When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, we know what’s really important. Sure, everyone looks forward to the main course and the spread of side dishes. Yeah, there’s the pumpkin pie and other indulgent desserts. But we know which dish everyone really looks forward to most: the stuffing. Maybe it’s because, for some reason, many of us don’t make stuffing all year long so when Thanksgiving rolls around, we are seriously looking forward to a big plate full of it.

There are so many ways to make stuffing. Some people like it with cornbread while others swear by sourdough or challah. Some families make stuffing with rice. Other families don’t even call it “stuffing,” but “dressing.” Whatever your family tradition is, we’re sure that you’ll love these recipes we found in the Food Monster App for the most delicious egg-free stuffings (or dressings).

1. Sourdough Bread Stuffing

Source: Sourdough Bread Stuffing

This Sourdough Bread Stuffing recipe by Melissa Huggins has very classic flavors and the sourdough bread gives it a little twist. The mushrooms and celery provide that classic texture we all love, and the rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley will make you feel at home!

2. Sage, Onion, and Apricot Stuffing

Source: Sage, Onion, and Apricot Stuffing

No holiday meal is complete without some delicious stuffing and this Sage, Onion, and Apricot Stuffing by Josephine Watmore will have everyone asking for seconds. This unique take on the festive dish is made with onions, dried apricots, applesauce, and plenty of sage. The result is a stuffing that is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Serve this with your holiday dinner and we guarantee your guests will be wowed!

3. Couscous and Chestnut Stuffing

Source: Couscous and Chestnut Stuffing

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire … More like, roast them in the oven and add them to this awesome Couscous and Chestnut Stuffing by Clemence Moulaert. Change up your usual stuffing with this mix of couscous, chestnuts, and creamy pumpkin. This stuffing is light but filled with bright and delicious seasonal flavors.

4. Wild Rice, Cranberry, and Pine Nut Stuffing

Source: Wild Rice, Cranberry, and Pine Nut Stuffing 

Somer McCowan‘s Wild Rice, Cranberry, and Pine Nut Stuffing recipe is so good, even people who think they don’t like stuffing will devour it. It has a combination of bread and wild rice plus earthy mushrooms, tangy cranberries, and salty pine nuts. There’s also a gluten-free option, if you need one.

5. Cornbread Stuffing with Bell Pepper

Source: Cornbread Stuffing With Bell Peppers 

Vaishali Honawar‘s Cornbread Stuffing With Bell Peppers adds color and deliciousness to your holiday table. It has red, green, and yellow peppers and the flavor of perennial herbs like fresh rosemary and sage woven all through it. This stuffing will look beautiful and impress all your guests.

6. Wild Rice Stuffing

Source: Wild Rice Stuffing

If you’re a fan of wild rice stuffing, this gluten-free Wild Rice Stuffing by Alissa Novotny will become your new holiday tradition. It’s made in a crock pot so you can spend your time making other dishes. The wild rice is chewy and satisfying, and the mushrooms make this a savory stuffing you’ll give thanks for.

7. Wild Rice Stuffing With Cranberry, Apricot, and Scallion

Source: Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberry, Apricot, and Scallion

This Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberry, Apricot, and Scallion by Catie Baumer Schwalb might convert people who swear by bread stuffings. The chewy wild rice is brightened up with tangy dried apricots and cranberries. Crunchy pecans and onion-y scallions make this a stuffing you’ll keep stuffing in your mouth.

8. Thanksgiving Wild Rice and Bread Stuffing With Roasted Grapes

Source: Thanksgiving Wild Rice and Bread Stuffing With Roasted Grapes

Cathy Elton‘s Thanksgiving Wild Rice and Bread Stuffing With Roasted Grapes will satisfy both camps of stuffing lovers – those who like rice and those who like bread. It has chewy wild rice in addition to bread and crunchy pecans. The star of the stuffing is the roasted grapes that are soft, juicy, and so delicious.

9. Thanksgiving Cornbread Stuffing With Gravy

Source: Thanksgiving Cornbread Stuffing With Gravy

Traditional Southern stuffing is made with cornbread and Josh Latham‘s Thanksgiving Cornbread Stuffing With Gravy will start a new tradition in your family. It all starts with homemade corn bread that gets turned into a savory, delicious stuffing. Then, it’s topped with an easy, homemade light gravy. Yum!

10. Wild Rice Pilaf With Butternut Squash, Cranberries, and Pecans

Source: Wild Rice Pilaf With Butternut Squash, Cranberries, and Pecans

Forget the main course, Cathy Elton‘s Wild Rice Pilaf With Butternut Squash, Cranberries, and Pecans is going to steal all the attention. It is made with a colorful mix of wild rice, butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans. Then, it’s dressed with lemon and orange juices, fresh ginger and flavorful spices. Gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and low in fat, this dish is also guilt-free.

11. Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

Source: Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

Ready to your usual Thanksgiving stuffing a healthy makeover? This Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing by Cathy Elton uses olive oil instead of butter and whole wheat bread instead of white. Chestnuts add richness while mushrooms provide a meaty texture and more depth of flavor. All the flavor without all the fat – we’re thankful for that!

12. Onion, Celery, and Mushroom Stuffing

Source: Onion, Celery, and Mushroom Stuffing 

This simple Onion, Celery, and Mushroom Stuffing by Rhea Parsons is a recipe passed down for generations. It’s crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. There’s lots of flavor from all the herbs and spices: sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, nutmeg, bay leaf, and garlic. Make it with gluten-free bread, if needed, or with challah for the true traditional version.

13. Sourdough Stuffing

Source: Sourdough Stuffing 

Sourdough bread is really healthy, and it makes a fantastic stuffing. Taylor Ryan‘s Sourdough Stuffing combines sourdough bread with lots of savory veggies and earthy mushrooms. Top with fresh sage for a perfect Thanksgiving dish.

14. Thanksgiving Stuffing

Source: Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing

Josh Latham‘s Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing has the best of both worlds with bread and wild rice. It’s filled with savory veggies and bright, tangy cranberries. Impress your guests by stuffing your stuffing in pumpkins, peppers, or squash for a beautiful presentation.

15. Toasted Bread and Apple Stuffing

Source: Toasted Bread and Apple Stuffing

Fluffy cubes of garlicky bread, savory onions, crunchy pieces of fresh celery, and fresh juicy apple … this Toasted Bread and Apple Stuffing by Holly Bertone is going to become your favorite holiday dish! The ingredients in this stuffing complement each other wonderfully and really come together once drizzled with apple cider vinegar, dunked in vegetable broth, and sprinkled with herbs. Enjoy!

16. Quinoa and Acorn Squash Stuffing

Source: Quinoa and Acorn Squash Stuffing

Prepping for the holidays can be time-consuming, so when it comes to certain staples, like stuffing, it’s best to keep it simple. This hearty, filling Quinoa and Acorn Stuffing by Heather Poire is a breeze to make. Quinoa is packed with adzuki beans and roasted squash while maple syrup adds a sweetness that plays will with the heat of the red pepper flakes. You can even make this stuffing two days ahead of time, so that’s less stress on the big day!

17.  Everything Bagel Holiday Stuffing

Source: Everything Bagel Holiday Stuffing

This Everything Bagel Holiday Stuffing by Jasmine Briones is a riff off of a traditional sourdough stuffing but it has something special – bagels. Everything bagels add a punch of flavor that you wouldn’t get otherwise and really makes this stuffing the bomb. This delightful side dish is perfect for the holidays.

18. Herbed Cornbread Stuffing 

Source: Herbed Cornbread Stuffing 

The perfect marriage of two holiday classics: cornbread and stuffing. The texture of the cornbread really makes this dish delicious. The sweetness of the bread combined with the savory spices make Rene Barker‘s Herbed Cornbread Stuffing a unique treat for everyone at the table.

19. Basmati Rice Stuffing

Source: Basmati Rice Stuffing

If you’re looking to break away from the thought that all stuffings stink or simply need that beautiful side dish to complement your holiday spread, you have to try Gabrielle St. Claire‘s recipe for vegan Basmati Rice Stuffing! Shaved Brussels sprouts and almonds add the perfect amount of crunch while the fennel adds plenty of holiday flavor.

20. Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Quinoa Stuffing 

Source: Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Quinoa Stuffing

What’s a holiday feast without the stuffing? This Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Quinoa Stuffing recipe by Jasmine Briones is perfect for a wholesome celebration. It’s like fried rice with a Thanksgiving flair, but because it’s made with quinoa, it’s grain-free! Quinoa is cooked in broth to infuse it with savory flavor, then tossed with aromatics, herbs, and roasted vegetables, then baked until warm and fluffy. Use this to stuff winter squash, seitan roasts, and more.

21. Cornbread Stuffing With 5-Minute Gravy 

Source: Cornbread Stuffing With 5-Minute Gravy

There are three components to Molly Patrick’s Cornbread Stuffing — but don’t let that scare you. The cornbread is super easy to whip up, the stuffing takes hardly any time at all, and the gravy takes seriously five minutes to make. You can make the cornbread a day in advance to make the prep easier.

22. Low-Fat Sourdough Stuffing

Source: Low-Fat Sourdough Stuffing

Typically, stuffing is oily, but this delicious Low-Fat Sourdough Stuffing by Jasmine Briones doesn’t need any to be delicious! Sourdough bread is cubed and toasted while you sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables until soft and tender. Then, you toss everything together and bake with vegetable broth until it’s crispy on top, but tender below. The distinct taste of sourdough bread combined with meaty mushrooms, scallions, and raisins for sweetness will make this stuffing the most popular dish on the table.

23. Raw Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing

Raw Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffing that’s delicious? Yes, it exists! This yummy stuffing by Jasmine Briones  is made from pecans, almonds ground up in a food processor and then stirred with all kinds of chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, celery, and onion. Serve this grain-free stuffing inside marinated mushroom caps or as a side to your favorite holiday entrée.

Why do we only eat stuffing once or twice a year? These recipes are so amazing, you’ll want to make stuffing a part of your regular menu rotation. For more recipes and inspiration, check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide.

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Everything Bagel Stuffing