Let's be real for a second: that little red box of Stove Top Stuffing is the unsung hero of the pantry. It is salty, savory, carb-loaded perfection that deserves way more love than just one Thursday in November.
I have rounded up 25 incredibly creative ways to use boxed stuffing mix that go way beyond the side dish.
Chicken
1. Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
If comfort food had a face, it would be this bubbling pan of goodness. It combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy stuffing in a way that feels like a warm hug.
You layer cooked chicken with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, then top it all with the prepared stuffing mix. The steam from the sauce keeps the stuffing moist underneath while the top gets golden and crispy.
Keep a rotisserie chicken on hand to make this come together in literally five minutes. It is the ultimate ("I forgot to plan dinner") savior that tastes like you slaved over the stove.
2. Classic Swiss Chicken Bake
This is a retro classic that has stood the test of time for a reason. The combination of Swiss cheese and white wine (or chicken broth) creates a sophisticated flavor profile with zero effort.
Layer chicken breasts with slices of Swiss cheese and cream of mushroom soup, then sprinkle dry stuffing mix and melted butter over the top. The butter seeps into the crumbs to create a crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheese.
My mom used to make this in the 90s, and I still crave it constantly. Serve it with green beans to cut through the richness of the dairy.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing
Dump dinners are a lifestyle, and this one is at the top of my list. The chicken cooks low and slow, absorbing all the savory herbs from the stuffing mix.
Place chicken breasts in the crockpot, top with soup and sour cream, and pour the dry stuffing mix over everything. The moisture from the chicken steams the stuffing perfectly over four hours.
Imagine coming home from work to a house that smells like Thanksgiving. It is effortless, filling, and requires only one pot to clean.
4. Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Who knew you could turn Italian night into a stuffing lover's dream? This recipe uses the stuffing as a crouton-like topping that soaks up the tomato juices.
Top your chicken with canned diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and plenty of dried basil before adding the stuffing. The tomato juice hydrates the bread cubes, giving them a zesty, acidic kick.
If you have fresh basil, throw it on right after it comes out of the oven. The pop of green makes it look fancy enough for company.
5. Crispy Stuffing-Crusted Chicken
Forget breadcrumbs because crushed stuffing is the superior coating. It is already seasoned with sage and onion, so you don't have to add a million spices.
Dip chicken tenders in melted butter or egg wash, then roll them in crushed dry stuffing mix. Bake or air fry them until they are shattering crisp on the outside and juicy in the middle.
Kids absolutely go crazy for these "grown-up" chicken nuggets. Serve them with a side of gravy for dipping instead of ketchup.
Meatloaf & Beef Favorites
6. The "Secret Ingredient" Meatloaf
Dry meatloaf is a crime against humanity, but this box hack guarantees a moist loaf every time. The stuffing mix acts as a sponge, holding onto all the juices.
Swap out your usual breadcrumbs and spices for one box of savory herb stuffing mix and a cup of water. It binds the meat together perfectly and injects flavor into every single bite.
My husband claims he hates meatloaf, yet he always goes back for seconds of this one. Glaze it with extra ketchup and brown sugar for that sticky, sweet top.
7. Stove Top Burgers
Why season your burger meat when the stuffing can do it for you? These patties are incredibly tender and have a unique texture that is addictive.
Mix the dry stuffing with ground beef and a little water before forming your patties. Grill or pan-fry them as usual, but watch out because they will brown faster than regular beef.
Top these with cranberry mayo and swiss cheese for a "Thanksgiving Burger" vibe. It is a fun twist for a summer BBQ that catches everyone off guard.
8. Savory Stuffing Meatballs
These little savory bombs are perfect for appetizers or spaghetti night. They hold their shape beautifully and have that distinct sage flavor.
Combine ground beef (or turkey) with the stuffing mix and roll into golf ball-sized portions. Bake them in the oven to save yourself from standing over a splattering skillet.
Stick a toothpick in them and serve with BBQ sauce at your next game day party. They will disappear before halftime, guaranteed.
9. Shepherd's Pie with Stuffing Crust
Mashed potatoes are the traditional topper, but a crispy stuffing layer adds so much more texture. It creates a savory pie that is rich and hearty.
Make your standard beef and veggie filling, but instead of potatoes, spread prepared stuffing over the casserole dish. Bake until the peaks of the bread cubes are dark golden brown.
Fair warning, this is a heavy meal. You might need a nap immediately after eating, but it is totally worth it.
10. Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels
This looks like a gourmet restaurant dish but is surprisingly easy to pull off at home. The spiral presentation is absolutely stunning.
Pound a flank steak flat, spread prepared stuffing over the surface, and roll it up like a jelly roll. Slice it into pinwheels and secure with twine before searing.
Use the cornbread variety of stuffing for a slightly sweeter contrast to the salty beef. It is Chef's kiss delicious.
Pork & Chops
11. Ranch Pork Chop Bake
Pork chops can dry out easily, but baking them under a blanket of stuffing keeps them tender. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty twist that wakes up the whole dish.
Lay thick-cut chops in a baking dish, sprinkle with dry ranch dressing mix, and top with prepared stuffing. Cover with foil for the first half of baking to steam the meat.
Bone-in chops work best here for flavor. The juices from the bone soak into the bottom layer of stuffing, making it the best part of the meal.
12. Apple and Stuffing Pork Chops
Pork and apples are best friends, and stuffing is the perfect third wheel. This is autumn on a plate.
Sauté sliced apples and onions before mixing them into your stuffing. Pile this mixture on top of seared pork chops and bake until finished.
If you love sweet and savory combos, this is for you. The tartness of the apples cuts right through the saltiness of the boxed mix.
13. Bacon Wrapped Stuffing Bites
Okay, technically this is a side or appetizer, but I could eat twenty of them for dinner. Bacon makes everything better, obviously.
Form prepared stuffing into small logs, wrap half a slice of bacon around each one, and bake until crispy. The bacon fat renders into the stuffing, making it incredibly rich.
Dip these in maple syrup for a breakfast-for-dinner situation. It sounds weird, but trust me, it is DIVINE.
Creative Twists & Sides
14. Stove Top Sausage Balls
The classic Bisquick sausage ball gets an upgrade with stuffing mix. These are denser, more flavorful, and packed with herbs.
Mix raw pork sausage, cheddar cheese, and the dry stuffing mix. Roll and bake until the sausage is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
Keep a bag of these in the freezer for quick breakfasts. A quick zap in the microwave and you have a protein-packed start to the day.
15. Savory Stuffing Waffles
Leftover stuffing usually gets microwaved into mush, but the waffle iron gives it new life. You get maximum crispy edges with a soft interior.
Mix prepared stuffing with an egg and a splash of broth to bind it, then press it into a greased waffle iron. Cook until it stops steaming and releases easily.
Top this with gravy and fried chicken for a shortcut chicken and waffles. It is a brunch game changer that will impress anyone.
16. Stuffed Peppers with a Twist
Swap out the usual rice filling for stuffing mix to create a lighter, fluffier texture. It soaks up the pepper flavor beautifully.
Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mix of ground turkey, tomato sauce, and stuffing. Bake until the peppers are tender-crisp.
Melting provolone cheese on top brings it all together. It is a great way to use up that half-box of stuffing sitting in your pantry.
17. Cheesy Spinach Stuffing Balls
If you need to sneak some greens into your diet, this is the way to do it. These are cheesy, bite-sized, and vegetarian-friendly.
Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze it bone-dry before mixing with stuffing, parmesan, and butter. Bake until golden and firm.
Serve these alongside a steak or roasted chicken. They are way more fun than a boring side salad.
18. Buttery Stuffing Topped Fish
White fish can be boring, but a crunchy, buttery crust fixes that instantly. It adds texture to mild fish like cod or tilapia.
Brush the fish fillets with lemon butter and press crushed dry stuffing onto the top. Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon over the top right before serving. The citrus brightens up the savory herbs in the crust.
19. Breakfast Strata
Who says stuffing is only for dinner? This egg bake is fluffy, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd on Christmas morning.
Whisk eggs, milk, and cheese, then pour over dry stuffing mix and let it soak overnight. Bake it in the morning until it puffs up like a soufflé.
Toss in some crumbled sausage or bacon for extra protein. It is basically a savory bread pudding that everyone will love.
20. Simple Stuffed Mushrooms
These look elegant but take ten minutes to prep. The stuffing mix provides all the seasoning you need in one go.
Remove the stems from button mushrooms and fill the caps with moist stuffing and parmesan. Bake until the mushrooms are juicy and the tops are browned.
Bring these to a potluck and watch them vanish. They are the perfect one-bite party food.
21. Green Bean Casserole with Stuffing
Fried onions are great, but a stuffing topping makes this classic side dish a main event. It adds bulk and savory flavor.
Make your standard green bean casserole with mushroom soup, but top it with a layer of prepared stuffing instead of onions. The stuffing gets crispy on top while staying soft underneath.
Honestly, I prefer this version over the original. It feels heartier and pairs perfectly with roast turkey.
22. Zucchini Stuffing Boats
When your garden is exploding with zucchini, this is how you use them up. It is a lighter take on the stuffed pepper concept.
Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a boat. Fill with stuffing and cheese, then bake until the squash is tender.
Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a little heat. It is a great side dish for grilled meats.
23. Stuffing Mix Frittata
If you have leftover prepared stuffing, this is the best way to repurpose it. The eggs bind everything together into a crispy cake.
Heat the stuffing in a skillet until hot, then pour beaten eggs over the top. Cook until the eggs set, flipping once to brown both sides.
Top with salsa and avocado for a savory brunch. It beats cold leftovers any day of the week.
24. Turkey Divan with Stuffing
This is the ultimate way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It combines turkey, broccoli, and a cheesy curry-spiked sauce.
Layer cooked broccoli and turkey in a dish, cover with a sauce made of mayo, cream soup, and curry powder, then top with stuffing. The curry powder sounds weird, but it adds an incredible warmth.
My grandmother made this every year after the holidays. It is a flavor combination that is nostalgic and delicious.
25. Stuffing-Topped Mac and Cheese
We are doubling down on the carbs here, and I am not sorry about it. A crunchy herb topping on creamy mac and cheese is next level.
Make your favorite creamy mac and cheese recipe, then sprinkle dry stuffing mix mixed with melted butter on top. Broil for two minutes to get it golden.
Use the savory herb or cornbread variety for this. The texture contrast between the gooey pasta and the crunchy crumbs is OBSESSED-worthy.
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