The most searched for Thanksgiving stuffing in your state may be surprising.
This Is the Most-Searched Thanksgiving Stuffing In Every State
Updated on Apr. 28, 2024
Thanksgiving dinner is the highlight of the year for a foodie, but there’s a whole lot that goes into planning the menu. From how to cook the turkey to what sides to offer, to serving the perfect Thanksgiving dessert, there are many different directions to go in when planning your feast.
But regardless of where you are and how you celebrate Thanksgiving, stuffing is likely one of the stars of the meal. There are many stuffing recipes out there to choose from—and in some cases, you might be searching for the best dressing recipe instead. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing largely depends on what part of the country you’re from. And as it turns out, there are regional trends for how we like to prepare our stuffing, too.
The Most-Searched Stuffing Recipes
Google Trends recently shared a map of 2022’s most uniquely searched Thanksgiving stuffing variation by state. There are some undeniable trends, as meat-based stuffings are more popular in 17 states, while cornbread dressing reigns supreme in 15 states.
Which Stuffing Recipes Stood Out?
So, what kinds of recipes do each state search for when cooking this classic Thanksgiving accompaniment?
- Cornbread stuffing: This is a favorite in 15 states, including Maine, Texas and Oregon. As cornbread goes so well with BBQ, it’s not surprising that Texans would appreciate the ingredient.
- Sausage stuffing: From Massachusetts to good old New York City, sausage seems the way to go. We like ours with pork sausage, celery, sage and fresh mushrooms.
- Italian stuffing: There’s probably a Sopranos reference in this, but in New Jersey, Italian stuffing is the most popular. It’s also very popular in the midwest. Italian sausage is the main star of this Thanksgiving dish.
- Oyster stuffing: This old-fashioned seafood side dish is popular in many states, including South Carolina, Missouri and Kansas.
- Jell-O stuffing: This is bizarre and something we’ve never heard of, but apparently Oklahoma is rather into it.We’re guessing home cooks are actually searching for a strawberry Jell-O dessert.
- Turkey fruit stuffing: Is Connecticut used to mixing sweet with savory? Seems so, as they search for turkey fruit stuffing. We love this recipe for Fruit & Nut Andouille Stuffing which is chock full of dried fruit and sausage links.
- Keto cauliflower stuffing: Apparently, North Dakota is on something of a health kick! If you’re looking for a healthy alternative this holiday, check out these low-carb Thanksgiving recipes.
Here’s the full list of uniquely searched stuffings from each state:
- Alabama: Cornbread dressing
- Alaska: Sausage stuffing
- Arizona: Turkey stuffing
- Arkansas: Cornbread dressing
- California: Turkey stuffing
- Colorado: Sausage cornbread stuffing
- Connecticut: Turkey fruit stuffing
- Delaware: Ground sausage stuffing
- Florida: Cornbread stuffing
- Georgia: Cornbread dressing
- Hawaii: Jalapeno cheese stuffing
- Idaho: Italian sausage stuffing
- Illinois: Sage dressing
- Indiana: Cranberry stuffing
- Iowa: Cornbread stuffing
- Kansas: Oyster stuffing
- Kentucky: Soul food stuffing
- Louisiana: Cornbread dressing
- Maine: Cornbread stuffing
- Maryland: Turkey stuffing
- Massachusetts: Sausage stuffing
- Michigan: Cornbread dressing
- Minnesota: Cornmeal dressing
- Mississippi: Cornbread dressing
- Missouri: Oyster dressing
- Montana: Herb andouille sausage sage stuffing
- Nebraska: Italian stuffing
- Nevada: Stuffing wrapped in bacon
- New Hampshire: Turkey stuffing
- New Jersey: Italian dressing
- New Mexico: Cornbread dressing
- New York: Sausage stuffing
- North Carolina: Sausage dressing
- North Dakota: Keto cauliflower stuffing
- Ohio: Cornbread stuffing
- Oklahoma: Red Jell-O stuffing
- Oregon: Cornbread dressing
- Pennsylvania: Stuffing with raisins
- Rhode Island: French dressing
- South Carolina: Oyster dressing
- South Dakota: Sausage stuffing
- Tennessee: Cornbread dressing
- Texas: Cornbread dressing
- Utah: Stuffing with Greek yogurt
- Vermont: Sage dressing
- Virginia: Sausage stuffing
- Washington: Stuffing with apples
- Washington D.C.: Country bread stuffing
- West Virginia: Cornbread dressing
- Wisconsin: Turkey stuffing
- Wyoming: Savory herb stuffing
Whether you are a traditionalist or like to go a bit edgier, Thanksgiving stuffing seems to be on a lot of plates. Here’s what you need to add to your Thanksgiving shopping list.
Stuffing Recipes to Try
Stuffing from the Slow CookerThis vegetarian Crockpot stuffing is a keeper. It has all the classic flavor, but it's cooked in a slow cooker for a moist, fluffy stuffing that leaves your oven free for other dishes.
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. It cooks in just three hours and stays moist. Best of all, it doesn't use precious oven space.
Badger State StuffingYour family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
The contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this Thanksgiving classic are what make it so special. Bacon, fruit and sauerkraut give the stuffing a strong and memorable taste.
Sausage Bread DressingMy husband and father go crazy for this dressing. Leftovers are rare but they freeze quite well. To save time, chop the veggies and prepare (but don't bake) the dressing up to two days ahead of time and refrigerate. Add a little baking time since it will be cold. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This Italian sausage stuffing has some hidden sweetness. With apples and pecans, this must-have dish tastes just like fall.
Pecan-Cornbread DressingPlenty of pecans and bacon give this stuffing a unique flavor, while using a packaged mix cuts down on the preparation time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Using cornbread stuffing mix cuts down on the time it takes to prep this smoky stuffing. Bacon and pecans give it a savory and sweet mix that'll perfectly complement your other Thanksgiving dishes.
Savory Zucchini Bread PuddingI have been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
This stuffing hits all the best flavor notes; savory, sweet and cheesy. Canned pumpkin and cinnamon work to make an aromatic and colorful dish.
Hearty Rice DressingThis satisfying dressing has always been received well at church socials and family reunions. The recipe feeds a crowd—I cut back if I'm serving a smaller group. —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana
The creamy beef and pork dish packs just the right amount of heat. With 50 servings, you're going to want to invite everyone you know to dinner. Or cut the recipe in half!
Oyster StuffingOyster dressing isn't just for oyster lovers! Chopped finely, the oysters melt into the seasoned bread cubes, infusing the classic Thanksgiving side dish with a briny, slightly tangy flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Beef and pork stuffings are tried and true, but if you're looking to switch things up a bit this year, this is the recipe for you. Oyster lovers can leave them whole instead of chopping them up.
Smoked Sausage & Potato DressingI tried this recipe for Thanksgiving. My husband is a picky eater, but he ate more of the stuffing than the turkey! If you have leftovers, top some with an over-easy egg for breakfast. —Adriana Torres, El Paso, Texas
This dish has all the makings of smoky stuffing but with potatoes as the base instead of bread. If you have leftovers, top some with an over-easy egg for breakfast.
Slow Cooker Bacon-Mushroom DressingMy favorite stuffing uses a slow cooker, which helps when your oven's busy. It goes with everything from turkey to game hens. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
This stuffing cooks in the slow cooker while the turkey's in the oven. It uses two types of prepackaged mix: cornbread and seasoned cubes.
Traditional Holiday StuffingSausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this stuffing. It's perfect for large family gatherings, but you can also save some for later. —Lorraine Brauckhoff, Zolfo Springs, Florida
You can't beat the classics. Sausage and sage add a gourmet taste to this classic stuffing.
Special Herb DressingHere's a fabulously satisfying dressing with all the great tastes people crave: meat, fish herbs, earthy mushrooms, crunchy apples and water chestnuts, and a zesty burst of tart cranberries. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario
This satisfying dressing has all the great tastes people crave. With meat, fresh herbs, earthy mushrooms, crunchy apples and a burst of tart cranberries, this large-serve stuffing is great for a potluck.
Moist Poultry DressingNo one will miss the meat flavor in this simple and traditionally-seasoned vegetarian stuffing recipe. Layers of big herb flavor liven up this classic side dish that stays super-moist in the slow-cooker.
Mushrooms and onions complement the big herb flavor in this stuffing. The slow cooker lends a hand to how it stays so moist.
Wild Rice StuffingThis wild rice stuffing has a nutty, earthy flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. It pairs beautifully with a plate of Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.
Use up your giblets in this buttery rice stuffing. It soaks up all the best flavors of your turkey and only bakes for 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Mushroom StuffingMy grandmother created this recipe after my grandfather left the well-drilling business and invested all their money in a mushroom farm. The farm was a success and saw the family through the Great Depression. —Eric Cooper, Durham, North Carolina
Put your slow cooker to work! This herby mushroom stuffing is vegetarian for any guests that require it.
Southern Cornbread DressingThis recipe, one of my favorite holiday side dishes, makes a lot. It's perfect for company, even though it started as a way to stretch the food we had for our large family. —Margaret E. Kendall, McConnelsville, Ohio
This southern dressing has hard boiled eggs and turkey giblets woven into it for a nice blended taste. It turns out moist, hearty and ready for more turkey.
“Everything” StuffingMy family goes crazy for this stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This stuffing really does have it all. From the earthiness of the mushrooms to the sweetness of the apples, you get every flavor profile without overshadowing any of them.
Grandma’s Cornbread DressingThis homemade Southern dressing is a marvelous side dish for both holiday and everyday dinners. Crumbled cornbread is mixed with seasonings, vegetables, cream of chicken soup and broth to create a dish that can easily serve a crowd.
This creamy chicken-flavored dressing is pillow-soft. You can chop up your Thanksgiving meat of choice into the dish.
Amber’s Sourdough StuffingAll my kids and grandkids absolutely love this sourdough stuffing, but especially my daughter-in-law Amber. I usually make a big batch at Thanksgiving so I will have leftovers for my husband. But this recipe is perfect for two. —Kathy Katz, Ocala, Florida
Sourdough is a nice change of pace from your usual prepackaged stuffing mixes. The natural tang blends nicely with the mushrooms and celery. This stuffing is great for a small night in, or you can double it for a larger crowd.
Rice DressingThis rice dressing is the perfect marriage of tasty dressing flavors and broth-infused rice. It's simple to make, plus it's tasty enough to just eat with a spoon, no main course needed.
This mushroom and chicken flavored rice dressing is a nice change of pace from traditional bread stuffings. It stays moist and can soak up lots of flavor.
Cranberry Cornmeal DressingThis moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. The sweet-tart flavor of the dried cranberries really complements the dish's turkey sausage. —Corinne Portteus, Albuquerque, New Mexico
This sweet and tart dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. The dried cranberries really complement the dish's turkey sausage.
Sausage and Cornbread DressingAt our house, we add sausage and a little steak sauce to this cornbread dressing for a meal that warms our cold winter nights. —Mandy Nall, Montgomery, Alabama
A little steak sauce goes a long way in this dressing. Cornbread and cubed bread add a savory burst of flavor.
Raisin-Studded Apple StuffingThis is the only stuffing my family will permit on our holiday table. With Italian sausage and a blend of so many great flavors, it's almost a meal in itself. No wonder it won first prize in a local recipe contest! —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Raisins and tart apples adorn this satisfying sausage stuffing. With the soft bread and crisp apples, you'll forget about the other side dishes entirely.
Grandma’s Poultry DressingThe best sausage stuffing recipe evokes nostalgia for time spent with loved ones at the holiday table. Pair it with turkey for Thanksgiving, or eat it as an all-in-one meal any time of the year.
This poultry dressing requires simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Relying on the pork sausage flavor, this hearty stuffing goes great with any turkey.
Cornbread Dressing with OystersMy father's dressing bakes separately from the turkey and is simply delicious. The secret is to prepare the corn bread first, let it cool and then crumble it to form the base for the rest of the ingredients. My father always added oysters to give the dressing a special flavor. —Nell Bass, Macon, Georgia
This hard-boiled egg and oyster dressing is not short on flavor. It cooks separately from the turkey, since cooking stuffing inside the turkey can be dangerous.
Cornbread StuffingAt least 10 of us women made this old-fashioned dressing to feed over 1,500 people at our church's fall festival. Everyone thought it was wonderful. It's the best dressing I've ever made. —Patty Kierce, Weir, Texas
If you're from the South, you might get the appeal of a hard-boiled egg stuffing. While other dressings have sausage, and even oysters, this one has chicken for a nice classic taste.
Fruit & Nut Andouille StuffingThis special stuffing recipe has been a Thanksgiving tradition with our family for many years. It reminds us of home, family, and all the things that make the holiday season so special. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana
This six-ingredient stuffing utilizes seasoned cubes. With mixed fruit and pork sausage, everything's thrown together really easily for a big flavor payout.
Bacon & Sausage StuffingThis was inspired by my mother's stuffing recipe. It smells like heaven while you're making it, and people can never seem to get enough. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
With bacon and sausage, this smoky stuffing doesn't lose any moisture. The bacon even adds a nice coloring to the dish.
Dried Cherry & Sausage DressingApples and dried cherries add a sweet-tart flavor to my homemade stuffing. It makes a holiday dinner memorable. —Connie Boll, Chilton, Wisconsin
Apples and dried cherries add a sweet-tart flavor to this Italian-seasoned stuffing. The texture of the cherries are similar to raisins, but they have a richer flavor.
Slow-Cooker DressingHere’s an easy dressing that’s perfect for Thanksgiving get-togethers. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to turn your attention to the other dishes. —Rita Nodland, Bismarck, North Dakota
This very simple dressing is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Use unseasoned cubes so you can season them to your liking. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to turn your attention to the other sides.
Herbed Apple-Cranberry Bread DressingNot all stuffings are created equal. My version of the classic side dish features apples for a sweet crunch and cranberries for a little tartness. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Apples give a nice crunch to this stuffing while applesauce and orange juice pack on the sweetness. This breadcrumb dressing is soft and takes in a lot of flavor.
Savory Sausage StuffingThis slowcooker sage sausage stuffing makes enough for 16 people and needs just 30 minutes of prep time.
Pork sausage can be a game changer to your usual stuffing recipe. This simple dressing uses two types of bread and dried cranberries for extra tartness.
Skillet Sausage StuffingTo make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
There's nothing easier than a skillet stuffing. The savory dish comes together in under a half hour which gives you more time to focus on your day. To make this sausage stuffing, you dress up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion.
Sweet Potato StuffingMom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
Sweet potatoes find their way to most Thanksgiving tables. This slow cooker dressing breathes new life into the starch. It's versatile and able to withstand adding your family's favorite ingredients to the mix.
Sausage-Herb DressingTo make time for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials, I prep the sausage part of this recipe a day or two ahead of time, then finish the dressing in my slow cooker on the big day. It has stood the test two years running! —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Have you ever heard of coffee in a stuffing? This slow cooker dressing has a deep and herby flavor that you won't be able to get enough of.
Make-Ahead Cornbread DressingBeing from California, my family has always been big veggie eaters. I wanted to share a little taste of home with my in-laws so I created this dish for Thanksgiving. You don't have to let it sit overnight, but it's a nice make ahead Thanksgiving option and the flavors mesh more that way. —Patricia Broussard, Lafayette, Louisiana
This dressing has a few surprising elements, the most notable being spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is great for a dressing because like rice, it takes to flavor really well. So with the added sausage, walnuts and cheese you end up with a delightfully rich and textured dish.
Mushroom StuffingTry this mushroom stuffing recipe when you need a savory side dish that can serve several people. Packaged cornbread stuffing mix helps get this recipe ready in a little over an hour.
A hearty cornbread mix combines with mushrooms and bacon for a spectacular result. This dressing is creamy and soft.
Apple & Apricot StuffingApple stuffing is a sweet twist on a savory classic! Its fresh apple flavor pairs exceptionally well with hearty Thanksgiving dishes like turkey and sweet potato casserole—or rich pork dishes like ham or grilled pork chops.
This fruit and veggie stuffing is both sweet and tart. The apricots give it a nice orange coloring that will brighten your Thanksgiving table.
