Stuffing is as ubiquitous on Thanksgiving tables across America as the turkey itself, and the Stove Top brand is one of the best-selling boxed stuffing mixes in the country. The simple, all-in-one package is a go-to for holiday dinners—but would you believe that those buttery breadcrumbs were originally eaten along with a different bird? You've got a lot of stuff to catch up on.
1. Stove Top stuffing was invented by a baker.
A woman from Indiana named Ruth Siems developed the stuffing while working on flour and cake mixes for General Foods (now Kraft Heinz) in Tarrytown, NY.
2. The breadcrumbs are key.
A patent for the stuffing in Siems' name involved using a very specific size of breadcrumb. The particular size allows the bread to be properly rehydrated with the addition of water.
3. Stove Top was a revelation in the 70s.
When Stove Top was introduced in 1972 it was the first stuffing mix containing all the ingredients needed to typical dressing in one box. The mixture of vegetables, seasonings, herbs, spices, and baked stuffing crumbs came together in 15 minutes.
4. It wasn't meant to be served with turkey.
The early ad campaigns for Stove Top marketed the stuffing as a replacement for potatoes in a typical chicken dinner. The original flavors were Chicken (made with chicken broth) and Cornbread.
5. It's designed to complement different meats.
Following the chicken flavor, the brand's stuffing mix for pork was released in 1976, and the pairing for turkey didn't come to be until 1982. The seasonings are switched up slightly between those flavors so they taste best when paired with each protein.
6. It eventually became a Thanksgiving staple.
With the introduction of turkey-specific stuffing, the boxed mix quickly became an easy side option for Thanksgiving dinner across the country. The slogan in the brand's commercials even changed to "If it's not Stove Top, it's not Thanksgiving."
7. There used to be regional styles.
Back in the 80s you could try out stuffing as it's eaten in areas around the country. The "Americana" line of mixes included New England-style with white and rye bread, onion and bell peppers and San Francisco's take with a mixture of white and sourdough.
8. You don't need a stove to make it.
In 1991, the recipe was tweaked slightly so that it can be made in the microwave rather than in a pan on the stovetop, and the prep time has been cut down from 15 to 5 minutes over the years.
9. Lots of new flavors have been released.
There have been plenty of changes to the classic over time, keeping things interesting with flavors like broccoli & cheese, mushroom & onion, cranberry, savory herbs and sage.
10. Pilgrims are big fans.
The brand's 2013 ad campaign featured perturbed pilgrims who couldn't believe their friends would serve anything but Stove Top on Thanksgiving, and the 2015 commercials took an even sillier turn with appearances by an Artisanal Hipster Pilgrim ... with a pet turkey.
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FAQs
Like many convenience foods, Stove Top stuffing has gotten a bad rap in recent years, especially from people who have *opinions* about what is healthy to eat. It's got too much sodium, there are weird ingredients that you can't pronounce, and it's just better to make your own stuffing. But “better” is subjective.
How unhealthy is Stove Top stuffing? ›
Like many convenience foods, Stove Top stuffing has gotten a bad rap in recent years, especially from people who have *opinions* about what is healthy to eat. It's got too much sodium, there are weird ingredients that you can't pronounce, and it's just better to make your own stuffing. But “better” is subjective.
What are some fun facts about Stove Top stuffing? ›
The success of Stove Top stuffing has to do in large part with the size of the crumbs. Each crumb is approximately the size of a pencil eraser. It was found that if the breadcrumbs were too small, the mixture would get soggy, and if they were too large, the texture would be too coarse.
Does Stove Top stuffing have bioengineered ingredients? ›
It Might Contain GMOs
According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine, the stuffing mix may contain genetically engineered ingredients since there are corn and soy in it. Americans are left in the dark about this matter because there is no mandatory labeling law for GMOs.
Is stuffing easy to digest? ›
Unfortunately for your digestive system, dense foods like stuffing or casseroles move at a snail's pace through your body. Eating vegetables makes for quicker and easier digestion.
Why is Stove Top stuffing banned? ›
Stove Top Stuffing: Contains a combination of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), leading to its ban in countries like Japan, the UK, and several European nations.
Is it bad to eat too much stuffing? ›
If you've filled up your stomach enough, you may feel it press up against the breathing muscle of the diaphragm, which further contributes to discomfort. Acid reflux, in which the acid in your stomach travels up your esophagus into your throat so you taste some sourness in your mouth, may also result.
Does stove top stuffing cause gas? ›
Stuffing contains refined carbs and gluten from the bread, high levels of sodium from the adds on like sausage and bacon, fruits and veggies which cause bloating, and other veggies such as brussels sprouts and fruits such as apples that can cause gas.
How much stove top stuffing per person? ›
How Much Stuffing Per Person
- When you're serving stuffing at your Thanksgiving dinner, you can figure each person will eat 3/4 cup of stuffing. ...
- 4 people – 3 cups. ...
- Related: Leftover Turkey Recipes.
Electric cooktops are the most common type of cooktop. Yet both gas and electric are both capable of delivering a great cooking experience. Induction stoves are also excellent, but they cost more up front. You may find it easier to judge cooking heat by a gas flame instead of a glowing electric burner.
Bioengineered Foods are Potentially Unhealthy.
These bioengineered food products can introduce novel organisms into our bodies that can cause harm. Genetic engineering can introduce a novel protein into a fruit or vegetable that could trigger an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to that particular protein.
What is an example of a bioengineered ingredient? ›
Varieties of a few fresh fruit and vegetable crops, such apples and papaya, as well as certain grains and seeds, such as soy and canola, are bioengineered. Is there a list of bioengineered foods? Why does AMS use the term “BE”? Bioengineered foods include certain types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Does stove top stuffing have high fructose corn syrup? ›
ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), DEGERMINATED YELLOW CORNMEAL, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SALT, ONIONS*, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF INTERESTERIFIED SOYBEAN OIL, VITAL WHEAT GLUTEN, POTASSIUM SALT, YEAST, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, ...
Is stove top stuffing unhealthy? ›
Kraft's mix contains the chemicals BHA & BHT, which are both on EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives and may be linked to cancer. What's more, one serving of Kraft's Stove Top contains 29 percent of your recommended daily intake of sodium or salt, according to the U.S. Institute of Medicine.
What is the hardest food for your stomach to digest? ›
High-fat foods
Heavy cream, butter, and fatty meats, such as bacon, can all be very hard to digest, which can result in cramps, bowel issues, and other digestive issues.
Is stuffing bad for IBS? ›
Bloating and gas triggers
Broccoli, onions, and cabbage can make IBS patients gassy and bloated, exacerbating discomfort. Other foods that can make you gassy include Brussels sprouts, wheat germ, raisins, and celery. Many of these items can be hidden in foods such as holiday stuffing, cereals, and soups or stews.
Does Stove Top stuffing really go bad? ›
For cooked Stove Top stuffing, one can expect it to last in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. To extend its life further, freezing is an option, with the stuffing maintaining quality for 4-6 months.
Is Stove Top stuffing high in fat? ›
Nutrition Facts
The calorie breakdown is 10% fat, 77% carbs, and 13% protein.
Is Stove Top stuffing carcinogenic? ›
Kraft Stove Top stuffing might make weeknight dinners easier, but it also contains the same BHT found in American breakfast cereals, as well as BHA, which at high doses, causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. Both preservatives are banned in the United Kingdom, Japan and several European countries.
Are gas stove tops unhealthy? ›
NO2 can cause respiratory problems, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, and long-term exposure to NO2 from gas stoves has also been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease.
