Give Thanks To These Thanksgiving Stuffing Hacks

There’s no shame in using boxed stuffing for Thanksgiving — well, maybe a little bit. But what about using a packet of stuffing mix and upgrading it? That way, you can save time, say you’ve made it yourself, and not deal with all the fuss of following a recipe from scratch. It’s a win-win, especially since there are so many other dishes to think about. Whether you choose to admit this to your guests is up to you, of course. You could just bask in the compliments of a splendid stuffing instead. 

A TikTok post by Tasty suggests adding a couple of simple ingredients to give boxed stuffing a flavor boost. Make the stuffing as directed, and then add in some sliced mushrooms that you’ve sautéed in butter. Once those are mixed in, transfer the stuffing to an oven-safe dish, and sprinkle on grated parmesan. Cover the dish with a lid so that the cheese melts, or, even better, put it in the oven for a few minutes.  

Even The Pioneer Woman isn’t against using stuffing mix either. For her recipe, as seen on Food Network, she recommends first sautéing diced carrots, onion, and celery with some fennel in butter and oil, then adding garlic. Next, sauté parsnips, turnips, and celery root in another pan until softened. Add these to your first pan, along with your bag of stuffing mix and a bit of chicken broth for moisture. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Bake for 1 hour at 350 F in a greased, oven-safe dish.