Calculating the Stuffing Quantity for 20 People
When preparing for a large gathering of 20 people, a solid starting point is to assume each guest will consume about 3/4 cup of cooked stuffing. This standard portion is a reliable baseline that accounts for other dishes and varying appetites. For 20 people, this initial calculation is quite simple: 20 guests multiplied by 0.75 cups equals 15 cups of cooked stuffing. To put that in perspective, 16 cups equal one gallon, so you would need just under a gallon of prepared stuffing. However, planning for leftovers or a crowd with a big appetite is often wise.
The Standard vs. Generous Approach
Not all crowds are the same. A dinner where stuffing is one of many side dishes might only require the standard portion, but a feast for avid stuffing fans might need more. Consider these two scenarios when making your final decision:
- Standard Portion: As calculated above, 15 cups of cooked stuffing is sufficient. This amount works well if you have many side dishes or know your guests aren't big on leftovers.
- Generous Portion (with Leftovers): For a crowd that loves stuffing or if you're planning for glorious day-after sandwiches, aim for a larger amount. Some estimates suggest a cup per person is a safer bet for a hearty meal. This would mean 20 cups of prepared stuffing. Other sources suggest adding 1.5 extra cups for every 6 people if you want leftovers, which for a group of 20, translates to an additional 5 cups (20/6=3.33*1.5=5). This would mean a generous portion would be closer to 20 cups total (15 + 5), which matches the cup-per-person approach.
Scaling Up Your Recipe
For a homemade recipe, you'll need to multiply your ingredients. Most standard recipes yield about 6 to 8 cups, so you will likely need to triple your recipe at a minimum. When scaling, focus on ratios, especially the liquids. Adding broth slowly can prevent a soggy result. If using a boxed mix, be sure to read the package details carefully, as serving sizes vary. For instance, a 14-ounce bag typically serves about 11 people, meaning you'd need two bags for a standard portion for 20, with some extra leftover.
A Comparison of Stuffing Quantity Scenarios
| Scenario | Calculation | Total Cups (Cooked) | Raw Ingredients (Estimate) | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20 people x 0.75 cups | 15 cups | Approx. 2.5 lbs of bread cubes | Parties with many side dishes |
| Generous | 20 people x 1 cup | 20 cups | Approx. 3.25 lbs of bread cubes | Stuffing-loving crowds, planned leftovers |
| Boxed Mix (Standard) | 2 bags (14 oz each) | Approx. 22 servings (16.5 cups) | 2 boxes of mix, plus liquids | Convenience, reliable base quantity |
Cooking for a Large Group: Practical Tips
Cooking for 20 or more people requires thoughtful planning beyond just the quantity. Use these tips to ensure a smooth cooking process and a delicious outcome.
- Consider Multiple Pans: Avoid overstuffing a single pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Using two or three 9x13 inch baking dishes is a much better approach for an even, golden-brown crust. You can even experiment with different flavor profiles in each pan.
- Prep Ahead of Time: Most stuffing recipes can be prepped a day in advance. Mix all the wet and dry ingredients and refrigerate them separately. Combine and bake on the day of the event to save valuable time and oven space.
- Control Your Textures: For a crispier topping, bake uncovered during the final 15-20 minutes. For a softer, moister stuffing, keep it covered with foil for most of the baking time.
- Prioritize Food Safety: Do not stuff the turkey cavity for a group this large. Cook the stuffing in a separate baking dish. This ensures the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking the turkey.
Essential Ingredients List for 20 People
To ensure you have everything you need, here is a general ingredient list based on a generous 20-cup cooked stuffing recipe:
- Bread: 3 to 4 pounds of high-quality, dense bread (like sourdough, Italian, or day-old sandwich bread), cubed and dried. This equates to roughly 30 slices, depending on the loaf size.
- Butter: 12 to 16 tablespoons (1.5 to 2 sticks).
- Aromatics: 2 to 3 large onions and 4 to 6 celery stalks, finely chopped.
- Broth: 4 to 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Eggs: 4 to 6 large eggs, lightly beaten, act as a binder.
- Herbs and Seasonings: 2 tablespoons fresh sage, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
For a group of 20 people, the baseline recommendation is 15 cups of prepared stuffing, which works out to 3/4 cup per person. This is ideal if your menu includes many different side dishes. However, for a crowd of enthusiastic eaters or to guarantee leftovers, a more generous portion of 20 cups is a safer bet. By planning ahead, using multiple baking pans, and following a consistent recipe scaling method, you can easily provide enough delicious stuffing for everyone at your feast. Remember to dry your bread ahead of time for the best texture and avoid food safety concerns by baking the stuffing separately. A little extra planning will ensure your holiday meal is a success and stress-free. For a fantastic and comprehensive guide to cooking for a crowd, check out the recommendations from Food52.
Optional Link: Our Definitive, Per-Person Guide to Planning Thanksgiving Dinner
Tips for Perfect Stuffing for a Crowd
- Don't Rush the Bread Drying: Drying the bread cubes thoroughly, either overnight or in a low-temp oven, is the most crucial step for the right texture.
- Cook Sausage First: If adding sausage, cook it fully before adding to the vegetable mix. This ensures it's cooked through and adds flavor to the butter.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley offer a far superior flavor profile compared to their dried counterparts, especially when cooking in large volumes.
- Pre-mix Everything (Almost): Mix all ingredients except the eggs and half the broth ahead of time. On the day of, mix in the remaining liquid and eggs just before baking.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: For food safety, especially when incorporating meat, use a thermometer to confirm the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C). This is key when not stuffing the bird.
Additional Considerations for Cooking for 20
Beyond just the amount, there are other factors to consider when cooking stuffing for a large crowd:
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Dietary Restrictions: For large groups, it's wise to have a vegetarian or gluten-free alternative. A simple rice-based dressing or a gluten-free bread option can accommodate guests with specific needs.
- Flavor Variations: Instead of a single recipe, consider offering two smaller pans with different flavor profiles. A classic sausage and herb stuffing in one, and a vegetarian mushroom and wild rice version in another, offers more variety.
- The Right Pan Size: For 20 people, you may need multiple 9x13 inch pans or a large roasting pan. Ensure your oven can accommodate these before you start cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Oven: If baking multiple pans, ensure there is adequate space for heat circulation. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even browning.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure you have the perfect amount of delicious stuffing to feed your 20-person crowd, with options for every preference and appetite.
How to Adapt a Standard Recipe for 20
To adapt a standard 8-serving recipe for 20 people, you'll need to multiply all ingredients by 2.5. For liquids like broth, start with a slightly smaller multiplication (e.g., 2x) and add more slowly as needed to avoid a soggy mix. Adjust salt and spices gradually, tasting as you go. For herbs, multiplying by 2.5 should work well. Vegetables like onions and celery can be multiplied directly.
What About the Turkey?
If you are also cooking a turkey, remember to bake the stuffing separately for food safety, especially for a large crowd. Stuffing the turkey's cavity can be risky, as the stuffing may not reach a safe temperature by the time the turkey is cooked. Baking in a separate dish also allows for more stuffing to be cooked at once and provides a better texture.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes, absolutely. To prepare stuffing ahead of time, assemble the ingredients but do not bake. Mix the dried bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and broth. Store this mixture in a covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just before baking, stir in the beaten eggs and then proceed with the recipe instructions. This is a huge time-saver when preparing a large holiday meal.
