By Danica A
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November 1, 2021
Turkey has been a staple at Thanksgiving dinner tables for generations. Oftentimes, you’ll find it accompanied by stuffing. The traditional way to prepare stuffing is to cook it inside the turkey. However, chefs and other professionals have since become wary of this method due to health concerns. Before you start preparing for your Thanksgiving feast, it is important to understand what stuffing is, why stuffing a turkey is unsafe, and how to properly prepare your stuffing. What Is Stuffing? Stuffing is a side dish that typically consists of dried bread, such as cornbread, croutons, or breadcrumbs, mixed with meat, onions, celery, and sage. The mixture is then inserted into meat or vegetables and roasted. There are many different varieties of this holiday side dish if you're wondering what to stuff a turkey with. Stuffing is an extremely versatile food that works well with various flavors. While it's most commonly paired with turkey, it can also be included with chicken, pork, mushrooms, and bell peppers, among other foods. Stuffing vs Dressing The difference between stuffing and dressing depends on how it’s prepared and regional traditions. Dressing is a name for stuffing that is cooked separately from poultry, meat, or vegetables and served alongside it, rather than inside it. In the American South, many people use the term “dressing” to refer to both stuffing and dressing, but in most states, people refer to both as stuffing.