When it comes to making an easy & memorable Thanksgiving stuffing, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Using locally raised, pasture-fed ground pork, like the kind we offer at Tyner Pond Farm, adds a depth of flavor and richness to this holiday classic that store-bought options just can’t match. Not only does it create a more satisfying dish, but it also supports sustainable farming practices and strengthens our local food system. Ground pork is the perfect foundation for stuffing, complementing the savory bread, herbs, and vegetables while ensuring every bite is hearty and delicious.

Ground Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size and what else is being served alongside it. If stuffing is one of several sides at your Thanksgiving meal, it should comfortably serve 8. If it’s a main side dish, you may want to plan for closer to 6 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb plain ground pork (pasture-raised preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough or rustic bread works well)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried sage
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil (for sautéing and greasing)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly dry. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Pork
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat.
3. Sauté Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add another tbsp of butter or oil if needed. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out moisture.
4. Combine Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked pork, sautéed vegetables, dried parsley, sage, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Add optional nuts or dried cranberries, if desired.
5. Add Stock and Eggs
   Slowly pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the mixture while gently tossing to combine. Add just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy. Stir in the beaten eggs for binding.
6. Bake the Stuffing
   Grease a large baking dish with butter or oil. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the dish and cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing is a versatile side dish that can accompany turkey, chicken, or even pork roasts. It reheats well and retains its flavor, making it a practical addition to your holiday menu.

Enjoy the convenience of dried seasonings while maintaining a homemade touch.

Suggestions to Spice It Up

For a more adventurous or unique flavor profile, try adding some of these to your stuffing:

Savory and Herby
Rosemary: Add ½ tsp dried rosemary or 1 tsp fresh, finely chopped.
Fennel Seeds: Toast ½ tsp of fennel seeds and mix in for a subtle sweetness that complements pork.
Marjoram: Add ½ tsp for a mild, woodsy flavor.

Warm and Spiced
Ground Nutmeg: Sprinkle ¼ tsp for a warm, holiday-inspired undertone.
Allspice: Add a pinch for a subtle layer of complexity.
Ground Mustard: Use ½ tsp for a slight tang that enhances the pork.

Bold and Aromatic
Cumin: Add ¼ tsp for an earthy, slightly smoky note.
Smoked Paprika: Use ½ tsp to add a rich, smoky depth to the dish.
Chili Flakes: Sprinkle ¼ tsp if you want a bit of heat.

Bright and Fresh
Lemon Zest: Add the zest of half a lemon for a bright, citrusy pop.
Dried Orange Peel: A small pinch can provide a subtle, fruity layer.
Tarragon: Use ½ tsp for a delicate, anise-like flavor.

Sweet and Nutty
Cinnamon: Add a small pinch to play up the natural sweetness of the bread and pork.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle 1 tbsp over the top before baking for a hint of sweetness.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top before serving for a nutty crunch.

Feel free to mix and match these options based on your preferences or the rest of your Thanksgiving menu. This stuffing can be a great base for experimenting!

To estimate the cost per serving for the Ground Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing, we’ll calculate the total cost of the ingredients and then divide by the number of servings. Assuming the recipe yields 6 servings, here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Ingredients and Costs:

Ingredient	Quantity Needed	Estimated Cost	Source
Ground Pork	1 lb	$4.29	Tyner Pond Farm
Onion	1 medium	$0.32	Walmart
Celery	2-3 stalks	$0.50	Walmart
Garlic	2 cloves	$0.10	Walmart
Stale Bread	8 cups	$1.10	Walmart
Chicken Stock	2 cups	$1.00	Walmart
Eggs	2 large	$0.40	Walmart
Dried Parsley	1 tsp	$0.05	Walmart
Dried Sage	1 tsp	$0.05	Walmart
Dried Thyme	½ tsp	$0.03	Walmart
Onion Powder	½ tsp	$0.03	Walmart
Garlic Powder	½ tsp	$0.03	Walmart
Black Pepper	½ tsp	$0.02	Walmart
Salt	½ tsp	$0.01	Walmart
Butter or Olive Oil	2-3 tbsp	$0.30	Walmart

Total Estimated Cost: $8.23

Cost per Serving:  $1.37

The estimated cost per serving for this stuffing is approximately $1.37. This calculation assumes that you have basic pantry items like salt, pepper, and dried herbs on hand, and it utilizes Walmart’s pricing for the remaining ingredients.