How Many Bags of Stuffing Do You Need for a 20 lb Turkey?

When preparing your Thanksgiving feast, getting the right amount of stuffing is key to soaking up all those delicious turkey juices. But with so many appetites to satisfy, how much stuffing should you make for a sizable 20 pound bird?

The general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 bags of stuffing mix for a turkey this size. However, the exact amount can vary based on several factors.

Read on for tips on estimating the right quantity of stuffing, advice for stuffing the turkey safely, and how to adapt stuffing amounts when baking it separately.

Stuffing Amount Guidelines

As a starting point here are some guidelines on the number of bags needed for a 20 lb turkey

• 1 standard 14 oz bag – Enough to lightly stuff a 20 lb turkey or serve 4-6 people baked separately.

• 2 standard 14 oz bags – Provides ample stuffing for a 20 lb bird or 8-12 side servings.

• 3 standard 14 oz bags – Allows for very generously stuffing the turkey and leftovers,

However, the actual amount of stuffing required depends on:

• Number of servings needed
• Preference for lightly vs heavily stuffed
• Added ingredients like eggs, broth, vegetables etc. that make the stuffing expand.

If in doubt, it’s better to have extra than run short. The stuffing reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Safely Stuffing the Turkey

When putting stuffing inside the turkey, take care not to overstuff. Follow these tips:

• Loosely fill the main body cavity, leaving room for the stuffing to expand.

• Lightly fill the neck cavity without packing it tight.

• Weigh stuffing down with ingredients added. The USDA recommends no more than 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.

• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked through.

Stuffing a turkey does add great flavor, but baking it separately eliminates food safety concerns about bacteria from undercooked stuffing.

Baking Stuffing Separately

If baking your stuffing in a casserole dish, you’ll need a bit more than if stuffing a turkey:

• For a 14 oz bag, allow 1 1/2 – 2 cups broth/liquid for moistness. This will yield 4-6 servings.

• Estimate 1 bag per 4-6 people you need to serve.

• Use a little extra broth and eggs to help the stuffing bake up fluffy.

• Bake uncovered at 350°F until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Adding Flavor to Stuffing

Whichever cooking method you use, you can pack in extra flavor with simple add-ins:

• Onion, celery, carrots – Sautee for aromatic veggie flavor.

• Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary – Use 1-2 Tbsp chopped per bag.

• Broth/stock – For a moist texture, chicken or turkey broth adds richness.

• Nuts like pecans, almonds or walnuts – Toasted nuts add crunch.

• Dried fruit such as cranberries, cherries or apricots – For a touch of sweetness.

Making Stuffing Ahead of Time

For convenience, the stuffing can be prepared 1-2 days in advance:

• Assemble stuffing ingredients but don’t add eggs or bake. Store covered in fridge.

• When ready to cook, stir in eggs, broth and bake as directed.

You can also completely bake the stuffing ahead:

• Bake stuffing until fully cooked and let cool. Refrigerate up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently in a 350° oven before serving. Add extra broth if needed.

With some simple planning using the bag guidelines, you can ensure your 20 lb turkey has the perfect amount of fluffy, flavorful stuffing without the stress or waste. DIY add-ins like fresh herbs, veggies and nuts let you customize it your way. Enjoy your stuffed turkey feast!