20 Classic Christmas Stuffing Recipes You’ll Love This Season

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to gather with family and friends, and what’s a holiday feast without the perfect stuffing? If you're anything like me, stuffing is an essential side dish that completes the holiday meal. From savory herbs to a touch of sweetness, there’s just something about that comforting blend of ingredients that brings a festive feel to the table.

This year, why settle for a basic stuffing when you can try something new? I’ve rounded up 20 Classic Christmas Stuffing Recipes You’ll Love This Season, each one with a unique twist to make your holiday spread even more special. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or something with a creative spin, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Let’s dive in and discover the stuffing recipe that will be the star of your holiday dinner!

1. Traditional Sage and Onion Stuffing

This classic recipe is a holiday staple, and it’s the perfect mix of savory and fragrant. The sage and onion combination gives it a nostalgic flavor that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add the sage and cook for another minute.
4. Place the cubed bread in a large bowl and pour the butter-onion mixture over it. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix until everything is well combined and moistened.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

2. Apple and Cranberry Stuffing

If you love a little sweetness in your stuffing, this apple and cranberry version is just what you need. The tart cranberries and juicy apples provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add the apples, cranberries, and cinnamon. Cook until the fruit softens, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and fruit mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is crispy.

3. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This hearty stuffing combines the rich flavors of sausage with a medley of herbs, creating a savory dish that’s sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage mixture, thyme, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

4. Bacon and Leek Stuffing

The smoky flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with the mild, sweet taste of leeks in this stuffing recipe. It’s rich, savory, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of whole wheat bread, cubed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the leeks until soft.
4. Combine the bread cubes, bacon, leeks, and chicken broth in a large bowl. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake in a greased dish for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy on top.

5. Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing has a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, crumbly texture that makes it a favorite for many. This version is simple but so satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pan of cornbread, crumbled
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and celery in butter until soft.
3. Combine the cornbread crumbs, sautéed veggies, and chicken broth in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

6. Mushroom and Garlic Stuffing

For those who love earthy flavors, this mushroom and garlic stuffing will hit the spot. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture, and the garlic adds depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of whole grain bread, cubed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant.
3. Combine the bread cubes, mushrooms, garlic, and vegetable broth in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Chestnut Stuffing

Chestnuts add a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other stuffing ingredients, giving it a rich, holiday flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
• 1 cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the onion in butter until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, chestnuts, and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

8. Pecan and Cranberry Stuffing

Pecans add a delightful crunch, while cranberries bring a sweet-tart pop of flavor in this festive stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the onion in butter until soft, then combine with the bread cubes, pecans, and cranberries.
3. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

9. Butternut Squash and Sage Stuffing

The sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of sage, making this stuffing a standout.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
• 2 cups butternut squash, roasted and diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Toss the roasted butternut squash with the bread cubes, sage, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

10. Spinach and Feta Stuffing

If you’re looking for a stuffing with a Mediterranean twist, this spinach and feta stuffing will be a hit. The saltiness of feta complements the richness of the spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 2 cups spinach, sautéed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine the sautéed spinach, bread cubes, feta, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.

11. Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing

The combination of sweet potatoes and pecans creates a sweet-savory stuffing that adds a touch of elegance to your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of whole wheat bread, cubed
• 2 sweet potatoes, roasted and diced
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix the roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, and bread cubes in a bowl.
3. Add the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

12. Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Stuffing

Caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese add a rich depth of flavor that elevates this stuffing recipe to gourmet levels.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
• 2 onions, caramelized
• 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Combine the caramelized onions, goat cheese, and bread cubes in a large bowl.
3. Add the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

13. Brussels Sprout and Bacon Stuffing

This stuffing brings together two beloved ingredients—Brussels sprouts and bacon—for a savory dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of multigrain bread, cubed
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the Brussels sprouts until tender and slightly browned.
4. Combine the bread cubes, bacon, and Brussels sprouts in a bowl. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden.

14. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Stuffing

If you’re a fan of garlic and cheese, this roasted garlic and Parmesan stuffing is for you. The garlic is roasted to perfection, creating a sweet, mellow flavor that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of rustic bread, cubed
• 1 head of garlic, roasted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roast the garlic by cutting off the top and drizzling with olive oil, then wrapping it in foil and baking for 40 minutes at 400°F.
3. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze it out and mash it.
4. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, mashed garlic, Parmesan, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

15. Fig and Prosciutto Stuffing

The sweet figs and salty prosciutto in this stuffing make for an elegant and flavorful combination. It’s a great option if you want something a little more sophisticated.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of ciabatta bread, cubed
• 6 figs, chopped
• 4 slices prosciutto, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook the prosciutto until crispy, then set aside.
3. Sauté the onion in the same skillet until soft.
4. Combine the bread cubes, figs, prosciutto, and sautéed onion in a large bowl. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden.

16. Poppy Seed and Mustard Stuffing

This stuffing is a perfect balance of tangy mustard and delicate poppy seeds, giving it a unique flavor that complements the richness of your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of challah bread, cubed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion in butter until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, mustard, poppy seeds, and onion mixture.
4. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

17. Sweet Corn and Jalapeño Stuffing

This stuffing adds a spicy kick with the combination of sweet corn and fresh jalapeños. It's perfect for those who like a little heat in their holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of cornbread, crumbled
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the onion and jalapeños in butter until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cornbread crumbs, corn, and the onion-jalapeño mixture. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

18. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffing

This rich and earthy stuffing combines the flavors of mushrooms and spinach, creating a perfect vegetarian option for your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach, sautéed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan. Add the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

19. Cranberry and Orange Stuffing

The tartness of cranberries combined with the bright citrus flavor of orange makes this stuffing a festive favorite that adds a fresh, zesty twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread, cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the cranberries until they start to pop.
3. Combine the bread cubes, sautéed cranberries, orange zest, and juice in a bowl. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

20. Herb and Parmesan Stuffing

This simple but flavorful stuffing is packed with fresh herbs and Parmesan, offering a savory dish that complements any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Italian bread, cubed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, Parmesan, and parsley.
3. Melt the butter in a skillet and pour it over the bread mixture. Add the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy on top.

Conclusion

These 20 stuffing recipes cover a range of flavors, from sweet and savory to spicy and earthy. No matter which one you choose, you can be sure it will be a hit at your holiday dinner table!