This quick and easy recipe shows you how to make the best ever Stove Top Stuffing in the oven. This doctored up version of store bought stuffing makes it taste homemade and completely delicious!
How to make the best ever Stove Top Stuffing in the oven. This doctored up version of store bought stuffing tastes homemade and delicious!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients, such as cooked and crumbled sausage, diced apples, or fresh thyme. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to taste.
To replace the fresh herbs with dried herbs, replace the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley with 1 heaping Tablespoon of dried parsley flakes, and replace the 1/4 cup of fresh sage with 1 Tablespoon of dried rubbed sage or 1 teaspoon of dried ground sage.
As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the most frequently asked questions is how much Stove Top stuffing to make for the big turkey dinner. This beloved, convenient boxed stuffing mix has become a staple at holiday meals for good reason – it’s quick, easy, and delicious. But determining how many boxes you need can be tricky.
In this article we’ll explore how to figure out the right amount of Stove Top stuffing based on the size of your turkey and the number of guests you plan to serve. We’ll also answer some common questions about preparing customizing, and serving this classic side dish.
Calculating How Much Stove Top Stuffing You Need
The number of boxes needed depends primarily on the weight of the raw turkey you plan to cook. As a general rule of thumb:
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For an 8 to 12 pound turkey, you’ll need 1 to 2 boxes of Stove Top stuffing.
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For a 12 to 16 pound turkey, plan on 2 to 3 boxes.
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For a 16 to 20 pound turkey, you’ll need around 3 to 4 boxes
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And for a 20 to 24 pound turkey, go with 4 to 5 boxes of stuffing mix.
However, you may want to adjust this amount based on personal preferences:
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If you like a lightly stuffed bird, you may need less – just 1 box per 8 to 10 pounds.
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If you prefer more generous portions of stuffing, allow 1 box per 3 to 4 pounds of turkey.
It’s smart to have an extra box on hand for flexibility in case you want more stuffing than originally planned. You can never have too much of this tasty side!
Helpful Serving Tips
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For food safety, it’s best to bake stuffing separately from the turkey in a casserole dish rather than stuffed inside. This prevents bacterial contamination and allows both components to cook thoroughly.
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Lightly spoon the stuffing into the bird rather than packing it densely, which can lead to uneven cooking.
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Let the prepared stuffing cool fully before storing leftovers in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
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One 6-ounce box of Stove Top stuffing mix makes about 6 cups of dry stuffing, equaling around 12 cups prepared. This yields roughly 6 servings – but portion sizes can vary based on appetite!
Customizing Your Stuffing
While the traditional Stove Top stuffing mix is convenient as is, you can also jazz it up with extra ingredients. Consider tossing in any of the following:
- Diced celery, onions, carrots for crunch
- Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme or other herbs
- Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins for sweetness
- Chopped walnuts, pecans, pine nuts for nutty flavor
- Spices like paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder
The possibilities are endless for putting your own signature touch on this Thanksgiving staple!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare Stove Top if I don’t have a stove?
You can make Stove Top stuffing in the microwave or even bake it in the oven. Just follow the package directions.
Can I use Stove Top stuffing with a boneless turkey breast?
Yes, Stove Top stuffing pairs nicely with boneless turkey breast or other cuts like turkey tenderloins. Adjust the amount as needed.
Is there a gluten-free Stove Top stuffing?
Unfortunately Stove Top contains wheat-based ingredients, so standard versions are not gluten-free. Check labels carefully if avoiding gluten.
Can I make Stove Top stuffing without butter?
Butter provides richness and flavor, but you can prepare Stove Top stuffing without it. The taste may just be a bit more plain.
How long does Stove Top stuffing last in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftovers will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze extra Stove Top stuffing?
Yes, freezing fully cooked stuffing is fine. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat Stove Top stuffing?
For optimum taste and texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, rather than the microwave. Add a bit of chicken or turkey broth if dry.
More Stuffing Tips and Tricks
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For a Turkey Day treat, use Stove Top stuffing to fill inside boneless, rolled turkey breast roulades.
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Craft bite-sized stuffing balls by forming leftover stuffing into 1-inch balls, coating with egg then breadcrumbs, and baking until crispy.
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For a rich, savory twist, saute sliced cremini mushrooms in butter and mix them into the stuffing.
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For a Southwest vibe, add cooked chorizo sausage, corn, black beans, cumin and cilantro.
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Pack scoops of stuffing into bell peppers, top with cheese and bake for a handy appetizer.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Stuffed Turkey Feast
As you can see, determining how many boxes of Stove Top stuffing you need is easy once you know the weight of your turkey. Keep this handy guide in mind, allow for extra portions, and customize the stuffing to suit your tastes.
With fluffy, flavorful Stove Top stuffing paired with your succulent roasted turkey, savory sides, and festive desserts, your Thanksgiving feast is sure to be a memorable one. So relax and enjoy the flavorful tradition of Stove Top stuffing with family and friends!
Can You Prepare Uncooked Stuffing Ahead Of Time And Refrigerate?
No, if you need to make this stuffing in advance, you have two options. You can make it, bake it, let it cool, store the fully cooked stuffing covered in the fridge, and then reheat it on the day of. You can also make it and freeze it, and then cook it directly from frozen. If you plan on doing either of these, make sure you’re storing it an appropriate baking dish that can handle those temperature swings.
How Do You Cook 2 Boxes Of Stove Top Stuffing?
To cook 2 boxes of Stove Top Stuffing, simply double the amount of water and butter listed on the box instructions. Cook the stuffing in a large saucepan, then fluff with a fork before serving.