If the holidays leave you scrambling, this easy boxed stuffing recipe is a game-changer! Starting with a simple box of stuffing mix, I elevate it with fresh, wholesome ingredients like sautéed onion, crisp celery, sweet apples, and tart-dried cranberries. The result? A dish that tastes homemade, bursting with rich, comforting flavors, and no one will guess it came from a box!

This healthy boxed stuffing recipe is versatile too. Choose gluten-free or cornbread stuffing, keep it vegetarian, or go vegan with a few easy swaps. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is your go-to for a crowd-pleasing side that’s both effortless and delicious.

Why You Will Love This Boxed Stuffing Recipe

Quick and Convenient: Made with your favorite boxed stuffing mix, it’s much faster than traditional stuffing from scratch. This makes it perfect for busy holiday moments!
Elevated Flavor: We’ve up-leveled it with delicious add-ins like cranberries, apples, onions, and celery.
Lighter Option: This stuffing elevates the traditional recipe while keeping it light and healthy.
Bursting With Flavor: The combination of savory and sweet ingredients creates a perfectly balanced, flavorful stuffing.
Perfect For The Holidays: It’s ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.
Versatile: This stuffing can be made gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for easy boxed stuffing recipe

Boxed Stuffing Mix: Use one box of your favorite seasoned stuffing mix.
Butter: You can use butter or light butter.
Celery: Chop the celery and sauté it in the pan.
Onion: Dice the onion and sauté.
Apple: Peel and dice about 2 medium apples. Use a Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apple.
Cranberries: Roughly chop the dried cranberries to disperse the flavor evenly throughout.
Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to soften the dried stuffing mix.

What Boxed Stuffing To Use

Use your favorite 12-ounce boxed seasoned stuffing mix. You can use a regular stuffing mix for the perfect classic stuffing flavor. Or, use cornbread studding mix for a sweet and savory stuffing. For delicious gluten-free stuffing, use a gluten-free stuffing mix.

How To Make This Easy Boxed Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Roughly chop the dried cranberries. Then, peel and chop the apples. Also, dice the onion and chop the celery.

Step 2: Add the butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat on the stovetop. After that, add the diced onion, chopped celery, salt, and pepper.

Next, sauté these ingredients for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the chopped apples and dried cranberries to the Dutch oven and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Once simmering, add the seasoned stuffing mix. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, place the lid on the Dutch oven, remove it from the heat, and let the stuffing sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Then, mix the stuffing, transfer it to a serving dish, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this boxed stuffing!

With Roasted Turkey or Chicken: Serve this stuffing as a side dish with roasted turkey or chicken for a classic and comforting combination. Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Gravy: Pour rich, homemade gravy over the stuffing for added flavor and moisture.
Vegetables: Serve the stuffing with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a lighter option.
With Salad: A mixed greens salad with apple slices and pomegranate seeds would add a refreshing contrast.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve this stuffing with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort-food meal. This combination is especially perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.
Cranberry Sauce: Serve the stuffing with a side of cranberry sauce to complement the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Casserole: This stuffing is delicious alongside a green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole.

Expert Tips

Roughly Chop: Roughly chop the dried cranberries. This allows them to be distributed evenly, and you won’t need as many to achieve that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Finely Chop: Finely chopping the celery, onion, and apple ensures that their flavors are evenly distributed throughout the stuffing.
Let It Sit: After adding the broth to your stuffing mixture, cover the Dutch oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid, giving the stuffing time to thicken and achieve the perfect texture.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat this stuffing gently on the stovetop or the microwave.

Variations

Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the stuffing mix with a gluten-free version.
Vegan Option: To make this stuffing vegan, swap the butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What Kind Of Apple To Use: We recommend using a Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala apple for a sweet flavor profile. Or, use a Granny Smith apple for a hint of tart flavor.
Type Of Onion To Use: We used a sweet onion for this recipe. A white or brown onion will also work.
Add Protein: Add cooked sausage or diced cooked bacon to this stuffing for a savory, meaty element.
Cranberries Substitution: If you don’t have dried cranberries, substitute them with raisins, dried cherries, or dried apricots.
Nuts: Toasted nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and richness to this stuffing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make Boxed Stuffing Taste Better?

This is the perfect recipe to up-level boxed stuffing and make it taste incredible. First, we added flavor by swapping the water for chicken broth. Also, we added celery, onions, apples, and dried cranberries for the ultimate burst of sweet and savory deliciousness. This is truly the recipe to make if you want to take boxed stuffing to the next level.

Can I Freeze Leftover Stuffing?

You can freeze leftover stuffing in an airtight freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warm.

Can I Make This Stuffing Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and this stuffing can easily be made gluten-free. Look for a gluten-free boxed stuffing mix or use gluten-free bread cubes. Also, ensure that the broth you use is gluten-free.

More Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.