Get ready to stuff your senses with our collection of 18 savory recipes that will delight your taste buds! From classic Thanksgiving dishes to creative twists on familiar favorites, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there’s something for everyone in this mouthwatering lineup.
From the comfort of a stuffed turkey to the indulgence of a cheesy-stuffed jalapeño popper, our recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And don’t worry if you’re looking for something new and exciting – we’ve got that covered too! With options like wild rice and mushroom-stuffed acorn squash and quinoa and vegetable-stuffed zucchini boats, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found.
In this article, we’ll take a culinary journey through our top 18 stuffing recipes, highlighting the best of the best in terms of flavor, texture, and presentation. So grab your apron, get cozy, and let the aroma of savory goodness fill your kitchen!
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Recipe
This iconic recipe yields a tender, juicy turkey with a flavorful bread-based stuffing that’s sure to please the whole family. With its comforting blend of aromatics and herbs, this dish is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion, celery, and garlic until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the bread, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked aromatics and herbs to the bread mixture; mix well.
5. Stuff the turkey loosely with the prepared stuffing, leaving some room for expansion during cooking.
6. Cook the turkey according to package instructions or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-4 1/2 hours
Herb and Sausage Stuffed Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops game with this flavorful recipe that combines the savory taste of sausage with a blend of fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick
– 1/2 cup sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sausage, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay pork chops flat and make a horizontal incision in each chop to create a pocket. Stuff each chop with the sausage mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed pork chops and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, these savory bites are perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until heated through.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry and Apple Stuffed Chicken Breast
This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of apples and cranberries with the savory taste of chicken breast, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cranberries, apple, butter, honey, and mustard.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the cranberry-apple mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms with the tanginess of feta cheese and the freshness of spinach, creating a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
A classic comfort food with a twist, this Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf combines the richness of beef with the savory flavors of crispy bacon and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
4. If using ketchup, brush the top of the meatloaf with a thin layer.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the earthy flavors of wild rice and sautéed mushrooms, making for a satisfying and nutritious main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 large acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked wild rice, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each squash half with the mushroom-wild rice mixture and top with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Stuffed Shrimp
Savor the rich flavors of garlic and butter infused into succulent shrimp, perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Stuff each shrimp with the garlic butter mixture, dividing it evenly among the shells.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Cornbread and Sausage Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This recipe combines the tenderloin of pork with a savory cornbread and sausage filling, resulting in a flavorful and impressive main dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cornbread mix, sausage, and cheese.
3. Lay the pork tenderloin flat on a work surface. Make a horizontal incision in the center of the meat, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the cornbread mixture into the incision, spreading it evenly throughout the tenderloin.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Drizzle the outside of the pork with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place the stuffed pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Elevate your snack game with these creamy, cheesy, and spicy treats! These bite-sized poppers are perfect for parties or game days.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeños
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: breadcrumbs for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully hollow out the insides, leaving a shell.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with the cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. If desired, coat the stuffed poppers with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
6. Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Transform zucchinis into a flavorful and nutritious meal by filling them with quinoa, vegetables, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, mixed vegetables, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Stuff each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed zucchinis and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the zucchinis are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffed Ravioli
Pumpkin and Sage Stuffed Ravioli Recipe: A seasonal take on classic ravioli, this dish combines the warm spices of fall with the comfort of homemade pasta.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pasta dough to a thin sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, chopped sage, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
3. Place spoonfuls of the filling onto the pasta sheet, leaving space between each portion.
4. Fold the pasta sheet in half to enclose the filling, then press edges together to seal.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ravioli for 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
6. Serve with your favorite sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent recipe that combines the richness of crab meat with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a flavorful mushroom package.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stemmed
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup lump crab meat
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, crab meat, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the crab-cream cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork Roast
This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts, wrapped in a tender pork roast. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless pork roast
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff the pork roast with the apple and walnut mixture, placing it inside the roast’s natural crevices.
5. Season the outside of the roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Place the roast in a roasting pan and roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Blue Cheese and Pear Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken dish with a surprising combination of flavors and textures! This recipe pairs the richness of blue cheese with the sweetness of pears, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together blue cheese and diced pear.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the blue cheese-pear mixture.
5. Drizzle honey and olive oil over the stuffed chicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon and Herb Stuffed Salmon
Lemon and Herb Stuffed Salmon Recipe
Elevate your seafood game with this refreshing twist on traditional salmon recipes! Lemon and herb flavors meld together to create a succulent and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon the lemon-herb mixture evenly over each fillet, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the fish to ensure even cooking.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and impressive dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with sweet caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each breast with a spoonful of caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Dot the top of each breast with butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Spicy Chorizo Stuffed Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful fiesta with this simple recipe. Spicy chorizo, creamy rice, and melted cheese come together to create a deliciously spicy twist on traditional stuffed peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb spicy chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook chorizo over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
4. Add cooked rice, cheese, and cilantro to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Stuff each pepper with the chorizo mixture, topping with additional cheese if desired.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 18 savory recipes that feature stuffing as a key ingredient! From classic turkey and pork chops, to creative twists like stuffed bell peppers and jalapeño poppers, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a special occasion meal, these recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative with your stuffing, and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite!