How Many Bags of Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Do You Need for Turkey?

Making sure you have enough stuffing is key to a perfect Thanksgiving meal But it can be tricky to know exactly how many bags of stuffing mix you’ll need to stuff and bake to accompany your turkey In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through how to determine the right amount of Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing for your holiday bird.

Stuffing Basics

Before calculating how many bags let’s review some key stuffing info

• The traditional stuffing mix from Pepperidge Farm comes in 14 ounce bags.

• 1 bag is designed to stuff a 6-8 pound turkey.

• For larger birds, you’ll need more bags – about 1 1/3 cups of prepared stuffing per pound of turkey.

• Prepared stuffing approximately doubles in volume after mixing with liquid.

• Never pack raw stuffing tightly in the bird, leave room for expansion during cooking.

• For food safety, it’s best to bake extra stuffing separately in a casserole.

How Many Bags for Different Turkey Sizes

Here are some guidelines on numbers of bags needed:

• 10-12 pound turkey: 2 bags

• 13-15 pound turkey: 3 bags

• 16-18 pound turkey: 4 bags

• 19-21 pound turkey: 5 bags

• Over 21 pounds: Calculate 1 1/3 cups stuffing per pound, rounding up.

These are general estimates, which you can adjust up or down based on how much extra stuffing you want for serving. It’s better to have extra than run short!

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps for perfect Pepperidge Farm stuffing every time:

1. Calculate Total Stuffing Needed

Use the turkey weight and bag guidelines above to determine the total stuffing quantity needed. Err on the side of extra.

2. Portion Out Enough for Inside the Bird

Decide how much you want to put inside the turkey cavity. About 3/4 of the total is a good rule of thumb.

3. Mix Stuffing for the Turkey

In a large bowl, mix the designated turkey stuffing bags with:

• Melted butter
• Diced celery and onions (sautéed optional)
• Turkey broth or water (3/4 cup liquid per bag)

Mix just until combined, don’t over mix. Stuff the bird loosely.

4. Prepare Extra Stuffing

In another bowl, mix remaining stuffing bags with liquid to make the extra baked stuffing. Add any extra flavors like nuts, fruit, sausage etc.

5. Bake Stuffing Separately

Bake the extra stuffing in a buttered baking dish at 325°F until it reaches 165°F internally. Remove turkey from oven and tent when done to keep warm.

Cooking Tips

• Prep and mix stuffing just before using to prevent bacterial growth.

• Never cook stuffing inside the bird less than 165°F. Use a meat thermometer.

• Bake extra stuffing alongside the turkey for last 30-60 mins for perfect timing.

• For moist stuffing, add extra broth and avoid over baking.

• Let baked stuffing stand covered for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Handy Stuffing Add-Ins

Try adding any of these ingredients when preparing Pepperidge Farm stuffing:

• Chopped apples or dried cranberries for tartness

• Sauteed mushrooms or chestnuts for earthiness

• Crumbled sausage or bacon for savory flavor

• Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch

• Fresh herbs like thyme, sage or rosemary

• Sauteed onion and celery for aromatic flavor

• Chicken or turkey broth for extra moisture

Tips from Fellow Home Cooks

Here are some real-world stuffing tips from home cooks and holiday hosts:

• “I always get an extra bag or two just in case. You can never have enough stuffing!”

• “It’s easier to add more broth than to add more dry stuffing mix, so make it soupier.”

• “I like to put some stuffing in the turkey cavity and neck area for flavor, but bake the rest in a dish.”

• “If you’re short on bags, stretch the stuffing with bread cubes or croutons to fill up the turkey.”

• “I throw in dried fruits, sausage, pecans, really anything I have around to jazz it up!”

The Takeaway

You’ll need approximately 1 1/3 cups of prepared Pepperidge Farm stuffing per pound of cooked turkey weight. Buy at least 2 bags for smaller birds and 5 bags for very large turkeys. Making extra is always preferable for the perfect holiday meal!