First, semantics: What's the difference between stuffing and dressing? Technically, stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, while dressing bakes separately in a pan. In practice, most of us use the terms interchangeably—and we’d argue crispy edges take precedence over everything else.

For a classic Thanksgiving experience, start with our tried-and-true-and-tried-again-and-still-true Simple-Is-Best Stuffing, a reader favorite for more than a decade. Torn crusty bread soaks up buttery stock and lots of fresh herbs, emerging golden on top and tender underneath. Want sausage? Our Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing adds breakfast sausage to the same formula. Or branch out with cornbread dressing, a make-ahead stuffing loaded with caramelized onions, gluten-free versions built on wild or black rice, and a spicy number with chorizo and Calabrian chiles. There are stuffing recipes here for traditionalists and Thanksgiving rule-breakers alike. Pick one—or, considering how fiercely people defend their favorite stuffing, maybe two.