8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes (2024)

This is going to be the year you don't screw up the stuffing.

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8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes (1)8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes (2)

When you're cooking a giant meal on a time crunch, there's plenty of room for mishaps, and Thanksgiving is notorious for all kinds of kitchen disasters and food fails. If you're focused on not overcooking the turkey and making sure your potatoes are living their creamiest, most lump-free life, you may not give as much attention to some of the other dishes, like your stuffing. If you feel like yours just hasn't been up to par, watch out for these common mistakes—and get the quick fixes you need to win Thanksgiving this year.

1

Your Stuffing Falls Apart

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If you don't get the ratio of liquid to dry ingredients right, you could end up with stuffing that falls apart. If you want toavoid all that stress altogether, bake it up in a bundt pan and serve it by the slice.

Get the recipe from Delish.

2

You're Adding All The Stock At Once

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One of the best things about goodstuffing is that it's crispy and soft at the same time—but in order to achieve this, you need to add your stock gradually,about a1/2 cupat a time. Dumping it in all at once can get the bread all soggy.

3

Not Cooking Your Mix-Ins

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Just because it's all going into the ovendoesn't mean you're good to go with raw veggies. If you want to make sure your mix-ins are fully cooked, you need to cook your celery, onions and meatbefore mixing themin with the bread.

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4

You're Sick Of Soggy Stuffing

8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes (6)

Does your stuffing always end up soggy (AKA, gross and inedible)? Try cooking it in a muffin tin instead—crispy edges for all!

Get the recipe from Delish.

5

Baking It Inside Your Bird

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I know it's classic, but it could be screwing up your dinner. Baking stuffing inside the turkey could result in soggy stuffing, or even an overcooked turkey, because for the stuffing to get to 165 degrees (the temperature needed to cook it), the turkey will get to 180-190, which is too high. Instead, bake it in a separate dish, "dressing" style.

6

Using Too Many Mix-Ins

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Thanksgiving is a time to indulge, but that doesn't mean you should go hogwildon your stuffing mix-ins. Adding in too many things will make it difficult for your stuffing to bind together, so narrow it down to a few complementary flavors.

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7

Your Boxed Stuffing Is Flavorless

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If you prefer to keep things simple with a boxed mix, but find that it always tastes bland and flavorless, we've found the solution: Cream of mushroom soup.Combine the box mix with two eggs, a can of cream of mushroom soup and fresh vegetables, then bake according to the package's instructions and get ready for creamygoodness.

8

Your Bread Is Too Fresh

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There's nothing better than soft, fresh bread—except for when it comes to stuffing. If you want your stuffing to hold up and not end up a soupy, soggy mess, make sure your bread is dried out or staled for a few days.

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8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes (2024)

FAQs

8 Stuffing Mistakes Everyone Makes? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

How soggy should stuffing be before baking? ›

The stuffing should be moist but not wet. If there is a puddle of broth at the bottom of the bowl, you've added too much. Add more bread to soak up the excess moisture. If the mix is still dry and crumbly, add more liquid and toss gently until it starts to clump together.

Why does my stuffing come out mushy? ›

If the stuffing came out too wet and soggy (aka bread soup!) try not to over mix it, otherwise it'll turn into mush.

Should stuffing be dry or moist? ›

Stuffing should be moist, not dry, because heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment.

Should you toast bread before making stuffing? ›

Follow this tip: Stale, dried-out bread makes the best stuffing. Either dry out your bread starting a few days before you plan to make the stuffing by letting it sit out or, if you don't have the extra time, cut the bread into cubes, and then toast over a low heat in the oven until dry.

Why do you put eggs in stuffing? ›

Broth: Chicken broth keeps the stuffing moist without making it soggy. Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture. Water: You can add a few tablespoons of water, if you'd like, to achieve your desired consistency.

Is stuffing better with or without eggs? ›

It's a matter of preference, but adding a beaten egg to your stuffing mixture acts as a binder and keeps the bread moist.

What temperature should dressing be cooked at? ›

Cook until the center of the dressing reaches 165 degrees. When checked with a food thermometer. Never place frozen dressing or other frozen food in a slow cooker, it will not reach proper safe temperature fast enough.

Is it better to make stuffing the night before? ›

Yes! You can absolutely make stuffing ahead of time. It's a great way to get a jumpstart on Thanksgiving cooking and it frees up much-needed oven space. This stuffing can be made up to three days in advance.

How can you tell when stuffing is done? ›

A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. If the stuffing is inside whole poultry, take the poultry out of the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before removing the stuffing. Refrigerate cooked poultry and stuffing within 2 hours.

Can stuffing be undercooked? ›

stuffing must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 ºF as measured with a food thermometer before removing the stuffing from the poultry. For estimated cooking times, see the cooking chart at the end of this publication.

Should stuffing be soft inside? ›

You'll need day-old loaves to get stale so that the stuffing doesn't get too mushy. Don't cube that bread! Ragged, imperfect pieces of bread have more surface area; it's those nooks and crannies that give you good texture. Speaking of texture, that's what stuffing is all about--you want a mix of crispy and soft pieces.

How do you know when stuffing is done cooking? ›

A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. If the stuffing is inside whole poultry, take the poultry out of the oven and let it stand 20 minutes before removing the stuffing. Refrigerate cooked poultry and stuffing within 2 hours.

Are you supposed to cook the stuffing before putting it in? ›

Fully cook raw meat, poultry, or seafood ingredients before adding to stuffing. Combine the ingredients and place them in your bird immediately before cooking. Don't stuff whole poultry with cooked stuffing. In addition to the turkey, the stuffing's center needs to reach 165 F.

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