It’s National Stuffing Day: Wait, or Is It Dressing Day?

Today, November 21, is National Stuffing Day, and if you’re from West Texas, there’s a good chance this delicious side dish will make an appearance on your Thanksgiving table. But before you dive into a plate of everyone's favorite carb-loaded delight, let’s settle a long-standing debate: What’s the difference between stuffing and dressing?

First things first, let’s get technical. Stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey (hence the name). The idea is that all those juices from the bird soak into the bread, creating a flavor-packed masterpiece. However, food safety experts often frown on this method because improperly cooked stuffing can leave you with a side of foodborne illness. Nobody wants that!

Dressing, on the other hand, is cooked in a separate dish—like a casserole pan. It’s the same bread-based mix but baked to golden-brown perfection. Dressing is more common in the South, where families often add unique ingredients like cornbread, sausage, or pecans to make it their own.

Here in Texas, the line between stuffing and dressing is somewhat blurry. Many folks in the Hub City use the terms interchangeably, but let’s be real: Around these parts, it’s usually dressing baked in the oven, often with a cornbread base.

The real winner? The one loaded with flavor and smothered in gravy and cranberry sauce! Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, we can all agree it’s one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner.

So, Lubbock, which side of the debate are you on? Do you prefer your bread-based goodness stuffed in the bird or served in a casserole dish?