Settling the Stuffing vs. Dressing Debate (2024)

The terms stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably for a reason, and that’s because they’re virtually the same dish with a few key differences. It comes down to how they are cooked. The end result may look the same, but stuffing takes a different journey to get there than dressing.

The fall season sparks a spirited debate, and I’m not talking about pumpkin spiced lattes. This one’s about the Thanksgiving table. Come Fall, there may be a lot of talk about roasted turkey and how to best cook one, but the debate over stuffing vs. dressing can cause quite the divide among those who are passionate about their Thanksgiving side dishes.

The debate is fueled partially by region. The Northeast and Northwest often stand firmly in the stuffing camp, while the Midwest and the southern states are dressing advocates.

It’s not just a matter of linguistics. Both dishes exist, and the difference lies in how each is cooked. As for which tastes better, well, that’s one argument you’ll have to settle with a good ol’ fashioned cookout of your own. But for now, here’s how you win the debate over what’s what – once and for all.

What is stuffing?

Stuffing is a combination of dry and crusty bread (hey, starch) and vegetables, which vary depending on the specific recipe. Herbs are often part of the equation, as are onions. The most common types of bread are white bread and cornbread. The ingredients are combined and stuffed inside the turkey to help flavor the cavity of the bird and benefit from its juices. The final result may be served in a casserole dish, but it’s cooked inside of turkey first.

You may also add a cup or so of stock to your stuffing mixture before adding it to your bird, but keep in mind that the turkey juices will run into the stuffing when cooking inside of the bird. So don’t add too much extra liquid, or your stuffing may turn out soggy.

Is it safe to eat stuffing once it’s removed from turkey?

Yes. As long as you follow food safety guidelines. Before cooking the turkey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends stuffing your turkey right before cooking it – no earlier.

Once cooked, after pulling your turkey from the oven, don’t remove the stuffing right away. Let it sit to allow it to cook a little longer as the turkey rests, and always make sure both the turkey and stuffing reach 165 degrees. If the bird reaches 165 degrees after resting but the stuffing does not then remove it from the turkey cavity and place it in an oven-safe casserole dish. Continue baking in a 350-degree oven until it’s thoroughly cooked.

While this method is safe when cooked properly, it’s important to note that the risk of food-borne illness is higher than if cooked outside the bird. That’s why the latter has become more common in modern times.

What is dressing?

Dressing leans on the same ingredients that stuffing does, but it’s cooked outside the turkey in a dedicated baking or casserole dish. Once served, it looks, talks, and walks like stuffing except for the fact that it didn’t soak up any juices from the turkey while cooking inside its cavity.

So, it’s common to add stock when cooking in a separate dish to make up for the moisture and create the desired texture of stuffing.

Should you add egg to stuffing or dressing?

It’s a matter of preference, but adding a beaten egg to your stuffing mixture acts as a binder and keeps the bread moist. Moisture is what holds all the ingredients together, rather than turning it into something resembling croutons and roasted vegetables.

The amount of moisture needed for stuffing or dressing depends on the other ingredients. For example, if you’re using diced apples or pears in your stuffing, it will add moisture and reduce the amount of other liquids needed. Cornbread is also more moister than other types of bread. Add too much extra liquid, and it could get mushy quickly.

Do different regions call it stuffing vs dressing?

Yes! Southern regions are most likely to call it dressing; for some, it’s a core belief. Midwesterners would likely defend their position, while Northeasterners and those in the Pacific Northwest would likely challenge dressing advocates with the term stuffing.

Regardless of what they call it, some people say dressing means stuffing, and some say stuffing means dressing. If you find yourself in a heated debate, remember it’s the cooking method that makes the difference. It’s very possible that someone who stands firmly in the “I call it stuffing” camp actually cooks it like dressing.

Storing leftovers

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, leftover stuffing or dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Make sure that the dish is completely cool before storing.

Per the CDC, always make sure you reheat leftovers to 165 degrees again. To reheat, put the food in an oven-safe dish and insert it into a 300ºF (149ºC) oven until it reaches 165ºF (74ºC). A microwave is also safe as long as you abide by the 165-degree rule.