Without a showstopping spread of sumptuous sides, the main course would just be… dinner. Enter the joy that is stuffing (or is it dressing?). Whatever you call this delicious dish, give your table something to talk about with some fun facts and chef-created recipes for this bread-based favorite.

Is there a difference between stuffing and dressing?
Technically, yes! While their ingredients are often similar (usually bread, butter, veggies, herbs, and broth), the key differentiator is how it’s cooked. Stuffing is stuffed inside a turkey (hence the name), while dressing is cooked separately and served alongside the meat to dress it up! That said, if your family recipe calls it stuffing but cooks it on the stove, that’s A-okay, too.

Note: Because of the different cooking methods, stuffing often has a firmer, toastier texture while dressing retains more of its moisture for a softer mouthfeel. Either way, make sure to cook it properly so you don’t end up with soggy soup or a dish that’s been in contact with undercooked poultry—food safety first!

What about bread pudding? Isn’t that dessert?
Believe it or not, bread pudding is also part of the stuffing/dressing debate! While this dish is more famously sweet, making a savory version is as simple as taking out the sugar and choosing savory flavorings like garlic and parsley instead of cinnamon and vanilla. From there, it has bread, butter, herbs, and veg, just like stuffing and dressing—the difference is the liquid. Instead of broth or stock like stuffing, bread pudding involves soaking cubed bread in a dairy-rich custard before baking (outside of a bird). One thing all three of these cozy comfort foods have in common? They’re sure great for stuffing yourself!

But what bread should I use? I loaf them all!
Basically, any one you want! Seriously, all sorts of loaves can be used to make stuffing, dressing, and bread pudding. The main factors to consider are texture and flavor. For instance, white bread is a standard selection for when you want the herbs and other flavorings to shine, sourdough can hold its structure for a firmer final product, cornbread adds a subtle, crumbly sweetness, and buttery brioche adds a little extra decadence. What flavor and texture you prefer is ultimately up to you!

Pro Tip: Whichever you pick, start with stale bread so it can soak up the good stuff without becoming a soggy mess. If you only have fresh bread, never fear! Simply cube and toast it in the oven until dry and crispy before starting your stuffing (or dressing or…).

Do you have any recipes I can try?
We sure do! Try a few of these sensational stuffings and such on for size! 

• Holiday Stuffing Recipe: Keeping it simple is often the key to an enjoyable holiday. You can't go wrong with this tried and true recipe for classic stuffing!
• Oyster Stuffing Recipe: For a classic addition to your holiday table, try your hand at this traditional seafood stuffing.
• Chanterelle Mushroom & Brie Stuffing Recipe: Highlighting exquisite ingredients like chanterelle mushrooms, creamy brie and toasted pine nuts, this upscale stuffing is sure to impress.
• Brioche Chanterelle Bread Pudding Recipe: Break out the bourbon for this decadent spin on stuffing, made with rich egg bread, fresh leeks, and flavorful chanterelle mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Fennel & Apple Stuffing Recipe: Serve up a stuffing everyone can enjoy with this delicious gluten-free and dairy-free option!

There you have it, the stuff on stuffing. As for the rest of the menu, get cooking with our curated collection of holiday favorites!