National Stuffing Day, celebrated annually on November 21st, is a delicious kickoff to the holiday season! This day honors one of the most beloved side dishes in American cuisine — stuffing, a savory blend of bread, herbs, and seasonings that’s often the star of the Thanksgiving table. Whether you love traditional bread stuffing, cornbread dressing, or unique regional variations, National Stuffing Day is the perfect time to indulge in this comforting, flavorful favorite.
The History of Stuffing
Stuffing, sometimes called dressing in the southern United States, has a long and flavorful history. Ancient Romans were among the first to record recipes for stuffing animals and vegetables, using ingredients like herbs, nuts, and grains. Over time, the dish evolved and became a staple of holiday feasts across cultures.
In America, stuffing gained prominence during the early colonial period and eventually became a Thanksgiving tradition. Today, it’s enjoyed in countless forms — from classic turkey stuffing to vegetarian options and even seafood-infused recipes. National Stuffing Day celebrates the heritage, creativity, and comfort that this dish brings to every table.
Why We Love Stuffing
- Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, flavorful, and aromatic — stuffing embodies home-cooked comfort.
- Endlessly Versatile: From sourdough bread to cornbread and wild rice, there’s a stuffing recipe for every taste.
- Holiday Favorite: No Thanksgiving or festive meal feels complete without it.
- Easy to Customize: Add sausage, apples, cranberries, or mushrooms to make your own signature blend.
How to Celebrate National Stuffing Day
- Cook Your Favorite Recipe: Make your go-to stuffing recipe or try something new — whether traditional or with a twist.
- Host a Stuffing Taste Test: Invite friends and family to bring their own versions of stuffing for a fun, flavorful celebration.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Try regional variations, such as Cajun stuffing, oyster dressing, or wild rice stuffing.
- Share on Social Media: Post photos of your delicious dish using the hashtag #NationalStuffingDay.
- Get Ready for Thanksgiving: Use this day as a trial run to perfect your stuffing recipe before the big holiday meal.
Classic Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 ½ cups chopped onion
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme) to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet and sauté onions and celery until soft.
- Add herbs, salt, and pepper. Combine with cubed bread in a large bowl.
- Gradually pour in broth until bread is moist but not soggy.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown.
Optional Add-ins: Cooked sausage, chopped apples, cranberries, mushrooms, or chestnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Fun Facts About Stuffing
Boxed stuffing mixes, like Stove Top, revolutionized convenience cooking in the 1970s.
Stuffing was initially called “forcemeat” in ancient recipes.
Regional differences exist across the U.S.: the South prefers cornbread dressing, while New England leans toward herbed bread stuffing.
The largest serving of stuffing ever made weighed more than 2,000 pounds!
#HASHTAGS
#NationalStuffingDay
National Stuffing Day is celebrated annually on November 21st
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 21 | Monday |
| 2023 | November 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | November 21 | Thursday |
| 2025 | November 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 21 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 21 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 21 | Thursday |
| 2031 | November 21 | Friday |
| 2032 | November 21 | Sunday |
| 2033 | November 21 | Monday |
| 2034 | November 21 | Tuesday |
| 2035 | November 21 | Wednesday |
