National Stuffing Day

Every year on November 21, the United States celebrates National Stuffing Day, a cheerful food-themed observance that highlights one of the most beloved holiday side dishes. Landing just before Thanksgiving, the day invites people to enjoy, prepare, or experiment with stuffing—whether it’s baked inside a bird, cooked in a separate dish, or created with unique family recipes. It’s a warm reminder of comfort food, shared meals, and the cozy flavors of the season.

History of National Stuffing Day

The origins of National Stuffing Day are not tied to a single founding organization, but the observance began appearing on American food-holiday calendars in the early 2000s. Its timing—just two days before Thanksgiving—reflects stuffing’s central role in traditional holiday meals. Over time, food historians and recipe sites have embraced the date, giving it a place on national food-holiday lists.

Stuffing itself has a much longer history. Versions of it existed in ancient Roman cuisine, and by the 19th century it was a staple in American cookbooks. Regional variations—cornbread stuffing in the South, seafood dressing in coastal areas, herb-bread versions in the Northeast—show how the dish evolved with local tastes and ingredients.

Why is National Stuffing Day important?

National Stuffing Day celebrates the cultural and culinary significance of a dish that appears on countless holiday tables. It brings attention to food traditions that connect generations, spark memories, and symbolize joining. Stuffing is one of the most personalized holiday dishes, often passed down through families or reinvented each year.
The observance also encourages creativity in the kitchen. From classic bread-and-herb styles to modern twists with vegetables, sausages, nuts or grains, the day invites cooks to experiment and enjoy a comforting, seasonal favorite.

• It celebrates a classic holiday dish tied to family traditions.
• It inspires cooking, sharing, and experimenting with recipes.
• It highlights regional stuffing varieties across the U.S.
• It brings people together through food and seasonal flavors.
• It marks the start of peak holiday cooking and preparation.

How to Celebrate National Stuffing Day

Celebrate National Stuffing Day by preparing a batch of stuffing—traditional or experimental—and sharing it with family, friends, or coworkers. Many people use the day as a warm-up for Thanksgiving cooking, testing recipes or trying new ingredients. Others simply enjoy stuffing as a standalone dish, paired with seasonal sides or served on its own.
Communities, schools and workplaces may share recipes, host tasting sessions or encourage conversations about favorite food traditions. Even small steps, like learning a new recipe or teaching a child how to make stuffing, help keep culinary traditions alive.

• Make your favorite stuffing recipe or try a new variation.
• Share a dish of stuffing with friends, family or neighbors.
• Host a small stuffing-tasting event and compare different recipes.
• Swap recipes or family traditions with others to inspire holiday cooking.
• Explore regional stuffing styles and try one you’ve never made.

National Stuffing Day Dates Table