, and creaminess.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups roasted sweet potato cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter. Add roasted sweet potatoes and sage.
- Mix with bread cubes. Gradually stir in broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra roasted sweet potato cubes.
22. Spinach, Mushroom, and Goat Cheese Stuffing
Creamy goat cheese adds tang and richness to earthy mushrooms and spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms in butter. Add spinach for 2 minutes.
- Mix with bread cubes and goat cheese.
- Gradually add broth, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle extra goat cheese before serving for creaminess.
23. Cranberry, Walnut, and Orange Stuffing
Cranberries, walnuts, and a hint of orange make this stuffing vibrant and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Mix with bread cubes, cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest.
- Gradually stir in broth and season.
- Bake, covered, 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra walnuts and a few cranberries for a festive touch.
Conclusion
These 23 stuffing recipes offer something for everyone—from classic herb blends to sweet, fruity variations. Try a few of these at your holiday table, share them with family, or save them for inspiration next year. Your feast will be flavorful, colorful, and memorable.
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