Smoked Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist On Classic Stuffing (2024)

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Want a delectable side dish? Give our irresistible smoked stuffing a try! It’s crafted with savory sausage and prepared on your choice of Kamado Joe, Traeger grill, or in the oven. This delightful variation of a traditional holiday side dish is sure to impress you and your festive visitors.

Smoked Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist On Classic Stuffing (1)

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Besides the turkey, stuffing is probably the 2nd most popular dish at Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. It’s always a hit with my family and one of the first side dishes to be eaten quickly! While stuffing might be one of the most popular side dishes for turkey, this smoked stuffing recipe is a unique twist on a classic favorite!

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Why Smoke Stuffing?

While I have used my Kamado Joe ceramic grill to make my Thanksgiving turkey for years, I was intrigued by the idea of also smoking my Thanksgiving stuffing as I do not stuff my turkey, although you certainly can if that’s your preference! I began looking around and adapting things until I found the perfect combination of classic stuffing meets smoker. It’s the perfect stuffing to go with smoked turkey!

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Smoking your stuffing provides a slightly smokey flavor that will compliment many of the rich and bold flavors associated with a Thanksgiving feast such as cranberry sauce, smoked turkey as well as your other sides. It’s also a lovely twist on a classic dish that elevates it to a new flavor profile you and your guests will love!

So why not skip that soggy box stuffing mix and try this delicious smoked classic stuffing recipe instead? With aromatic flavors from fresh herbs to the perfect amount of smoky flavor, this stuffing recipe will be a hit with all of your guests.

Ingredients for Smoked Stuffing

Each of these ingredients adds another level of flavor and is essential in this classic smoked stuffing recipe so don’t skip any of these ingredients!

Sourdough Bread Cubes Dried – By using sourdough bread you’ll add an additional level of flavor. Grab a day-old loaf from the store and cube it yourself or better yet try your hand at making your own sourdough loaf! To make dried bread cubes, simply take the loaf of sourdough bread and cut them into about 3/4 inch pieces. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes at 300° F. You can make your stuffing cubes a day ahead of time or just before making your stuffing.

Chicken Broth – This provides the moisture necessary to make the stuffing light and fluffy. Feel free to substitute turkey broth or vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Red Onion – Red onions have a slightly sweeter profile than yellow onions and add a nice pop of color!

Eggs – Eggs will help bind the stuffing together.

Celery – A few stalks of diced celery are in almost every stuffing recipe so of course we’ll add them here as well.

Butter – To add a rich flavor

Fresh Herbs – These add aromatic flavor to the stuffing! Be sure to use fresh herbs! This recipe calls for sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

Dried Herbs – For even more flavor, we’ll add celery seed, black pepper, and a little salt!

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Method

Homemade stuffing may take a bit more effort than grabbing a box from the pantry but the flavor can’t be beat! Here’s how to make smoked stuffing, step by step, whether you’re making Traeger smoked stuffing or using the Kamado Joe like I do.

Step 1

Preheat your smoker to 350° F and prepare it for indirect cooking. I like to use oak for this recipe, however, hickory or pecan would also be excellent choices.

If you’re using the oven, preheat to the same temperature. Please note that you will not have the same smokey flavor if you use the oven.

Spray a 3-Quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the sage, rosemary, thyme, diced onion and celery, salt and pepper. Saute until the onions are translucent or about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the two eggs.

Place the sourdough bread cubes in an extra-large mixing bowl.

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Pour the lightly beaten eggs over the top of the bread cubes.

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Then add the sautéed veggies and herbs, followed by the chicken broth.

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Gently, fold the ingredients until they are fully combined and the bread cubes are nicely coated. Be sure to stir gently as you don’t want to mash your bread!

Step 4

Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly being careful not to smash the ingredients flat.

Sprinkle the top with freshly minced parsley.

Step 5

Place in the smoker, uncovered, and cook for 30 minutes!

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Remove from the smoker and serve immediately!

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Tips & Variations for Smoked Stuffing

You can use this recipe to make stuffing on a Traeger grill, Kamado Joe, pellet grill, or even in the oven. No changes are necessary, although cooking it in the oven will not provide the same smoke flavor.

You can use any type of broth. I used chicken but turkey or vegetable broth would work perfectly as well.

While you do not have to use sourdough bread to make stuffing, it provides the perfect texture. Some bread types are more porous than sourdough and may absorb the broth faster or slower. If you do not use sourdough bread, start with about half of the broth and add a bit more at a time until you reach the right consistency.

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To make your own dried bread cubes, cut a 24-ounce loaf of sourdough bread into 3/4-inch cubes. Spread them evenly without overlapping on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes at 300°F. You can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or use them immediately to make your smoked stuffing.

If you want to make a smoked sausage stuffing recipe, simply brown your favorite sausage in the skillet before cooking your veggies. Then add the veggies and saute until done. Continue with the recipe as written.

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Yield: 10-12 Servings

Smoked Stuffing

Smoked Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist On Classic Stuffing (11)

A flavorful smokey twist on the classic Thanksgiving stuffing, this smoked stuffing will delight your guests!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time37 minutes

Total Time52 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 Cups Dried Sourdough Bread Cubes
  • 3 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 Red Onion, diced
  • 3 Celery Stalks, diced
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter (1/2 stick)
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Sage
  • 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, minced
  • 1 Teaspoon Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Teaspoon Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Teaspoon Celery Seed
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker to 350°F and prepare for an indirect cook. Spray a 3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  3. Saute in the onion, celery, sage, rosemary, thyme, celery seed, salt and pepper until the onions turn translucent or about 5-7 minutes.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
  5. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and pour the lightly beaten eggs over the bread cubes.
  6. Add the sauted veggies and herbs to the large mixing bowl followed by the chicken broth.
  7. Gently, fold the ingredients until they are fully combined and the bread cubes are nicely coated with the mixture.
  8. Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly being careful not to mash the bread.
  9. Sprinkle the fresh minced parsley over top.
  10. Place the stuffing in the smoker, uncovered, and cook for 30 minutes.
  11. Serve immediately!

Notes

To Make in the Oven: Cook at 350°F for 30 minutes.

I used oak for this recipe but pecan or hickory are also excellent choices.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 160Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 755mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g

Chaos and Wine occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.This Nutrition Disclaimer notifies that under no circ*mstances will Chaos & Wine or its owners be responsible for any loss, damage, or adverse reactions resulting from your reliance on nutritional information given by this site. By using Chaos & Wine and its content, you agree to these terms.

Did you make this recipe?

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This delicious smoked stuffing recipe pairs perfectly with your favorite turkey or my personal favorite turkey recipe! It’s also a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners! Be sure to check out these other great Thanksgiving side dishes!

Smoked Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist On Classic Stuffing (2024)

FAQs

What does adding egg to stuffing do? ›

Eggs: Two lightly beaten eggs help hold the dressing together and add moisture.

How moist should stuffing be before you bake it? ›

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. Curtis Stone says to pour it on a large sheet tray and spread it out. Bake it on high heat to crisp it up, but make sure it doesn't burn.

What type of bread is best for stuffing? ›

The best bread for stuffing is a sturdy loaf with a tight crumb. Bakery French bread, Italian bread, Challah, and Sourdough are all good choices. When you cut up a 1-pound loaf into cubes, it should fit in an even layer on a single half-size rimmed baking sheet.

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 can you use as a binder instead of eggs in stuffing? ›

16 egg substitutes
  1. Mashed banana. Mashed banana can act as a binding agent when baking or making pancake batter. ...
  2. Applesauce. Applesauce can also act as a binding agent. ...
  3. Fruit puree. Fruit puree will help bind a recipe in a similar way to applesauce. ...
  4. Avocado. ...
  5. Gelatin. ...
  6. Xanthan gum. ...
  7. Vegetable oil and baking powder. ...
  8. Margarine.
Mar 30, 2021

Is it better to make stuffing the night before? ›

The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes. "Making stuffing ahead saves time, allows stove and oven space for other things, and making it ahead gives time for the flavor to fully develop," Chef David Tiner, Director at Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge, tells Southern Living.

What temperature should stuffing be cooked at? ›

How do you safely cook stuffing? The stuffed meat, poultry, or stuffing in a casserole should be placed immediately after preparation in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. A food thermometer should be used to ensure that the stuffing reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.

How to tell if stuffing is done? ›

Also, you'll need a food thermometer for determining when stuffing is safely cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Use this temperature as a guide, whether you serve stuffing separately in a casserole dish or stuffed into poultry or meat.

How do you fix tasteless stuffing? ›

Fruit, especially dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, figs and apricots can seriously improve a dreary box of stuffing. That bit of sweetness plays beautifully with other flavors on the table. I've found that fresh fruits like apples and pears are stellar as well.

Can you mess up stuffing? ›

Your Bread Is Too Fresh

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.

How do you know if your stuffing is moist enough? ›

We recommend adding stock a little at a time--1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on how much stuffing you're making--and waiting for the bread to absorb the liquid before adding more. Once the bread is moist but not sitting in a pool of stock, it's ready.

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.

Which flat bread is perfect for stuffing? ›

If your idea of pita bread is the small oval slices of cardboard bought from supermarkets, think again. Freshly made pita crisps and puffs up like a ball, perfect for stuffing with the filling of your choice: shawarma, falafel, muhamarra or any other Middle Eastern goodies.

How much stuffing per person? ›

Plan to serve about 3/4 cup of stuffing per guest. That amounts to roughly 4 cups of prepared stuffing for 5 guests and 7-1/2 cups for 10 guests. However, if you have grand plans for using leftovers in Stuffin' Muffins or turkey potpie with a stuffing crust, feel free to make a little bit more.

What does adding an egg to a recipe do? ›

Eggs play an important role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter, they help thicken and emulsify sauces and custards, they add moisture to cakes and other baked goods, and can even act as glue or glaze.

How do you keep stuffing from getting soggy? ›

Up your stuffing game with stale bread

Spread the pieces out in an even layer on a sheet pan, and let them get stale — yes, stale. If you don't have the time (or the counter space) to leave your chunks of bread out, you can put them in the oven at a low temperature to dry out, per Serious Eats.

What makes stuffing unhealthy? ›

Typically high in fat, carbs and salt, stuffing can be made fresh or purchased chilled, frozen or dehydrated. Traditionally, a stuffing would use the giblets of the bird with the addition of sausage meat, a source of starch, such as bread, with some aromatics such as onion, herbs and spices.

What does putting a lid over eggs do? ›

The lid traps the heat and steam from the egg, and helps it cook on both the bottom and on the top. Without a lid, the bottom cooks too quickly and the top takes longer, so you're more likely to end up with an overcooked, hard egg white by the time the yolk is done.

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