• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Policies
  • Home
  • Home

Life's Little Sweets

Omnivore loving vegan, gluten-free & beverage recipes

Any Season April August December Events Fall February Food January July June March May Northeast November October Recipes by Diet Lifestyle Recipes By Month Recipes By Season September Spring Summer Summer Solstice Sweet toppings USA Region Vegetarian Recipes Winter

Blueberry Syrup

Wineberry Recipes Collection lifeslittlesweets.com

Desserts Food July June Popular Recipes Recipes Recipes by Diet Lifestyle Recipes By Month Recipes By Season Summer Sweet Vegetarian Recipes

Wineberry Recipes Collection

Desserts dinners Entertaining Food Snacks Summer Sweet

10 4th of July Recipes

Summer Berries Sweet Cream Coffee Frappe

4th of July/Independence Day Food Holidays July Lists Recipes By Month

Independence Day Recipes

Continue to Blog

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community. Continue Reading

List

  • Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Veggies
  • Air Fryer
  • Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Dessert
  • Web Stories

Join our mailing list today!

Recently

Waffles with Nutella and Alpine Strawberries

July Recipes

Are you looking for some refreshing drink to beat out the hot summer heat or do you just want to try a few new dishes on the grill for July?

Continue Reading

Basil Butter Corn

Memorial Day Recipes

Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious food? Memorial Day is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer season with mouth-watering dishes that will please your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or picnic, having some tasty recipes in your arsenal is always a good idea. In this article, we've rounded up some of our favorite Memorial Day recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From grilling classics to refreshing sides and desserts, you'll find plenty of inspiration to make your summer gatherings unforgettable.

Continue Reading

Iced Cashew Milk Latte

This Iced Cashew Milk Latte has creamy, cold cashew milk and chilled espresso served with ice and optional sweetener of choice. (makes 1 serving)

Continue Reading

cropped-Strawberry-Recipes-Collection-www.lifeslittlesweets.com-680x1020-PIN.jpg

Mother's Day Recipes

Are you looking for ways to show your mother how much you appreciate her this Mother’s Day? There’s no better way to express your love and gratitude than by cooking her a delicious meal. Whether your mom has a sweet tooth or prefers savory dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. We will be sharing some of the most mouth-watering and easy-to-make Mother’s Day recipes that will make her feel extra special. Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Continue Reading

More Blog Posts

Popular Recipes Now

Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Recipe

Stove Top Grilled Eggplant

Stove Top Grilled Eggplant

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe close up

Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe

Rose Water Lemonade

Rosewater Lemonade

Featured Recipes

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture www.LifesLittleSweets.com

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Citrus Honey Ginger Tea is an invigorating, fresh, hot, tea drink to help banish winter health woes and it is our go-to cold & flu remedy.

Citrus Honey Ginger Tea

Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole

Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole

Homemade Carrot Ginger Soup

Homemade Carrot Ginger Soup

More Featured Recipes

Fall

Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe www.LifesLittleSweets.com

Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe

Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice Pudding

Layered Lasagna Lush Dessert Recipes

Layered Lasagna Lush Dessert Recipes

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes

More Fall Recipes

Winter

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Baked Eggs

Baked Eggs

Fresh Spring Rolls

1st Birthday Cake

1st Birthday Cake

More Winter Recipes

Drinks | Coffee • Tea • Syrups • Cocktails •Mocktails

Mint Water

Mint Water

Honeysuckle Simple Syrup lifeslittlesweets.com

Honeysuckle Simple Syrup

Rose Water Simple Syrup

Rose Water Simple Syrup

Cold Brew Iced Tea Story Poster Image

Sun Tea

More Drink Related Recipes

Spring

5 Cinco de Mayo Recipes

5 Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns

Easter Cake Recipe

How to Make Dyed Easter Eggs

How to Make Dyed Easter Eggs

More Spring Recipes

Summer

Nettle Pesto

Nettle Pesto

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Leprechaun Bait Recipe close up in a white bowl

Leprechaun Bait Recipe

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

More Summer Recipes

Dinner

St. Patrick’s Day Recipes Collection

St. Patrick's Day Recipes Collection

Grape Jelly Meatballs

Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Balsamic Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving Menu

More Dinner Recipes

Dessert

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge Recipe www.LifesLittleSweets.com

Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Fudge Recipe

10 Festive St. Patrick’s Day Recipes | Life's Little Sweets

10 Festive St. Patrick's Day Recipes

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Shaped Brownies www.LifesLittleSweets.com

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Shaped Brownies

Valentine's Day Saltine Toffee www.LifesLittleSweets.com

Valentine's Day Saltine Toffee

More Dessert Recipes

Breakfast & Brunch

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Cherry Overnight Oats

Cherry Overnight Oats

Mint Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats

Mint Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats

Cold Brew Iced Coffee

Cold Brew Iced Coffee

More Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Recipe Collections & Lists

Thanksgiving Sides Recipes Collection

Thanksgiving Sides Recipes Collection

Cherry Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats Recipes Collection

How to Roast a Turkey

Thanksgiving Guide

Game of Thrones Recipe Collection

cropped-Chia-Seed-Banana-Bread-680x680-1.jpg

Banana Bread Recipes

Unicorn Rainbow Cake lifeslittlesweets.com

Cake Recipes Collection

More Recipe Collections & Lists

The Kitchen Garden

Garden Update August 2020

Our Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Renovation Update Week of 9.17.2017
As Seen In

Our Other Sites

  • Her Coffee Recipes
  • Modern Farmhouse Cabin
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Policies
  • Home
  • Home
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Blog
    • About
    • Shop
    • Policies
    • Home
    • Home
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Blueberry Syrup
    • Wineberry Recipes Collection lifeslittlesweets.com
      Wineberry Recipes Collection
    • Waffles with Nutella and Alpine Strawberries
      July Recipes
    • 10 4th of July Recipes
    • Summer Berries Sweet Cream Coffee Frappe
      Independence Day Recipes
    • Basil Butter Corn
      Memorial Day Recipes
    • Iced Cashew Milk Latte
    • cropped-Strawberry-Recipes-Collection-www.lifeslittlesweets.com-680x1020-PIN.jpg
      Mother's Day Recipes
    • Homemade Cinnamon Buns
      Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Collection
    • Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe www.LifesLittleSweets.com
      Perfect Coconut Cream Lush Dessert Recipe
    • Homemade Garden Fresh
      Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Rice Pudding Recipe
      Rice Pudding
    Home

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

    January 10, 2023

    Stuffing vs Dressing

    The Stuffing vs Dressing Debate

    Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

    When it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner, there is one debate that has been going on for decades: stuffing or dressing. With so many different families having their own unique recipes, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two dishes. But what exactly sets these two dishes apart?

    Let's take a look at the history behind these beloved holiday sides and find out which one reigns supreme! What’s the stuffing or dressing difference? It’s time to find out.

    Stuffing vs Dressing pin with text and photos of stuffing dressing recipe

    Table of contents

    • The Stuffing vs Dressing Debate
    • What is Stuffing?
    • What is Dressing?
    • How to Use Stuffing in a Meal
    • How to Use Dressing in a Meal

    What is Stuffing?

    Stuffing is a dish made with bread (usually stale), herbs, and spices. It is traditionally cooked inside of a turkey or chicken but can also be cooked in a separate dish (known as dressing).

    Stuffing dates back to Ancient Roman times when slaves would stuff birds with grains and herbs before roasting them over open fires. This classic dish has since evolved into many variations depending on regional tastes and the ingredients available.

    Check our our Dressing Stuffing recipe!

    How to Roast a Turkey photo of a turkey
    How to Roast a Turkey

    What is Dressing?

    Dressing is similar to stuffing but typically has a lighter texture due to its use of cubed bread instead of stale breadcrumbs. This side dish originated in the South where cooks would bake it separately from the bird they were serving.

    Common ingredients in dressing include celery, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and sage. While some consider dressing and stuffing one and the same, others feel that dressing has its own distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional stuffing recipes.

    Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe in a gravy boat
    Homemade Turkey Gravy is delicious with Dressing or Stuffing

    How to Use Stuffing in a Meal

    If you're craving a classic Thanksgiving side dish with a twist, consider trying out some of these delicious stuffing recipes:

    • Sausage and Apple Stuffing: This recipe combines two popular fall ingredients for a flavor-packed dish that is perfect for the holidays.
    • Cornbread Dressing with Andouille Sausage: This dish is loaded with spicy andouille sausage for a bold flavor that will pair well with traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
    • Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon: This hearty recipe will have your family asking for seconds! It combines creamy eggs, crispy bacon, and sweet cornbread for a delicious side dish that pairs well with turkey or roast chicken.
    Corn Casserole recipe in a baking dish
    Corn Souffle

    How to Use Dressing in a Meal

    If you're looking for a light and airy side dish to complement your holiday dinner, consider using dressing in your meal. Some great recipes to try include:

    • Southern Cornbread Dressing: This classic recipe combines chunks of cornbread with fragrant herbs like sage and thyme for an unforgettable flavor profile.
    • Bacon and Cornbread Dressing: This recipe combines sweet cornbread with crispy bacon for a hearty side dish that is sure to please your guests.
    • Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Dressing: The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, this dressing is the ultimate addition to any holiday meal!
    a clear bowl of Rosemary-Infused Cranberry Sauce being held by hands with rosemary on top
    Rosemary-Infused Cranberry Sauce

    At the end of the day, this debate all comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer your stuffing cooked inside the turkey or baked separately as dressing, there's no denying that both dishes are essential staples on any Thanksgiving table! 

    So, get ready to put your family recipe up against friends and family this year, it's time for the stuffing versus dressing showdown! Whichever side you choose will make for delicious eating come Turkey Day! What's the difference between dressing and stuffing in your family?

    Stuffing vs Dressing pin with text and photos of stuffing dressing recipe

    Latest Posts

    • Blueberry Syrup
    • Wineberry Recipes Collection
    • July Recipes
    • 10 4th of July Recipes
    • Independence Day Recipes
    • First published: 1/10/2023
    STUFFING VS. DRESSING STORY

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Sara Maniez
    Follow me
    Sara Maniez
    Owner at Life's Little Sweets
    Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
    Sara Maniez
    Follow me
    Latest posts by Sara Maniez (see all)
    • Blueberry Syrup - July 5, 2025
    • Wineberry Recipes Collection - July 4, 2025
    • 10 4th of July Recipes - July 2, 2025

    More Thanksgiving

    • Scalloped Potatoes
    • Thanksgiving Menu 2022
      Thanksgiving Menu 2022
    • How to Plan Thanksgiving Dinner
    • Pumpkin Spice Brownies
    15 shares
    • Share2
    • Tweet
    • LinkedIn
    • Yummly

    Email Newsletter - Get Your FREE Seasonal Produce Chart!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Life’s Little Sweets is a delightful food blog that celebrates the joy and comfort that food brings to our lives. With a focus on creative and approachable recipes, this blog is a go-to destination for anyone who loves to cook, bake, and explore new flavors.

    More about Life's Little Sweets →

    Signup for our Weekly Email List & Get Your Free Seasonal Produce Chart and Kitchen Measurements PDFs!
    Handy Kitchen Measurements
    Signup for our Weekly Email List & Get Your Free Seasonal Produce Chart and Kitchen Measurements PDFs!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Our Other Sites

    • Her Coffee Recipes
    • Modern Farmhouse Cabin

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright© 2025 · LIFE'S LITTLE SWEETS

    15 shares
    • 2
    15 shares
    • 2