The stuffing vs dressing debate has gained a lot of traction recently, in perfect timing right before Thanksgiving. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a real difference between stuffing and dressing, you’re not alone. So I'll break down all the differences between the two, and even include a few recipes you can make for Thanksgiving!
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What Is The Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?
From my firsthand experience hosting Thanksgiving dinners and testing recipes, I’ve learned that stuffing and dressing each has its own flavor, texture, and cooking methods that make it unique.
I think they're both delicious, and it really depends on which one is more convenient for you to make, and which one your family prefers. Trust me, you're always safe with making the crowd-favorite instead of trying to experiment!
With that said, let's dive into both Thanksgiving staple side dishes.
What Is Thanksgiving Stuffing?
Let’s start with the most common of the two- Thanksgiving stuffing. Stuffing is traditionally used to describe a seasoned mixture cooked inside a bird or other meat.
The key word here is “inside,” as stuffing is literally stuffed into the cavity of the turkey, chicken, or other poultry.
Cooking Method: Cooked inside the turkey, it absorbs the juices and flavors from the meat. This results in a moist, rich texture, but it also requires careful monitoring to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. I learned this the hard way one Thanksgiving when I undercooked the stuffing, leading to a mad scramble to finish it separately.
Ingredients: Stuffing is traditionally made with stale white or sourdough bread, herbs like sage and thyme, and a mix of celery, onions, and stock. You can get creative though with what you use!
One year I experimented with adding mashed potatoes to the stuffing mix and created this potato stuffing. It may sound odd, but it's delicious-you have to try it! Check it out in this picture below.
What Is Thanksgiving Dressing?
Now for the more uncommon but in my opinion more delicious side dish, Thanksgiving dressing. Dressing originated in the South, and like all Southern staples, it's delicious!
I also think it's much easier to get right than stuffing, so dressing is a great place to start if you're new to cooking for Thanksgiving.
Cooking Method: Dressing is baked outside of the turkey and cooked on it's own with extra broth, typically in a casserole dish. This allows for a crispy, golden crust while staying fluffy on the inside. I personally love the crunchy top and so does the rest of my family.
Ingredients: Southern dressing often features cornbread as a base, mixed with ingredients like buttermilk or cream, to add a little richness. It also has savory additions just like stuffing, such as parsley, sage, poultry seasoning, and some veggies like celery and onion.
Also like stuffing, the ingredients can be changed up depending on what you like. For instance, my chicken and dressing recipe is made with cornbread and white bread! It's so good, and can be made with turkey as well. Check it out in the picture below.
My Final Verdict
Stuffing and dressing are super similar, but have a couple differences that make them unique. At the end of the day, they're both equally delicious Thanksgiving side dishes and deserve a spot at every feast.
So, are you team stuffing or team dressing? Let me know in the comments! If you're looking for some unique stuffing recipes, give my Stovetop stuffing or seafood stuffing a try.
And for more holiday cooking tips and recipes, don’t forget to check out my other posts on the blog. Happy Thanksgiving!
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