Best stuffing recipes for Christmas dinner

Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without the perfect stuffing recipe. Whether it’s classic sage and onion stuffing or a festive twist such as chestnut, shallot and orange stuffing it’s the perfect accompaniment to the turkey or any meat-free main you’re serving this year.

We think homemade stuffing, whether vegetarian or sausage meat stuffing, is far better than readymade and it’s easy to prepare too. Many stuffing recipes can often be prepped in advance, fitting in with the more hands on and time-consuming elements of Christmas dinner.

Our chunky sage and onion stuffing only takes 15 mins to prep and is suitable for vegetarian guests. Made with sourdough, sage, onions, parsley and lemons you can get it ready the day beforehand and then put into the oven on the big day.

We also love this easy vegetarian stuffing which is filled with sundried tomatoes, mixed grains, wholegrain mustard and vegetarian goat’s cheese. We serve it with our root vegetable pithivier which has real festive wow-factor.

If you prefer to make a classic sausage meat stuffing recipe we love this maple pecan stuffing cake which includes cranberries, maple syrup, pecans and is wrapped in crispy bacon rashers.

When it come to stuffing the turkey leave a little room in the cavity and don’t overstuff it, to ensure even cooking of the meat.
Truss the legs with string to keep the stuffing in place.

And if you’re wondering about where to buy the best turkey to serve with your stuffing, then the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Christmas taste tests have found the best turkey and turkey crown for Christmas dinner this year.

This simple homemade stuffing is suitable for vegetarians and gives good old Paxo a run for its money. The mixture of crumbed and chunky sourdough helps give it great, light texture.

Recipe: Chunky sage and onion stuffing

Avoid shop bought packages and make your own stuffing, it's simple! This stuffing recipe uses sausage meat.

Recipe: Chestnut, shallot and orange stuffing

Full of fresh flavours, this stuffing recipe couldn’t be simpler. It would also make a lovely filling for a stuffed squash or pepper.

Recipe: Easy Veggie Stuffing

Spices add seasonal character to these juicy stuffing balls. Delicious with our Cider Roast Turkey, or Rolled Turkey Breast.

Recipe: Mulled sausage and sage stuffing balls

If you aren’t planning on using this stuffing to fill the turkey, you can always halve it to just make balls.

Recipe: Pork, chestnut and apricot stuffing

Homemade stuffing balls without the hassle! This stuffing recipe is made using dried cranberries.

Recipe: Cranberry stuffing balls

This stuffing recipe is a tasty, vegetarian alternative that will be loved by all.

Recipe: Vegetarian stuffing muffins

Quinoa is loaded with protein, fibre and magnesium and adds wonderful nuttiness to this Thanksgiving-style stuffing recipe.

Recipe: Roasted vegetarian quinoa stuffing

This stuffing recipe makes one 20.5cm (8in) ‘cake’ of stuffing. The same quantity of stuffing can also be used to stuff your bird, so if you want both a cake and stuffed turkey, you’ll need to make double.

Recipe: Maple pecan stuffing cake

This delicious stuffing is a perfect match for your Christmas turkey. Use good quality pork sausage meat for this recipe.

Recipe: Apple, pancetta and sage stuffing

Half of this meat Christmas stuffing recipe is used in the turkey recipe. Alternatively, freeze and use at a later date.

Recipe: Jewelled stuffing baubles

A nod to the traditional 16th century figgy pudding, this chestnut Christmas stuffing recipe combines the sweetness of figs with the salty, savoury flavour of sausagemeat.

Recipe: Fig and chestnut stuffing

This cornbread stuffing recipe is a great side dish for a Christmas or Thanksgiving meal. It looks too good to eat... almost

Recipe: Cornbread with cherry and thyme stuffing

You can halve this stuffing recipe if you're not filling your turkey.

Recipe: Cranberry, apple and pork stuffing

A delicious twist on traditional Christmas stuffing recipe. This recipe is made with apples, chestnuts and calvados.

Recipe: Apple and lemon thyme stuffing and stuffing balls

Celery, nut, mushroom and herb stuffing turn classic roast chicken into a really special meal

Recipe: Posh roast chicken with proper stuffing