How Many Boxes of Stove Top Stuffing Do You Need for a Turkey?

Stove Top stuffing is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition in many households Its familiar aroma and taste instantly evoke memories of holidays past But one question always comes up how much Stove Top stuffing do you need for the big bird? Here’s a helpful guide to determine the right amount for your gathering.

What Size Turkey Should I Buy?

First, consider the size of the turkey you plan to cook. Here are some common sizes to give you an idea:

• 8-12 lbs: Good for feeding 4-6 people
• 12-16 lbs: Feeds 6-8 hungry guests
• 16-20 lbs: For a crowd of 8-10
• 20-24 lbs: Perfect for 10-12 folks

The bigger the bird, the more stuffing you’ll need. Aim for around 1 lb of turkey per person. Add a couple extra pounds to allow for leftovers.

How Is Stove Top Stuffing Packaged?

Stove Top comes in 6 oz boxes containing about 6 cups of dry stuffing mix. When prepared according to the package directions, this makes around 12 cups of stuffing.

Some key brands include Cornbread Stuffing, Savory Herb, Chicken Flavor, and Traditional Sage. Low-sodium and gluten-free options are also available.

General Rule of Thumb

As a general guideline, you’ll need about 1 box of Stove Top stuffing for every 4-6 lbs of turkey. However, this can vary based on personal preferences. Here are some tips:

• For a lighter stuffing, 1 box may work for a 8-10 lb turkey.
• If you like lots of stuffing, use 1 box per 3-4 lbs.
• Buying a couple extra boxes gives flexibility.
• Stuffing cooks best baked separately from the turkey.

The amount can also depend on whether you use Stove Top as a stuffing or dressing. When cooked inside the turkey, it absorbs juices and doesn’t require as much liquid. Baked outside the bird, it needs extra moisture.

Handy Stuffing Guide

Use this handy chart as a starting point for how many boxes of Stove Top you’ll need based on turkey weight:

| Turkey Weight | Recommended Boxes of Stove Top |
|-|-|-|
| 8-12 lbs | 1-2 boxes |
| 12-16 lbs | 2-3 boxes |
| 16-20 lbs | 3-4 boxes |
| 20-24 lbs | 4-5 boxes |

Remember, it’s easy to prepare extra stuffing if needed, but not so easy to make more once your bird is stuffed and roasting away. Having an extra box on hand gives you flexibility.

Cooking Tips

• For food safety, it’s best to bake stuffing separately from the turkey. This lets both components reach optimal internal temperatures.

• If cooking stuffing inside the turkey, loosely fill the cavity. Packed too densely, it may not cook through properly.

• For baked dressing, use a 9×13 casserole dish or get creative with a bundt pan for presentation. Add extra liquid and moisture.

• Let the stuffing cool completely before refrigerating leftovers to prevent spoilage. Reheat fully when ready to serve.

Customize Your Stuffing

The basic Stove Top mix is convenient, but you can also spice it up. Try adding:

• Diced celery, onions, carrots
• Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary
• Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, cherries
• Nuts like pecans, walnuts, pine nuts
• Spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin

Stove Top Stuffing Tips

With the right amount of Stove Top stuffing, your holiday turkey will be perfectly accompanied. Follow these tips for success:

• Check the turkey weight and allow 1 box per 4-6 lbs
• Have extra boxes on hand for flexibility
• For more stuffing, use 1 box per 3-4 lbs of turkey
• Bake dressing separately in a casserole dish
• Customize with veggies, herbs, fruits, and nuts
• Let cool before refrigerating leftovers

With the handy guide above, you’ll have the right amount of stuffing ready to craft a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Just add family and friends!