Stove Top stuffing is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meals. You can use it as a side dish or as an ingredient in other recipes.
Many people enjoy the convenience of boxed stuffing mix but want to make it taste more homemade.
There are lots of ways to jazz up Stove Top stuffing. You can add vegetables, meats, fruits, and spices to create new flavors.
These recipes will show you how to turn basic stuffing mix into tasty dishes your family will love. From simple upgrades to full meals, you’ll find ideas for any occasion.
1. Classic Herb Stuffing
Classic herb stuffing is a staple side dish for many holiday meals. You can make it easily using Stove Top stuffing mix as a base.
Start by melting butter in a skillet and sautéing onions and celery until soft.
Add fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and parsley to enhance the flavors. Mix in the stuffing mix and pour chicken broth over it.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
You can customize the texture by adding more or less liquid. For a crispier top, transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes.
This simple recipe brings homemade taste to your quick and easy stuffing.
2. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Sausage and apple stuffing adds a delicious twist to traditional stovetop stuffing. Start by cooking pork sausage in a skillet until browned.
Add diced apples, onions, and celery to the pan.
Cook the mixture until the vegetables are tender. Pour in some chicken broth to add moisture and flavor.
Stir in your favorite stuffing mix until well combined.
For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like sage or thyme. You can also toss in some chopped nuts for crunch.
This stuffing pairs well with turkey or chicken and makes a great side dish for holiday meals.
3. Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky flavor to cornbread stuffing. Start by cooking bacon until crispy. Set it aside and save the drippings.
Sauté onions and celery in the bacon fat until soft. Add dried cornbread cubes to a large bowl.
Mix in the cooked veggies and crumbled bacon.
Pour chicken broth over the mixture to moisten it. Add fresh herbs like sage and thyme for extra flavor.
Stir everything together gently.
Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish. Dot the top with butter.
Bake until golden brown and crispy on top. Your cornbread and bacon stuffing is ready to serve.
4. Mushroom and Sage Stuffing
Mushroom and sage stuffing adds a rich, earthy flavor to your meal. Start with Stove Top stuffing mix as your base.
Chop and sauté mushrooms in butter until they’re golden brown.
Add fresh sage leaves for a fragrant, herbal touch. Mix the mushrooms and sage into the stuffing, along with some extra chicken broth for moisture.
For a crispier top, spread the mixture in a baking dish. Dot with butter and bake until golden.
This simple twist on classic stuffing will impress your dinner guests.
5. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Cranberry pecan stuffing adds a tasty twist to classic Stove Top. You start with the original stuffing mix and add dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
This combo brings sweet, tart, and nutty flavors to your dish. Celery and onions provide a savory crunch.
Chicken broth and butter help bind it all together.
For extra zest, try adding some orange juice when cooking the cranberries.
This stuffing works great as a side or to fill your holiday turkey.
You can bake it in a casserole dish for about 20 minutes for a crispy top. The result is a festive stuffing perfect for fall meals or Thanksgiving dinner.
6. Spinach and Feta Stuffing
Spinach and feta stuffing adds a Greek twist to your Stove Top mix. Start by sautéing fresh spinach until wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze out excess moisture.
Crumble feta cheese and mix it with the prepared stuffing. Add the spinach and stir well.
For extra flavor, toss in some chopped garlic and dried oregano.
You can use this mixture to stuff chicken breasts or bell peppers. It also works great formed into small balls and baked as an appetizer.
Just shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
This tasty combo brings a fresh, tangy flavor to your stuffing. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meal too.
7. Wild Rice Stuffing
Wild rice stuffing adds a unique twist to your Stove Top stuffing recipes. This nutty, flavorful grain pairs well with classic stuffing ingredients.
Start by cooking wild rice according to package directions.
While it cooks, sauté celery and onions in butter until soft.
Mix the cooked wild rice with the sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Add cubed bread stuffing and chicken broth to bind everything together.
For extra flavor, consider adding diced apples or crispy bacon bits. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or sage.
Bake the mixture in a dish until heated through and slightly crispy on top. This stuffing is perfect for holiday meals or as a hearty side dish anytime.
8. Chestnut and Leek Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing adds rich chestnuts and savory leeks. Start with the regular chicken or turkey stuffing mix as your base.
Sauté sliced leeks in butter until soft. Add chopped chestnuts and cook for a few more minutes.
Mix the leek and chestnut mixture into your prepared Stove Top stuffing.
For extra flavor, toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or sage.
You can use canned chestnuts or roast and peel fresh ones yourself.
This stuffing pairs well with turkey, chicken, or pork. The chestnuts give it a nice crunch, while the leeks add a mild onion flavor.
9. Cajun Shrimp Stuffing
This spicy twist on stuffing brings the flavors of Louisiana to your table. Start with Stove Top stuffing mix as your base.
Add cooked shrimp, diced bell peppers, and celery for texture.
Spice it up with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce. Mix in some andouille sausage for extra heat and flavor.
Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth and melted butter.
Bake until golden and crispy on top.
This stuffing is perfect as a side dish or used to stuff fish or poultry. It’s sure to add a kick to your next meal.
10. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing adds Mediterranean flair to your meal. Start with the original chicken or turkey stuffing mix as your base.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the mix. These ingredients bring bright, tangy flavors that complement the stuffing’s savory notes.
For extra richness, mix in some cream cheese. It adds a smooth texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.
Don’t forget to include minced garlic for added depth. Stir everything together with the recommended amount of hot water and butter.
Let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
11. Butternut Squash and Sage Stuffing
This stuffing combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy flavor of sage. Start by cubing bread and toasting it in the oven until crisp.
Cook diced butternut squash until tender. In a pan, sauté onions and celery in butter. Add chopped sage and cook for another minute.
Mix the bread cubes, squash, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl.
Pour in chicken broth and beaten eggs, stirring to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until golden brown on top.
The result is a flavorful stuffing with a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
12. Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing
Spice up your stuffing with this flavorful chorizo and cornbread combo. Start by browning chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes. Break it up as it cooks.
Add diced onions, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the veggies are soft and browned. Stir in minced garlic for extra flavor.
Crumble cornbread into the skillet and mix well. Pour in some chicken stock to moisten the stuffing.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro to taste.
For a kick, mix in a paste made from chile powder and boiling water. This adds depth and heat to your stuffing. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
13. Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing adds broccoli and cheddar for a delicious side dish. Start by preparing the stuffing mix according to package directions.
Steam some broccoli florets until crisp-tender. Chop them into small pieces and mix them into the prepared stuffing.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, savory flavor. The cheese will melt slightly, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout.
For extra creaminess, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup. This ties the flavors together nicely.
Spoon the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake until hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown top.
Enjoy your cheesy broccoli stuffing alongside your main course.
14. Pistachio and Apricot Stuffing
This tasty twist on classic stuffing adds a nutty crunch and fruity sweetness. You’ll need Stove Top stuffing mix, chopped pistachios, and dried apricots.
Start by preparing the stuffing mix according to package directions. While it cooks, chop the pistachios and apricots into small pieces.
Once the stuffing is ready, gently fold in the pistachios and apricots. The warm stuffing will slightly soften the fruit.
This combo works great with turkey or chicken. You can serve it as a side dish or use it to stuff your bird before roasting.
15. Oyster and Mushroom Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing adds rich flavors to the mix. You’ll need canned smoked oysters and fresh mushrooms.
Start by sautéing chopped mushrooms in butter until soft. Add the oysters and cook for a minute more.
Prepare the Stove Top stuffing as directed, then mix in your oyster and mushroom combo. The stuffing will have a delicious savory taste.
For extra flavor, try adding some chopped celery and onions. A sprinkle of sage can also enhance the stuffing’s taste.
This recipe works well as a side dish or to stuff poultry. It’s sure to impress your dinner guests with its unique flavors.
16. Pine Nut and Cranberry Stuffing
This recipe takes Stove Top stuffing to the next level. Start with the original mix and add some zesty extras.
Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden. Mix them into the prepared stuffing along with dried cranberries.
For extra flavor, sauté some diced onion and celery in butter. Add this to the stuffing mixture.
Pour in a bit of chicken broth to keep everything moist.
Bake the stuffing in a buttered dish at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
The result? A tasty side dish with nutty crunch and sweet-tart cranberry pops. It’s perfect for holiday meals or anytime you want to jazz up your stuffing.
17. Garlic and Herb Cheese Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing will delight your taste buds. Start with the classic mix, then add minced garlic and a blend of dried herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Stir in shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. Cheddar or Parmesan work well, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.
For extra moisture, mix in some chicken broth. This helps blend the flavors and creates a softer texture.
Bake the stuffing in a buttered dish until golden and crispy on top.
18. Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Stuffing
This tasty twist on Stove Top stuffing adds rich flavor to your meal. Mix prepared stuffing with chopped roasted red peppers and cubes of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Stir in some Italian herbs like basil and oregano for extra zest. The peppers give a sweet, smoky taste while the melted mozzarella adds creaminess.
You can use this stuffing to fill chicken breasts or pork chops. It also works great as a side dish with grilled meats.
For a vegetarian option, stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking.
This easy recipe comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors will impress your family and guests.
19. Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing
Spice up your stuffing game with this zesty jalapeño cornbread version. Start with a box of cornbread stuffing mix as your base.
Add diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft. Mix these veggies into the stuffing along with some chicken broth.
For extra flavor, toss in some crispy bacon bits.
Bake the stuffing in a buttered dish at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly crispy.
This stuffing pairs great with turkey or chicken. It’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday meal.
20. Apple and Walnut Stuffing
This stuffing adds a tasty twist to the classic Stove Top mix. Start by sautéing diced apples and chopped walnuts in butter until soft.
Mix these with your prepared Stove Top stuffing. Add some cinnamon and sage for extra flavor.
Pour in a bit of chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
Spread the stuffing in a baking dish. Top with small cubes of butter.
Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
This apple and walnut stuffing pairs well with turkey or pork. It brings a nice crunch and sweetness to your holiday meal.
Ingredient Analysis
Stove Top stuffing contains B vitamins like thiamin and folate. These help your body turn food into energy.
The mix also has some iron and calcium.
The bread cubes give you carbs for quick energy. Dried herbs add flavor without many calories.
Sodium is high in most stuffing mixes. A serving can have up to 30% of your daily sodium.
Fat content varies by recipe. Using less butter or oil cuts down on fat and calories.
Healthy Modifications
You can boost the health factor of Stove Top stuffing.
Add veggies like celery, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and fiber.
Use low-sodium broth instead of the seasoning packet. This cuts down on salt.
Mix in whole grain bread cubes for more fiber. Swap butter for olive oil to get healthier fats.
Add nuts or seeds for protein and good fats. Chopped apples or cranberries give natural sweetness and vitamins.
Cook stuffing outside the bird to avoid extra fat from drippings.
Creative Ways to Use Stove Top Stuffing
Stove Top stuffing isn’t just for the holidays. You can use this versatile mix in many tasty dishes year-round. Get ready to spice up your meals with these unique ideas.
Incorporating into Breakfast Dishes
Start your day with a stuffing-inspired breakfast.
Mix cooked Stove Top stuffing into scrambled eggs for a hearty meal. You can also use it as a base for breakfast casseroles.
Try making stuffing waffles. Mix the prepared stuffing with an egg and press it into a waffle iron. Top with maple syrup or gravy for a sweet or savory treat.
For a quick morning bite, stuff bell peppers with a mix of Stove Top, eggs, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melty.
Innovative Dessert Ideas
Turn Stove Top stuffing into a sweet treat. Use it as a base for a fruit crisp. Mix the stuffing with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
Spread over sliced apples or berries and bake until golden.
Make stuffing cookies by mixing prepared stuffing with chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruit. Form into balls and bake for a unique twist on classic cookies.
Try a stuffing-based bread pudding. Combine the mix with milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
Add raisins or other dried fruit. Bake until set and serve warm with ice cream.