With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I decided to taste test some common store bought stuffing packages to decide which one is the best. I tried six different brands that were available at our local grocery store, Smith’s, which are part of Kroger Brand stores. The six different stuffings I tried are: Pepperidge Farms Herb Seasoned Classic and Cubed Stuffing, Mrs. Cubbison’s Traditional and Cube Stuffing, Stove Top Turkey Stuffing and Kroger Turkey Flavored Stuffing Mix. All of these stuffings were made to stand alone and not actually “stuffed” into a bird. I grew up with stand alone stuffing (not being stuffed in the bird and than served) so I prefer stand alone stuffing. I do not like soggy/greasy stuffing so being stuffed into the bird is not a favorite of mine. Also, when stuffing the bird, the internal temperature of the stuffing must reach 165 degree’s to be safe which generally leads to the turkey being overcooked and dry.
I followed the package directions on how to make each brand and used chicken stock. I didn’t add any other ingredients like celery, nuts or fruit and simply used the liquid amount required to make each one minus any butter or margarine. There are some clear difference I noticed immediately. Seasonings and aromas were very different from brand to brand. Mrs. Cubbison’s plastic package holding the seasoned bread crumbs would not open with my kitchen scissors and I had to use a knife to open the plastic bag. Every other brand I tried cut open fine with my kitchen scissors.
Let’s start with Mrs. Cubbison’s stuffing. I was surprised by the little amount of chicken stock the package instructed. I used 1 1/2 cups chicken stock to per package as directed. The stuffing was extremely dry and lacked significant flavor. This stuffing is definitely one that probably should be used to stuff the turkey rather than served as a stand alone side. I have to say this brand was my least favorite of any I tried. It was dry and lacked flavor as compared to the others.
The Pepperidge Farm stuffing (both tried) were a little better and had a significant visual difference between their cubed and traditional stuffing brands. The traditional stuffing brand was “mushy” and didn’t have a good eye appeal. Furthermore, the bread used resembled more like “crumbs and crust” than chopped up bread like the others. This stuffing was overall bland and dry too. This stuffing most likely would be better stuffed in the bird than served as a stand alone side dish.
Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix had the best eye appeal for a stand alone stuffing. It was very aromatic when the package was opened. Simple to make and tasty, this stuffing brand has my vote for the best stand alone stuffing brand.
Kroger Turkey Flavored Stuffing Mix looks and smells a lot like Stove Top Stuffing. These similarities make me think Kraft packages the Kroger stuffing under the Kroger label. There are some minor difference between the two both visually and seasoning but makes a close second to Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix.
While on air, Mary Nickels was adamant about her dislike for Mrs. Cubbinson’s stuffing and so that was on the bottom of her list. Stove Top Turkey Stuffing or the Kroger Turkey Flavored Stuffing mix as a close second.
Overall, stuffing is a personal choice but side by side there is a distinct difference between stuffing brands. Without the addition of any other ingredients, Stove Top Stuffing clearly scored top in our taste test. I know there are homemade stuffing recipes out there that you may swear by and I have no doubt they are delicious. Whether you choose to stuff the turkey with your stuffing or a store purchased stuffing brand, always make sure you cook everything to proper food temperatures to assure it’s safe to eat. Always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. If you’ve ever had a food-borne illness, it’s not fun and it’s well worth cooking to appropriate temperatures of 165 degree’s Fahrenheit, keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
