Bert Swope
Homemade stuffing can be an intricate endeavor that often results in crumbly or soggy results, but this doesn’t have to be the case! With proper planning and execution, stuffing doesn’t need to be challenging!
Bring gourmet flair to store-bought stuffing by adding your own cooked vegetables and sausage. This dish will guarantee a comforting meal that’s sure to impress guests!
1. Stuffed Bell Peppers
This easy weeknight dinner recipe makes meal planning stress-free with protein-packed ground beef, vegetables and cheese that will satisfy the entire family!
Bell Peppers
These vitamin-packed peppers provide an energetic and delicious base for this dish, from red, orange and yellow peppers with sweeter tastes, while green ones bring zestier notes.
Brown Rice.
As an age-old staple, brown rice adds tons of nutrition and extends this budget-friendly meal even further. For something different and healthier, try swapping out another cooked grain such as quinoa or bulgur wheat or even small pasta like pearl couscous or orzo as the star ingredient of this dish.
If you’re short on time, skip precooking the peppers by instead using microwaveable rice – this way they’ll cook quickly while you work on making the filling! For even faster results, roast instead of boil them!
2. Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Chicken breast can be an excellent source of lean protein, yet can quickly become dull and bland. This stuffed chicken recipe adds all the flavors and textures of herbed homemade stuffing for a truly exciting dish!
To create this delicious stuffed chicken recipe, all that’s necessary are boneless skinless chicken breasts (which can be flattened out using a rolling pin or meat mallet), Stove Top Stuffing (or another brand, it doesn’t matter) and some key ingredients such as herbs (I prefer using sage, rosemary and thyme but you can substitute as needed).
To prepare chicken, begin by using a sharp knife to create pockets in each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season both the inside and outside with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before filling each pocket with some stuffing from your recipe and secure with toothpicks.
3. Stuffing Casserole
This hearty meal combines the best elements of both chicken pot pie and herby stuffing casserole for a scrumptious meal the entire family will savor. The creamy sauce is perfectly spiced while vegetables remain crisp. Ideal as a Thanksgiving leftover or weeknight dinner.
Cook your chicken and combine its ingredients in a large baking dish before topping with prepared stuffing. Be sure to mix your dry stuffing mix before incorporating any melted butter to ensure bread cubes will be fully baked before placing the dish into the oven.
Use rotisserie chicken from a store-bought rotisserie as an easy shortcut when creating this dish. Add some shredded turkey for additional protein or change up your vegetables for something else altogether; try replacing green beans for corn or broccoli as desired if desired – adding sweet fruits like cranberries or figs would also be delicious additions!
4. Stuffing Muffins
Make these easy stuffing muffins up to two days ahead and bake on the day you intend to serve them, or they freeze well and can even be frozen for later reheating! Simply remove from the freezer, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then pop back in your oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes if reheating at home.
This mini sized version of traditional stuffing is perfect for children and adults alike. Customize it to meet individual taste by including diced apples, cranberries, raisins or diced cooked sausage or chicken for extra flavor! Enjoy fresh out of the oven or at room temperature – they make a delicious treat!
This recipe is easy and delicious with Stove Top stuffing mix! This dish includes onions and celery – two staple ingredients of any good stuffing recipe. Butter is used to saute these veggies before an egg is added so the stuffing stays together while baking. Ensure unsalted butter is used so you can control how much salt goes in!
5. Stuffing Meatloaf
Chef John has developed this top-rated recipe so you can feed both family and guests budget-conscious comfort food, which they are sure to love. Prep time takes less than 30 minutes; let the oven do the rest!
Stove Top stuffing mix acts as a great replacement for bread crumbs in this meatloaf recipe, helping it hold together without crumbling apart. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds extra flavor. Ground chuck is used for this version but you could easily switch out with different cuts of meat for variety.
To prepare stuffing, follow the package directions for boiling water and combine it with egg, milk, onion, garlic, salt and pepper, ketchup, parsley and cayenne for an irresistibly succulent meatloaf recipe. Pour it into a greased loaf pan before placing in the oven. Serve alongside mashed potatoes and gravy as a delicious dinnertime or anytime meal – for leftover slices just place slices on a plate covered with aluminum foil before heating in either microwave or oven until hot throughout!
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make an ideal party appetizer or side dish when served alongside a steak or chicken dish. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time and just bake when ready!
Key to making successful stuffed mushroom recipes lies in having an adequate stuffing mix – one which holds in all the stems and other ingredients within its caps – for proper support of the stems and ingredients within. If yours seems dry, add a splash more stock until everything comes together nicely.
To create the filling, saute chopped shallot and mushroom stems in butter until tender, then combine these cooked stems with grated parmesan cheese and one beaten egg to help hold everything together before stuffing it into mushroom caps.
Brush the mushroom caps and their rim with melted butter and season with salt, then spoon in stuffing mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Drizzle more melted butter before baking for 15-18 minutes until browned.
7. Stuffing Waffles
Make Stuffing Waffles using leftover stuffing or even a box of Stove Top for an easy breakfast solution! Crispy yet savory waffles topped with leftover cranberry sauce and warm gravy can make an unforgettable breakfast treat!
These delicious waffles are simple to create with only four ingredients! Perfect for lunch, dinner and breakfast and an effective way to use Thanksgiving leftovers! For an extra hearty and delectable dish add turkey or Parmesan cheese for an even heartier and delicious meal!
Simply mix together stuffing, eggs, and chicken broth until all ingredients are evenly combined and moistened, before pouring onto a preheated waffle iron to cook until golden-brown and crisp on the outside. Cooking times will depend upon your waffle maker – please consult its manual or conduct tests prior to attempting this delectable treat!
8. Stuffing-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Cranberry sausage sits atop sweet acorn squash in this delightful side dish or light dinner, easily made using a package of stuffing mix. Enjoy autumn without the fuss of cooking full meals; this would make an impressive addition to any holiday table!
If you prefer using ground beef or turkey instead of pork sausage, simply substitute equal amounts and increase salt as necessary. Fresh herbs such as parsley or sage add extra dimension and complexity to any recipe.
Place squash cut sides down on an aluminum-lined baking pan; bake 30 minutes. While waiting for squash to bake, prepare stuffing mix according to package directions (reducing butter to 3 Tbsp), adding in desired herbs such as sage and thyme; mix thoroughly. Divide stuffing among squash halves before topping each with walnuts before returning it back to oven for another 30 minutes until fork easily penetrates squash flesh.
9. Stuffing-Stuffed Pork Chops
This delectable dish features pork chops stuffed with flavorful stuffing, onion, and apple for an exquisite weeknight dinner option! Simply brown the pork chops first in a skillet before baking in the oven with their stuffing for an outstandingly satisfying feast that everyone in your family will savor!
This delectable dish is an ideal way to utilize leftover Stove Top stuffing or instant stuffing mix from other flavors, as well as any that has already been mixed and stored. To add extra flavor, saute onions, celery and apple in butter before mixing with other ingredients in the stuffing mixture and stuffing pork chops with it using toothpicks as needed.
Make sure to choose bone-in pork loin or rib chops when preparing this dish; these pieces work better for stuffing and have more meaty textures. Plus, this recipe makes an easy freezer meal: simply store the stuffed chops in foil until needed!