How to Make StoveTop Stuffing Mix More Homemade

StoveTop Stuffing mix is a staple in many kitchens, offering convenience and a comforting taste of the holidays all year round. But what if you could elevate this store-bought favorite to taste more like it was made from scratch? In this article, we’ll explore how to enhance StoveTop Stuffing mix with fresh ingredients, homemade broths, and creative additions to make it feel more like the real deal, bringing that homemade warmth to your dinner table.

Making StoveTop Stuffing More Homemade: Base Recipe

To start transforming StoveTop Stuffing mix into a more homemade dish, it’s all about adding layers of fresh ingredients and rich flavors that complement the original mix. Here is the base recipe that will take your stuffing to the next level.

Base Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
StoveTop Stuffing mix	1 box	170 grams
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	57 grams
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium	150 grams
Celery, finely chopped	2 ribs	100 grams
Garlic, minced	2 cloves	10 grams
Chicken broth	1 3/4 cups	420 ml
Fresh parsley, chopped	1/4 cup	15 grams
Salt and pepper	To taste	To taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients — Finely chop the onion and celery. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
2. Sauté Vegetables — In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until they are tender and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add Garlic — Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Mix in Stuffing Mix — Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the StoveTop Stuffing mix and stir well to combine.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs — Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let Rest — Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Variations to Make StoveTop Stuffing Mix More Homemade

1. Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Adding sausage and apple gives a sweet-savory twist that is sure to impress at any dinner gathering.

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
StoveTop Stuffing mix	1 box	170 grams
Ground sausage	1/2 pound	225 grams
Apple, peeled and diced	1 medium	150 grams
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	28 grams
Onion, finely chopped	1 small	100 grams
Chicken broth	1 3/4 cups	420 ml
Fresh sage, chopped	1 tablespoon	5 grams

Instructions

1. In a skillet, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced apple and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add the StoveTop Stuffing mix along with the cooked sausage and chopped sage. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Mushroom and Herb Stuffing

For mushroom lovers, this version enhances the savory flavors and brings a more earthy taste to your stuffing.

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
StoveTop Stuffing mix	1 box	170 grams
Mushrooms, sliced	1 1/2 cups	225 grams
Unsalted butter	3 tablespoons	42 grams
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium	150 grams
Thyme, fresh or dried	1 teaspoon	2 grams
Chicken or vegetable broth	1 3/4 cups	420 ml
Fresh parsley, chopped	1/4 cup	15 grams

Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and most of the moisture has evaporated.
2. Add the chopped onion and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes until soft.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the stuffing mix, thyme, and fresh parsley. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before serving.

3. Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

This variation adds a touch of sweetness with cranberries and a delightful crunch from the pecans.

Ingredient	U.S. Measure	Metric Measure
StoveTop Stuffing mix	1 box	170 grams
Dried cranberries	1/2 cup	60 grams
Pecans, chopped	1/2 cup	60 grams
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	28 grams
Celery, finely chopped	2 ribs	100 grams
Chicken broth	1 3/4 cups	420 ml
Fresh rosemary, chopped	1 teaspoon	1 gram

Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped celery until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the StoveTop Stuffing mix, cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh rosemary.
3. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Tips for Making StoveTop Stuffing Mix Taste Homemade

• Use Homemade Broth — One of the simplest ways to elevate StoveTop Stuffing is to replace the water with a rich homemade chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth. The depth of flavor in homemade broth will enhance the stuffing and make it taste as if it were made from scratch.
• Add Aromatics — Aromatics such as onions, garlic, celery, and fresh herbs add a ton of flavor. Sauté them in butter before adding them to the stuffing mix for an added layer of taste.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs — Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary bring a bright, fresh element that instantly makes the dish taste more sophisticated and homemade.
• Include Proteins — Adding cooked sausage, bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can add heartiness to the stuffing. The added protein makes it more suitable as a main dish rather than a side.
• Mix in Fruits and Nuts — For a sweet and savory combination, add fruits like apples, cranberries, or raisins, and nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. These additions provide different textures and balance the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.

Essential Concepts and Principles

Concept/Principle	Description
Homemade Broth	Using homemade broth enhances the depth and flavor of the stuffing, giving a homemade taste.
Aromatics	Onions, garlic, and celery add complexity and depth when sautéed before adding to the mix.
Fresh Herbs	Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme elevates the flavor profile.
Added Proteins	Sausage, bacon, or chicken can turn stuffing from a side dish into a hearty main.
Sweet and Savory Elements	Adding fruits and nuts provides a balance of sweet and savory, as well as interesting textures.