Stuffing vs. Dressing: It Doesn't Matter, So Long As One Is on Your Thanksgiving Table
Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Can you really call your stuffing a “stuffing” if it wasn’t cooked inside the turkey? Do New Yorkers make “dressing,” or is that only a Southern dish? How many ingredient mix-ins is too many when it comes to reinventing the stuffing wheel?
There are countless debates surrounding this all-important Thanksgiving side dish, but no matter what argument you believe, one thing is certain: A stuffing or a dressing (however you define it) ought to be on your table this turkey day. Check out Food Network’s all-star lineup of the best picks for both seasonal stuffings and dressings.
Tender, moist cornbread forms the base of this tried-and-true classic, seasoned with a duo of fresh herbs, plus crispy bacon for heft.
Tara Donne, Tara Donne
Studded with smoked ham and bright red pepper, Michael Symon’s easy recipe is baked in two parts: once covered so the insides can warm up, then again uncovered for a few additional minutes so the exterior can feature the crusty bits you crave.
The beauty of Ina Garten’s timeless stuffing is that you don’t need to start prepping it days in advance to dry out the bread. She simply toasts freshly cut cubes for a few minutes to achieve the same effect.
Tara Donne, 2009, Tara Donne
Apple and Onion Stuffin’ Muffins
Follow Rachael Ray’s lead and prep a hearty stuffing mixture, then cook it in a muffin tin. Your guests can enjoy perfectly portioned servings. Bonus: To save time in the kitchen, Rachael starts with store-bought stuffing mix, so the prep work is a cinch.
Tara Donne, Tara Donne
Cornbread Stuffing with Pancetta, Apples and Mushrooms
This dish is made with three kinds of bread: cornbread, French and artisan. The Pioneer Woman’s big-batch stuffing can be baked on its own or stuffed inside the turkey — “if you’re into that kind of thing,” she says.
Sausage and Kale Thanksgiving Dressing
The kale trend isn’t over yet, and that means it’s time to feature this leafy green in your Thanksgiving dressing. Food Network Magazine pairs the kale with two natural complements — sausage and butternut squash — to create a fan-favorite side dish.
Tara Donne
Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
True to her penchant for celebrating both Italian and American flavors, Giada De Laurentiis dresses up a traditional stuffing with plenty of classically Italian ingredients, like day-old ciabatta bread, salty pancetta and even nutty Parmesan cheese for a decadent bite.
Tara Donne, Tara Donne
Sourdough, Wild Mushroom and Bacon Dressing
“Chicken stock is the key to Thanksgiving. Don’t forget that,” Bobby Flay explains while prepping this dressing, which he ensures is especially moist with plenty of that chicken stock.