Best Pumpkin Stuffing For Thanksgiving – Perfect for Side Dish!

Table of Contents: Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about warmth, gratitude, and indulging in comfort food that brings the family together. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday feast with a dish that’s both unique and deeply satisfying, this Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving is your answer. Combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic herbs, hearty bread cubes, and a touch of buttery richness, this recipe is a celebration of autumn flavors. Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner or attending a potluck, this stuffing is sure to steal the show.


Introduction: Why This Pumpkin Stuffing Recipe Is a Must-Try for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is synonymous with tradition, and what better way to honor that tradition than by adding a fresh twist to your holiday menu? This Pumpkin Stuffing Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With its creamy pumpkin base, crunchy bread cubes, and a medley of fresh herbs, this stuffing is a testament to the magic of seasonal cooking.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main course. The Pumpkin and Bread Stuffing is hearty enough to be a standalone dish yet complements other holiday favorites effortlessly.

The best part? This recipe strikes the perfect balance between moist and dry stuffing, ensuring every bite is flavorful without being soggy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your holiday hosting stress-free.


Alternate Names & Variations

This festive dish goes by many names, each reflecting its unique appeal. Some might know it as Thanksgiving Pumpkin Stuffing, while others call it Pumpkin and Bread Stuffing. For a gluten-free twist, consider using gluten-free bread cubes. If you’re a fan of added protein, toss in some sausage or diced apples for a sweet and savory variation.


Ingredients: Everything You Need for the Best Pumpkin Stuffing

Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

To create this mouthwatering Pumpkin Stuffing Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
8 whole shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 cups chopped onion
5 stalks celery, diced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
15 ounces canned pumpkin puree
2 cups vegetable broth
8 cups bread cubes or stuffing cubes

These fresh and pantry-staple ingredients come together to create a stuffing that’s rich, aromatic, and utterly delicious.


Step-by-Step Instructions: Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and shiitake mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Herbs: Stir in fresh rosemary and sage, letting the aromatics infuse the mixture for 1-2 minutes.

4. Incorporate Pumpkin: Add the canned pumpkin puree to the skillet, stirring until combined with the sautéed vegetables.

5. Mix with Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin mixture with bread cubes. Gradually add vegetable broth, tossing gently until the bread cubes are evenly coated but not soggy.

6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Chef Tips: For added depth of flavor, toast the bread cubes before mixing them with the pumpkin mixture. If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly.


Recipe Card Block of The Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

This Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, totaling 55 minutes. It serves 4-6 people and contains about 250 calories per serving.


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes this Thanksgiving Pumpkin Stuffing stand out? It’s the perfect marriage of seasonal ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The pumpkin adds a creamy richness, while the fresh herbs elevate the dish with their earthy notes. Using high-quality bread cubes ensures a satisfying texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Expert Tip: For a festive touch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or dried cranberries on top before serving.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

This stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in an airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.


People Also Ask: Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving
Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

What Ingredients Make a Flavorful Pumpkin Stuffing?

A flavorful pumpkin stuffing recipe relies on a balance of fresh herbs, aromatic vegetables, and high-quality bread cubes. Ingredients like fresh rosemary, sage, and shiitake mushrooms enhance the dish’s depth, while pumpkin puree adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness.

Can Pumpkin Stuffing Be Made Ahead and Stored?

Yes, this Thanksgiving pumpkin stuffing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven before serving. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How Moist or Dry Should Pumpkin Stuffing Be?

The ideal pumpkin and bread stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your desired texture. Toast the bread cubes beforehand for a crispier finish.

What Herbs Pair Well With Pumpkin in Stuffing?

Herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme pair beautifully with pumpkin in stuffing. Their earthy flavors complement the pumpkin’s sweetness, creating a harmonious and aromatic dish.


Conclusion: Share Your Holiday Memories

This Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to create lasting holiday memories. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, this dish is sure to become a cherished part of your traditions. Try it out, share your results, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!


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Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Best Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This pumpkin stuffing is the ultimate cozy Thanksgiving side dish—savory, slightly sweet, and packed with seasonal flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, broth, parsley, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the sautéed vegetables and toasted bread cubes to the bowl and mix well.
  6. Stir in the beaten eggs until everything is coated.
  7. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and cover with foil.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden on top.

Notes

Use crusty bread for best texture. You can prep this dish a day ahead and bake before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, stuffing, pumpkin, fall recipe, side dish