The sides are my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner and this doctored up Thanksgiving Stove Top Stuffing might be my very favorite of all. Using the breadcrumbs and seasoning that come in the Stovetop stuffing store-bought box are super handy, while adding freshly sautéed vegetables and the giblets from your turkey make for a flavorful, delicious side dish.
Whether you’re making this easy smoked turkey recipe, a Cajun turkey, a convection oven turkey, or cooking it the old-fashioned way, thanksgiving stuffing goes hand in hand with your holiday bird. (Regardless of which way we cook our turkey, we use this Citrus Turkey Brine!)
This glorified stuffing is out of this world amazing. And it’s so easy to make because good ol’ Stovetop has done all the prep work for us! You can adjust the add-ins for your personal tastes, but using this recipe guarantees you’ll have a crowd pleaser to set on the Thanksgiving table with Granny’s homemade sweet dinner rolls, cranberry jello salad, and creamy mashed potatoes. Every so often we make 2 stuffings for Thanksgiving, because they are all soooo good, try out our Cornbread Sausage Stuffing or our sourdough stuffing with sausage.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the biggest decisions facing home cooks is whether or not to stuff the turkey While filling the turkey cavity with flavorful stuffing can take your holiday centerpiece to the next level, it does come with some potential risks. So, can you safely stuff your turkey with Stove Top stuffing?
In this complete guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about stuffing your turkey with the beloved Stove Top brand, including preparation tips, cooking guidelines, safety recommendations, and serving suggestions. Read on for the full scoop on creating a showstopping stuffed turkey with Stove Top stuffing this Thanksgiving.
What is Stove Top Stuffing?
For the uninitiated, Stove Top is a popular brand of boxed stuffing mix that has been gracing Thanksgiving tables for decades. The convenience, cost-effectiveness, and delicious flavor of Stove Top stuffing has made it a pantry staple for generations of home cooks.
The stuffing mix contains seasoned bread cubes or crumbs along with a blend of herbs, spices, and dried vegetables. Classic Stove Top stuffing mixes feature ingredients like celery, onion, sage, poultry seasoning, parsley, and pepper. By simply adding water and butter, you can prepare fluffy, flavorful stuffing in minutes.
Stove Top stuffing comes in a few varieties tailored to pair perfectly with different proteins. The traditional Sage flavor works well with turkey or chicken, while the Savory Herb option pairs nicely with pork or beef. There’s even a cornbread-based mix for a delicious Southern flair.
Is It Safe to Stuff a Turkey with Stove Top Stuffing?
Stuffing a turkey introduces some potential food safety risks, namely improper cooking which can lead to bacterial growth in the stuffing. Since the stuffing is contained within the turkey cavity rather than baked directly, it can be more difficult for the heat to penetrate fully and cook the stuffing to a safe temperature.
However, it is perfectly safe to stuff your turkey with Stove Top stuffing as long as proper food safety precautions are followed. The keys are preparing and cooking the stuffing properly, monitoring the temperature carefully, and avoiding overstuffing the cavity.
Here are some tips for safely preparing Stove Top turkey stuffing:
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Always cook the stuffing before stuffing the turkey Stuffing can contain bacteria, so you must fully cook it first to eliminate risks before putting it inside the raw bird Prepare Stove Top stuffing according to package directions in a saucepan until moistened and heated through before using it as a stuffing.
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Cool the stuffing completely before stuffing the turkey. Let the stuffing cool to room temperature after cooking so that you don’t introduce hot stuffing into a raw turkey. This temperature difference makes it hard for the cavity to heat evenly.
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Don’t overstuff. Lightly fill the turkey cavities without overpacking or you’ll end up with uneven cooking. Allow room for the stuffing to expand as it absorbs juices.
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Monitor the temperature. Check the internal temperature of both the stuffing and turkey meat with a food thermometer. The safe minimum is 165°F for both.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Remove and refrigerate leftover stuffing and meat within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stuffing a Turkey with Stove Top
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof results when stuffing your turkey with Stove Top this Thanksgiving:
Prep the Turkey
- Thaw turkey completely if frozen. Allow 1 day of thawing for every 4-5 lbs.
- Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Generously season the inside cavity with salt, pepper, herbs like sage or thyme (if desired).
- Truss turkey legs together with kitchen string to hold shape during roasting.
Make the Stove Top Stuffing
- Prepare Stove Top stuffing according to package directions. Typically this involves bringing water and butter to a boil, then adding stuffing mix and stirring until moistened.
- For more flavor, sauté aromatics like onions, celery, mushrooms etc. before adding to stuffing.
- Remove stuffing from heat, cool completely, then mix in any additional ingredients if desired.
Stuff the Turkey
- Lightly fill the neck cavity of the turkey with prepared, cooled stuffing using a spoon or your hands. Avoid overstuffing.
- Repeat process to fill the main body cavity with stuffing. Again, don’t pack it tightly.
Secure the Cavities
- Use kitchen string to truss the neck flap closed so stuffing stays in place.
- Tie legs together over stuffing-filled body cavity to secure.
Roast the Stuffed Turkey
- Place stuffed turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add broth or water to the bottom of the pan.
- Roast turkey at 325°F, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Check temperature regularly until stuffing and thighs reach minimum 165°F.
- Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your gorgeously golden turkey stuffed with fluffy, flavorful Stove Top stuffing is ready to be carved and enjoyed! Dig in to this delicious centerpiece and prepare for rave reviews from guests.
Stuffing your turkey with Stove Top is a great way to add another layer of texture, flavor, and fun to your Thanksgiving meal. Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines. As long as you prepare and cook the stuffing thoroughly and monitor temperatures carefully, you can enjoy a perfectly safe stuffed turkey using America’s favorite Stove Top stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffing a Turkey with Stove Top
Can I cook the stuffing inside the turkey instead of pre-cooking it?
Cooking raw stuffing inside a turkey is not recommended, as it can potentially harbor bacteria in undercooked portions. Always fully cook stuffing before placing it into the turkey cavity.
How much stuffing should I use to stuff a turkey?
Aim for about 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound of turkey. So a 12 lb. turkey would need around 9 cups of prepared stuffing. Just avoid overpacking the cavity which can lead to uneven cooking.
Should I stuff both the neck and main cavities?
Yes, stuffing both the neck and main body cavity allows you to maximize the flavorful stuffing inside the bird. Just be sure not to overstuff.
What’s the best way to cook extra stuffing?
If you have leftover prepared stuffing, transfer it to a greased baking dish and bake alongside the stuffed turkey for the last 30 minutes of roast time until heated through.
Is it better to bake stuffing outside the turkey?
There are pros and cons to both methods. While baked on its own, stuffing crisps up nicely. But cooking inside the bird allows it to absorb delicious turkey juices. As long as safety guidelines are followed, both options can yield amazing results.
How do I know when the stuffing is fully cooked?
Stuffing is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to insert your food thermometer into the center of the stuffing to get an accurate reading.
Can I use Stove Top Stuffing in recipes other than stuffing a turkey?
Absolutely! The versatile stuffing mix can be used to stuff chicken, pork chops, mushrooms or peppers. You can also use it to make stuffing muffins, casseroles or even as a savory bread pudding topping. Get creative!
Stuffing a turkey with Stove Top is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition that allows you to add comfort and nostalgia to the holiday table. Follow proper food safety tips, and you can safely enjoy this favorite brand of stuffing in your bird. Just be sure to leave room for extra helpings of this tasty turkey companion!
How to Stuff your Turkey
This doctored up Thanksgiving Stove top Stuffing is still delicious and relatively easy to make, but I would be remiss to not tell you that the yummy factor increases exponentially by giving it a few hours in the oven to soak up all the turkey drippings.
Remember not to stuff your turkey too tight. Loosely packing the stuffing into both the neck and the body cavities is the best method. Stuffed turkeys take longer to cook, but it’s worth the wait! Be sure the stuffing registers 165°F before removing the turkey from the oven.
Recipe FAQs
Remove giblets from your defrosted turkey and rinse. Pat dry with a paper towel. Dice into small pieces, discarding the tough muscle tissue and using only the soft tissue. If you like the flavor of liver, you can add it to the recipe with the other giblets.
Unless I’m cooking two turkeys, I usually do have extra stuffing that won’t fit in my turkey. I am really careful to keep the stuffing that won’t be going into the turkey in a separate bowl so that it doesn’t get contaminated by the raw turkey when I’m stuffing it.
No, it’s not safe to stuff the turkey in advance. Stuff right before putting the turkey into the oven.
Yes! Since your turkey typically spends hours in the oven, it’s nice to have your stuffing ready to go early on Thanksgiving day. I usually prepare the stuffing the night before and then I just have to stuff the turkey right before I stick it in the oven.
If you tried this doctored up Thanksgiving Stovetop Stuffing Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
- ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ▢ 2 cups diced celery
- ▢ 2 cups diced yellow onions
- ▢ ½ cup turkey giblets diced
- ▢ 12 oz. Stovetop Stuffing turkey flavor
- ▢ ½ cup butter salted
- ▢ 3 cups water
- ▢ 1 cup dried cranberries
- Saute celery, onions, and giblets in olive oil until giblets are browned and vegetables are soft.
- Add butter, water, and contents of Stovetop stuffing to the pan. Stir to combine.
- When butter has melted and stuffing is thoroughly mixed, remove from heat and cover with a lid for 5-10 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to soak up all of the water.
- Stir in cranberries.
- Serve or stuff turkey and cook until stuffing and turkey meat register 165°F.
What is Stovetop Stuffing?
Boxed Stovetop stuffing is a pre-made mixture of dried breadcrumbs and seasoning that you can cook up in just a few minutes on the stovetop by adding water and butter. A quick stir and simmer and you have fluffy, moist stuffing in minutes. It’s just as good as homemade stuffing.
We like to use Stovetop stuffing as an easy side or to mix in with some of our other favorite, easy dinners, but for Thanksgiving, we like to spice it up a bit. Stovetop stuffing can also be stuffed into a chicken or turkey, which adds even more flavor and moisture.
You can choose what kind of additions you’d like to use to make this doctored up stove top stuffing, but we typically start with celery and onions and sauté them in some olive oil on the stovetop. We also use the giblets (heart and gizzard, but never the liver because we’re not fans), which add another level of flavor to this stuffing.
We add in dried cranberries after the stuffing is prepared. I just love the contrast of the sweetness that cranberries add. I’ve tried raisins, as well, but those need to be stirred in to the stuffing after it finishes cooking in the turkey. Otherwise, the drippings from the turkey add too much moisture to the raisins and they plump right back up into grape status. ha! Pecans or walnuts can be a nice addition also.
- Celery – dice your celery into bite-size pieces
- Onions – Sweet Vidalia onions or just your standard yellow onions work
- Turkey giblets – dice up the giblets into really tiny pieces, there is not much between the turkey heart and gizzard, but it really adds some texture and flavor to the stuffing. (Use the neck to make this turkey neck gravy recipe to serve over the stuffing, yummmm)
- Olive oil – you can use your favorite oil for sautéing the vegetables and giblets
- Butter – we use unsalted butter, the same amount of butter as indicated on the Stovetop package – don’t skimp, this adds lots of flavor
- Turkey flavored Stove top stuffing mix – We use a double pack of stuffing AT LEAST and if we want enough for leftovers, sometimes I even double this recipe and use FOUR packs
- Dried cranberries – adjust the cranberries to your taste, but definitely give these a try. It’s a great addition, the contrasting sweetness is so yummy. The cranberries don’t plump up when the stuffing is cooked in the turkey.
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- You can use the chicken flavor stuffing also.
- If the store is out of Stovetop: look for bread cubes that have seasoning already added. I haven’t found another brand that is quite as moist and yummy as Stovetop.
- If you don’t stuff it into the Turkey, when adding in the water in step 3, you can use chicken broth, chicken stock, turkey stock, or vegetable broth instead. I’ve used both and it gives it a nice flavor.
- If you choose to NOT stuff your turkey with this stuffing, you can place it in an oven safe dish and roast it next to the turkey (if there is enough oven space) until golden brown on top.
- A few years in a row we added in pork sausage into this stuffing mix and it was amazing!!
- The best part of this stuffing mix is you can add in any of your favorite fresh ingredients: fresh diced carrots or green beans, fresh apples, we also play around with adding fresh herbs too. We love to add in sage, fresh thyme, and oregano.
Step 1: Over medium heat, sauté the celery, saute onions, and giblets in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Cook until the celery and onions are soft, the onions are translucent, and the giblets are browned.
Step 2: Add the breadcrumbs and butter to the pan. Mix to melt the butter and combine the ingredients.
Step 3: Add in the water and cover the mixture and let the bread soak up all the water. This only takes a few minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the dried cranberries.
Step 5: The Thanksgiving stovetop stuffing is ready! You can eat it as is or stuff it into your prepared turkey.
Step 6: Serve turkey stuffing warm out of the roasted turkey OR from a beautiful serving bowl.
