Turkey and mashed potatoes are great, but no Thanksgiving meal is complete without stuffing. There are so many different stuffing recipes out there, from slow-cooker varieties to vegan and gluten-free options, and we’ve rounded up our favorites below. These drool-worthy recipes might just steal the show at your holiday dinner.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins

The Colorful Kitchen

Think outside the turkey! Not only are these stuffing muffins kid-size, but they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Add a scoop of mashed potatoes on top and you’re all set for a can’t-miss combo. Get the recipe from The Colorful Kitchen.

Creamy Mushroom and Swiss Stuffing

Fox Valley Foodie

Fox Valley Foodie is sure to be a winner, with its indulgent cheese topping and hearty mushroom filling. And it’s super easy to make, too, with the help of a boxed stuffing mix. To get the recipe, click here.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread Stuffing

Life Made Sweeter

This delish dish from Life Made Sweeter combines butternut squash, cornbread, cranberries, sweet potatoes and more into a stuffing of epic flavors. Bonus points: it uses the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it. Click here to grab the recipe.

Classic Vegan Stuffing

Raepublic

Plant-based eaters don’t have to miss out on the feast thanks to this tasty stuffing recipe from Raepublic. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a win for your shopping list. Click here to grab the recipe.

Stuffing in a Bundt Pan

A Spicy Perspective

With this stuffing from A Spicy Perspective, the magic word is “bundt.” That’s right, with your handy bundt pan, you can actually make a stuffing sculpture that’s fit for any Thanksgiving dinner table! Get the recipe by clicking here.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Damn Delicious

We’re all for any Thanksgiving recipe that involves the slow cooker. This top-notch stuffing from Damn Delicious cooks in the crockpot and uses delish Hawaiian sweet bread. We dare you to eat just one spoonful. Click here to get the recipe.

Marilyn Monroe's Stuffing

The New York Times

Ready for a Hollywood-worthy stuffing? This yummy dish is adapted from Marilyn Monroe’s own recipe. To read more about how it was found, check out The New York Times’ article for the full low-down.

Italian Chard Stuffing

Myrecipes.com

Your kids may be wary of the chard but with chunks of French bread and juicy sausage swarming around the fresh green, they won’t be able to resist this unique recipe. Get the details by clicking here.

Mom's Classic Stuffing

Savory Sweet Life

This timeless recipe from Savory Sweet Life is a traditional masterpiece because of its beautiful simplicity. It's perfect for your really picky eaters as the three main ingredients are bread, onions and celery. To snag the recipe, click here.

Spinach and Broccoli Stuffing

Little B Cooks

This tasty stuffing has a creamy texture and comes to us from Little B Cooks. It’s a great recipe for your kids to get involved in because it’s simple–just four ingredients! Find out how it's made by clicking here.

Cranberry Pistachio Stuffing

Season With Spice

If you like your stuffing more crispy, check out this cranberry pistachio stuffing from Season with Spice. This dish is full of crispy bites of bacon and toasted bread chunks, plus an added pistachio crunch. Click here to get the recipe.

Apple Sausage Stuffing

Weelicious

Thank goodness for Weelicious, where you can find all kinds of recipes (like this apple sausage stuffing) designed around pleasing little bitty taste buds. You’ll like it, too, because the prep time is minimal. To grab the details, click here.

Surf 'N Turf Stuffing

A Taste With Koko

Looking to add some seafood flair to your family feast? Try this New England style stuffing from A Taste with Koko. It’s packed with sausage and oysters, for extra rich and out-of-the-box flavor. Get the recipe by clicking here.

Simple Herb Cornbread Stuffing

The Diva Dish

A hit recipe from The Diva Dish, this cornbread stuffing combines lots of fresh herbs, homemade cornbread and several other kid-friendly flavors into one tasty package. Snag the recipe by clicking here.

Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffing

Marla Meridith

If you or a family member has gluten restrictions, check out this stuffing option from Marla Meridith. It’s gluten-free, soy-free, vegan and satisfying for carnivores, too. Click here to get the recipe.

 

— Abigail Matsumoto

 

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This year, skip all that time slaving away in the kitchen for Thanksgiving. Just grab a bag of BRACH’S Turkey Dinner Candy Corn!

The unique candy has made a splash in year’s past so this time, Brach’s is adding even more fun to the mix: by adding apple pie and coffee, too!

Each bag comes with flavors that include green beans, roasted turkey, cranberry stuffing, apple pie and coffee. Is anyone else totally getting Violet Beauregard vibes remembering when she ate that gum that tasted like a full dinner in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory?

You can find a 12 oz. bag of this Brach’s mix exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide for about $3.49.

––Karly Wood

 

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Nestlé Prepared Foods is recalling approximately 92,206 pounds of LEAN CUISINE Baked Chicken meal products. The items may be contaminated with extraneous materials––in particular, pieces of white hard plastic.

The recalled product is the 8 5/8-oz. carton trays of LEAN CUISINE Baked Chicken, white meat chicken with stuffing, red skin mashed potatoes and gravy, with a lot code of 0246595911 and “Best Before” date of October 2021. They were produced and packaged on Sept. 2, 2020.

Photo: USDA FSIS

The recalled products have establishment number “EST. P-9018” on the side of the case near the lot number. The issue was discovered on Dec. 18, 2020 after receiving five consumer complaints involving hard white plastic found in the product. It is believed the mashed potatoes had pieces of a plastic conveyor belt that broke during production.

There have been no reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products, but FSIS is concerned that consumers may still have some of the affected meals in their freezers. If you have any of the products, do not consume and either throw them away or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you have questions, you can contact Nestlé Prepared Foods, at (800) 993-8625.

––Karly Wood

Feature image: Harry Dona via Pexels

 

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You’re still elbow-deep in turkey and leftover stuffing, but the kiddos are clamoring for a Christmas tree (and all the presents that magically appear under it). If you’re looking for something different this year, Amazon has faux cactus trees—and they’re every bit as awesome as you’re imagining.

Instead of the traditional triangle, these trees have fake fir needles modeled into a distinctly cactus-like shape. The seven-foot tree sells for just under $110 on Amazon and comes with free shipping!

photo: Amazon

The Goplus Pre-Lit Artificial Cactus Christmas Tree comes with, as the name implies, plenty of bright and shiny LED lights. Along with 160 low-voltage LED lights, the cute cactus is pre-adorned with ball ornaments and sits on top of a metal stand.

If the seven-foot model is just too tall for your home, Amazon also has cacti a six-foot ($89) size.

—Erica Loop

 

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Are you a stuffing fan? Or are you more of a mashed potato and gravy guru?

Career site Zippia recently used Google Trends to determine the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in each state––and the results are pretty awesome. See below to see where your state shakes out.

photo: Zippia

There were several notable findings including the fact that 47 out of the 50 states prefer carby and cheesy goodness for their sides. Notably, only three states opted for vegetables as their go-to, with Maine’s numero uno being a side salad (ok, what’s THAT about?).

The Mid-West is all about the green bean casserole, the South loves their mac and cheese and ten states claim mashed potatoes as their fave side.

Perhaps the most interesting? Only one state believes the most iconic side, cranberry sauce, is the living end: New Hampshire.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: iStock

 

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Not hosting a huge gathering this Thanksgiving? With many families playing it safe this year, Turkey Day will look smaller this year. Skip the giant portions and go for smaller batch recipes for your menu. From turkey pot pie to stuffing muffins and hand pies, these easy Thanksgiving recipes are just as delish. Keep reading to see them all.

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Kitchen Dreaming

Small crowds don't always call for an entire turkey. This Crock Pot Turkey Breast takes six hours, without the need for basting. Tender and juicy, you may never go back to the full bird!

Find the full recipe at Kitchen Dreaming.

Whole Roast Chicken

My Gorgeous Recipes

Roast chicken makes the perfect alternative to a large turkey, and it's easy to find. Not only that, it cooks relatively quickly and will still give you that Thanksgiving turkey vibe, especially when served with your fave tasty vibes.

We love this easy recipe from My Gorgeous Recipes.

Turkey Pot Pie

Spend with Pennies

Not up to slaving over an entire turkey but still want to serve it at dinner? Try this tasty Turkey Pot Pie recipe! It's packed with all the comfort food goodness you love and looks great on the table.

Find the full recipe at Spend with Pennies.

Stuffing Muffins

A Wicked Whisk

Whether you prefer your stuffing outta the bird or want to switch it up this holiday, these Stuffing Muffins are sure to be a hit. Homemade stuffing is whipped together using tasty ingredients like sausage and cranberries and cooked in under 20 minutes.

Find the full recipe at A Wicked Whisk.

Sausage & Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Stuffing

Gimme Some Oven

Combine stuffing and potatoes into one dish with this sweet recipe. Apples, bread, veggies, nuts and more come together in this casserole-esque recipe that is just as hearty as it is pretty.

Get the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

Keto Cranberry Sauce

Blissfully Low Carb

If you're skipping the canned cranberries, this three-ingredient recipe is the perfect substitution. It's a quick side dish that's great for a small crowd and takes just a few minutes at the stove.

Find the full recipe at Blissfully Low Carb.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sunkissed Kitchen

One potato per person makes this recipe a great option for small crowds! A little oil and salt and time in the oven is all it takes to get that yammy goodness you love on Thanksgiving.

Find the full recipe at Sunkissed Kitchen.

Crispy Hassleback Potatoes

Dish By Dish

Not sure about an entire batch of mashed potatoes? Go hassleback-style instead! Your fave type of potato can be cut into this fan style, then baked in the oven or air fryer. Crispy!

Find the recipe at Dish By Dish.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Feel Good Foodie

The littles will love these adorable mac and cheese bites. Traditional ingredients come together in a mini muffin pan to make perfect bite-sized noms for both kids and adults.

Get the complete recipe at Feel Good Foodie.

Buttermilk Biscuits

One Lovely Life

Easily made ahead, these buttermilk biscuits are just as good for Thanksgiving breakfast as they are for dinner. Seven basic ingredients come together in this easy recipe that will have you passing on store-bought biscuits from this point forward.

Head to One Lovely Life for the complete recipe.

Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies

Bake or Break

Bypass the entire pie with these gorgeous hand pies. With little sugar and just one spice, this delish dessert is perfect for your little gathering. 

Get the whole recipe at Bake or Break.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Made to Be a Momma

Whether you're catering to picky eaters or just don't want to tempt yourself by making an entire pie, these mini pumpkin pies are great for little groups. Made in a mini muffin pan, this fun treat would also make a great activity for the kids in the kitchen.

Get the full recipe at Made to Be a Momma.

Apple Pie Cheesecake In a Jar

Bake Me Some Sugar

Single-serve dessert, coming up! Creamy cheesecake is combined with everyone's fave fall fruit in this to-go style treat that is super fun to eat.

Find the full recipe at Bake Me Some Sugar.

Quick Apple Turnovers

Moms Dish

No need to pre-bake apples in this super easy quick apple turnover recipe. Gather your four supplies, assemble, bake and devour!

Get the full recipe at Moms Dish.

––Karly Wood

 

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Celebrate Star Wars day by crocheting finger puppets of your favorite characters with Star Wars Crochet Finger Puppets from Thunder Bay Press. Summon the force as you create an alliance between the Empire and the Rebels. Once you’re done, entertain your family by putting on a puppet show. 

Star Wars Crochet Kit

Crochet 10 characters from the Rebels and the Empire, put one on each finger, and then let the battle begin! The kit contains an 80-page instruction book with step-by-step directions and full-color photos, a crochet hook, safety eyes, stuffing, a metal tapestry needle and all the yarn you’ll need to create Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker puppets. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Thunder Bay Press

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Whether you’re a fan of the game or simply in it for the snacks, it’s hard to argue that the Super Bowl is all about stuffing your face with delicious eats. Edy’s Touchdown Sundae is the perfect dessert to pair with those hot wings and chili for the big game.

The sweet game day treat means the kids might actually sit through a quarter to get a taste! Made with vanilla ice cream and fudge swirls, the Touchdown Sundae features chocolate footballs filled with caramel. Not that you’ll have time to notice when you’re gobbling it up, but the footballs are touchdown-worthy down to the tiny lacing details.

The flavor is a limited edition so scoop some up while you still can. Edy’s is generally available in grocery chains on the East Coast, but there’s a tasty alternative if you live anywhere else. Parent company, Dreyer’s, which is available across the rest of the country, also features the same Touchdown Sundae flavor.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Edy’s via Instagram

 

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There’s so much more to Thanksgiving weekend than leftover turkey sandwiches and online Black Friday deals. With the kids out of school (whether it’s the Zoom or in-person kind), you’re probably desperate for ways to keep everyone entertained. Scroll down for 15 fun and festive activities that will make the long weekend fly by.

See the Light(s)

Isabel L. via Yelp

Sure, some of our favorite holiday light displays have been cancelled this year (as in, no LA Zoo lights... sigh). But these over-the-top, illuminated houses around town are sure to dazzle and delight. 

Branch Out

Lizzy M. via Yelp

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, most of LA's local tree lots and further-out tree farms open for business. If you're feeling adventurous, start a new post-holiday tradition at a cut-your-own farm, where kids can wander through the rows of trees in search of the perfect one to take home. 

Get Crafty

Art Camp LA via Instagram

Check out these six kid-friendly fall crafts from our favorite LA Instagrammers. 

Raise the Roof

webandi via Pixabay

From Graham cracker creations to a clever ice cream cone trick, here are 13 hacks to help you construct your next gingerbread house.

Take a Moment

Amanda S. via Yelp

After a tough year, Descanso Gardens invites you to reflect and enjoy the beauty that's all around us with Reflections at Descanso, a celebration of all that’s hopeful and peaceful in this world. Be sure to stop by the magical Wishing Tree, where you can add your own wish for the new year. More details.

Buckle Up & Celebrate

erik bishoff via flickr

LA's best drive-thru holiday events are happening now! Get tickets to The Elf of the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey, Santa's Speedway Spectacular (with 2 miles of lights!) and more. 

Hit the Trails

Shannan Rouss

Looking to work off all that stuffing (plus tire out the kiddos)? Visit one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path LA hikes.

Play It Safe

Most of LA's outdoor playgrounds have reopened with Covid restrictions in place. We recommend going during off hours, ideally earlier in the morning, to avoid the most crowded times. 

Take It or "Leaf" It

Pexels

There's still plenty of time to give your LA kids a true fall experience with a visit to one of these nearby wooded spots, where you can see trees in all their autumn glory. 

Give Back

A Million Thanks

Help kids experience their own helper's high. From creating a Blessing Bag to writing a letter to the troops, here are 14 ways for them to give back this holiday season

-Christina Montoya Fiedler & Shannan Rouss

featured photo: pexels

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Whether you just can’t get enough of that cranberry and stuffing or you have a picky eater who doesn’t eat anything at the holiday dinner table, these Thanksgiving raviolis from ALDI could be the perfect solution.

Just in time for the holiday season, ALDI is unleashing a dish that gives you all the tasty flavors of Thanksgiving dinner with a fraction of the work. In the time it takes you to boil some water you can enjoy these fluffy ravioli pillows filled with turkey, cranberry, stuffing and cheese.

If your picky eaters will gobble up pasta but give cranberries the side eye, they might just be willing to expand their palate with a nibble of this easy to make dish and that’s a true holiday miracle. Each 9 oz. pack of Turkey Cranberry Ravioli is $2.99 and will hit ALDI store shelves on Nov. 6 along with a slew of other holiday season treats.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: ALDI

 

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