Get ready to transform your holiday table with this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a star, promising to become a new, cherished tradition for all your festive gatherings!

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Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish

As the aroma of autumn fills the air and the days grow shorter, many of us begin our annual quest for the perfect holiday meal. Each year, we eagerly scour magazines, browse the internet, and flip through treasured cookbooks, searching for that one unforgettable dish that will shine brightest on our festive spread. Look no further! This year, your search ends with this extraordinary Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing. It’s not just a side; it’s an experience, guaranteed to elevate your holiday feast from memorable to truly legendary.

Why This Stuffing Will Be Your New Holiday Tradition

What makes this Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing so special? It’s a symphony of flavors and textures designed to delight every palate. We start with the comforting foundation of Stove Top® Turkey Stuffing, known for its perfect texture and savory base. Then, we introduce the creamy, tangy goodness of Kraft® Sharp Cheddar Cheese, which melts into every bite, adding a luxurious richness. The star of the show, Oscar Mayer® Bacon, brings a smoky, salty crispness that’s simply irresistible. And for that unexpected, gourmet twist? A generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, infusing the dish with an aromatic blend of garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds, and a hint of salt. One bite into this decadent side dish, and your guests won’t just be impressed—they’ll be begging for the recipe!

Cherished Moments and Culinary Delights: The Heart of Holiday Hosting

For me, hosting Thanksgiving every year is more than just cooking; it’s about creating cherished memories. It’s a labor of love, a joyful tradition I’ve upheld for a decade, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The kitchen buzzing with activity, guests drifting in and out, the distant roar of football on TV, and the tantalizing scent of appetizers disappearing as we eagerly await the main event—these are the moments that truly define my holiday season. It’s not the sheer number of dishes to prepare (though this one delightfully cooks all in one pot!), but rather the sight of full bellies leading to cozy naps on the couch, and the heartwarming ritual of sending loved ones home with containers of delicious leftovers. These simple, beautiful moments are what I hold dear each and every Thanksgiving, reminding me of the precious bond shared with family and friends.

More than ever, I am grateful for these connections and the wonderful memories they bring, helping us navigate and celebrate this special time of year. In our home, stuffing has always been the most beloved side dish, a comfort food staple that everyone looks forward to. This year, I was determined to create the BEST stuffing my family has ever tasted, something truly spectacular that would leave a lasting impression.

So, it’s time to bid farewell to traditional, predictable stuffing and embrace a new, unique spin on a timeless classic! I can hardly contain my excitement over this Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing! It’s truly a game-changer. Plus, gathering everything you need is incredibly convenient. I always head to Walmart, my trusted one-stop shop for all groceries, household essentials, and everything in between. They make holiday prep a breeze, ensuring I can focus more on the joy of cooking and less on the hassle of shopping.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing

Crafting this sensational stuffing requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in its irresistible flavor profile. Opting for quality brands like Oscar Mayer and Kraft can truly make a difference, ensuring every bite is packed with the best taste.

OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon: The smoky depth and crispy texture of this bacon are essential.
STOVE TOP Turkey Stuffing Mix: Provides a perfectly seasoned, convenient base that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
3 cups water: The liquid base for the stuffing mix.
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the stuffing incredibly tender.
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: The secret weapon! This blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt provides a unique, savory kick.
¾ cup KRAFT Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a bold, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the bacon and seasoning, melting into gooey pockets throughout the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: For a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Stuffing

Preparing this exceptional Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing is surprisingly simple, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfectly flavored and textured dish:

Crisp the Bacon: Begin by cooking the OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for approximately 13 to 15 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully brown and irresistibly crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small, delectable pieces.
Prepare the Stuffing Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the specified amount of water and unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Infuse with Flavor: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the STOVE TOP Turkey Stuffing Mix along with the everything bagel seasoning. Ensure the seasoning is well distributed throughout the mix. Cover the saucepan tightly and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the stuffing to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Fold in the Goodness: Gently fold in the KRAFT Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese and about half of the crumbled bacon into the prepared stuffing. Be careful not to overmix; you want pockets of cheese and bacon distributed throughout. Use a fork to gently fluff the stuffing, ensuring it remains light and airy.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing to a serving dish. Top generously with the remaining crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and an extra burst of flavor.

Doesn’t that look like an absolutely incredible side dish your family and friends will rave about?! The combination of textures and flavors is truly unmatched. While it’s perfect for holiday feasts, don’t limit this culinary masterpiece to just special occasions. It would also be an ideal accompaniment to simple weeknight dinners, served alongside succulent pork chops or perfectly roasted chicken, making any meal feel a little more special and indulgent.

Expert Tips for Stuffing Success

Achieving the perfect stuffing is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Perfectly Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, cook it slightly longer than recommended and ensure you drain it thoroughly on paper towels. You can even bake it in the oven for even crispier results with less mess.
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the cheese and bacon, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense stuffing. A light touch keeps it fluffy and airy.
Adjust Seasoning: While the everything bagel seasoning is key, always taste your stuffing before serving and adjust salt or other seasonings to your preference.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the bacon and even the stuffing mix base a day in advance. Store the crumbled bacon separately and mix the cheese and bacon just before baking or serving.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftover stuffing reheats beautifully. Cover it with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Personalize Your Stuffing: Feel free to experiment! Add some sautéed onions or celery for extra aromatics, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Creative Variations & Customizations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences:

Cheese Swaps: Not a fan of sharp cheddar? Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or even a smoked gouda for another layer of smoky goodness.
Herb Boost: Enhance the freshness by adding other finely chopped fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary, which pair beautifully with turkey and bacon.
Add Veggies: Sauté some finely diced onions, celery, or mushrooms and add them to the stuffing mix along with the water and butter for added texture and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes folded in with the cheese can add a delightful warmth.
Bread Choice: While Stove Top is convenient, you could also use stale artisanal bread, cornbread, or even sourdough for a homemade stuffing base, adjusting liquid as needed.

Beyond the Holiday Table: Versatile Serving Ideas

This Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing is so delicious, you won’t want to save it just for the holidays! Here are some ideas for enjoying it year-round:

Weeknight Winner: Serve alongside simple baked chicken breasts, roasted pork loin, or even grilled sausages for an elevated weeknight meal.
Brunch Star: A small serving can be a savory addition to a brunch spread, complementing eggs, quiches, or breakfast meats.
Potluck Favorite: Bring it to your next potluck or gathering, and watch it disappear faster than any other dish. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Stuffed Peppers or Mushrooms: Use leftover stuffing as a filling for bell peppers or large mushroom caps, then bake until tender.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

In a world full of side dishes, the Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing stands out as a true culinary triumph. It masterfully combines the familiar comfort of classic stuffing with the irresistible allure of crispy bacon, the creamy richness of sharp cheddar, and the exciting, aromatic pop of everything bagel seasoning. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers complex, satisfying flavors that will impress even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this stuffing is your ticket to a delicious, memorable meal. Give it a try this season, and discover why it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing

Yield:
12 servings

Prep Time:
2 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
22 minutes

The popular side dish gets a major upgrade in this easy and delicious Cheesy Bacon and Everything Stuffing. It’ll become a favorite holiday side dish for all the obvious reasons!

Ingredients

12 slices OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon
2 boxes (6 ounces) STOVE TOP Turkey Stuffing Mix
3 cups water
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
¾ cup KRAFT Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Start by cooking bacon into a skillet over medium heat, about 13 to 15 minutes, until brown and crispy. Place onto paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle.
Prepare stuffing by adding water and butter to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then stir in stuffing mix and everything bagel seasoning. Cover. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
Gently fold in the cheese and half the crumbled bacon. Fluff with a fork.
Top with remaining bacon and parsley.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 300Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 1004mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.