Consumer Reports tested 11 different stuffings to see if you can cut a few corners and still get tasty results.
Testers looked at ones from Stove Top, Arnold, Pepperidge Farm and Great Value from Walmart, among others. Each stuffing was prepared according to directions, adding ingredients like butter or margarine, celery, onions and broth.
"We want a stuffing to have a fresh broth flavor, not bouillon, and you want it to taste of fresh vegetables, not dried or dried herbs," said Ellen Klosz, a Consumer Reports program leader.
Most stuffings didn't come close to homemade.
"Most of the stuffings tasted of chewy vegetables, crunchy crumbs, dried seasonings, overpowering herbs and a flavor of bouillon," said Klosz.
But testers say there's hope. Two from Pepperidge Farm -- the Herb Seasoned and Cornbread stuffings -- are fresh-tasting, flavorful and moist.
"Both of the Pepperidge Farm stuffings called for fresh ingredients, sautéed onions and celery. It's a little more work, but it's worth it for the taste," said Klosz.
Consumer Reports says both would be a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving dinner, and no one need ever know the stuffing isn't homemade.
