The Real Difference Between Thanksgiving Stuffing and Dressing And Which One You Should Make
The difference between stuffing and dressing depends on whether it is cooked inside the turkey or not.
This article is more than 2 years old
It’s almost Thanksgiving in the United States! We’re getting deep into holiday time. Get ready for crisp nights, chilly mornings where you don’t want to get up in the morning, fun, and feasts! And with that brings a lot of food including main and side dishes like stuffing. Although food prices are increasing, folks are still buying specialized cookware and making their holiday plans.
Many folks, before they eat, will discuss their favorite dishes before the big Thanksgiving feast. Although turkey is traditionally the main dish, a lot of folks do love a good side, like dressing or stuffing! Many times it’s the side dishes that make a Thanksgiving dinner a success.
With the amount of money folks can look forward to spending this year on their Thanksgiving feasts, knowing what you want to spend your money on is key! So, it’s very important this year to know the difference between stuffing and dressing. Do you?
Sometimes it’s a matter of locality and where you live whether you use the word, stuffing or dressing. Sometimes it’s just what your grandparents called it growing up. And for a small few, they know the real difference.
Stuffing and dressing are almost completely the same. However, according to Food Network, there is one key difference that sets them apart. Stuffing, as the name suggests is stuffed into the turkey prior to it being cooked.
The goal is for all the bird’s juices to seep into the stuffing for additional flavor. However, this practice is not enjoyed as much as it once was due to the possibility of foodborne illnesses. Easting raw turkey is not advised.
But for those who really know their way around a Thanksgiving kitchen, stuffing can’t be beaten. For those who have less-than-average skills when it comes to cooking, dressing is probably the way to go.
Dressing is the same soft, delicious, herb-infused dish that stuffing is, but it is placed on the side and has not been cooked inside the bird. So, you can have one of the tastiest dishes on Thanksgiving, but without the risk of food poisoning. But, remember, the higher the risk, the higher the reward.
Food prices continue to surge this year, so now is probably the best time to experiment a little with different recipes to make your side dishes go further. Hot tip: avocados are actually experiencing a decrease in cost so, maybe they can take your Thanksgiving feast to new heights.
Do some Googling of dressing or stuffing recipes with avocados and you’ll find a delightful side dish that can take on a more exotic flavor with a creamier texture. Basically, this year, your goal is to make your dollar stretch as far as possible. The more foods you can use in varying recipes, the better.
Maybe, you’ll be one of the millions of families who decide to go out to eat for their Thanksgiving meal. Again, because of the price surge on food and the amount of work it takes to create such a feast, going out to eat this year is not out of the question.
So, whether you choose to cook at home and explore a variety of menu options, especially when it comes to dressing and stuffing, remember the reason why we celebrate. To give thanks, to hold gratitude, and keep our loved ones in our hearts.
And, no matter what you do, don’t forget the other sides! Green beans with crispy onions on top? Now, that’s a polarizing dish. But we say yes!
