Pepperidge Farm stuffing is a popular brand of bread stuffing mix sold in grocery stores across the United States. It comes in a few different varieties, including classic seasoned, cornbread, and sausage. The stuffing mix is sold in different sized bags, with the small size typically containing around 14 ounces of stuffing mix. But how many cups of prepared stuffing does this translate to? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s in the Bag
A small, 14 ounce bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing contains the dry ingredients to make approximately 8 cups of prepared stuffing. Here is a breakdown of what’s inside a typical small bag:
- Seasoned bread cubes – makes up the bulk of the bag’s contents
- Seasoning mix – usually contains dried herbs like sage, thyme, and marjoram plus spices like black pepper and nutmeg
- Dried vegetables – small amounts of onion, celery, and other veggies are mixed in
- Broth powder – dissolves into liquid when prepared to add flavor
These dry ingredients are designed to hydrate and expand when prepared according to the package directions. The broth powder and added liquid brings the stuffing to the proper moistness and volume.
Preparation Directions
The package directions on a 14 ounce bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing generally instruct you to:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Combine stuffing mix with 1 1/2 sticks melted butter
- Gradually add 1 1/4 cups broth, stirring until moistened
- Bake in greased casserole dish for 40-50 minutes
Following these directions hydrates the original dry stuffing mix and causes it to increase in volume once baked.
Measuring Stuffing Yield
It’s easy to measure out the prepared stuffing yield using standard dry measuring cups. Here is the process:
- Prepare stuffing according to package directions
- Allow stuffing to cool slightly before measuring
- Use a 1 cup dry measuring cup to scoop and level off stuffing
- Count the number of full cups yielded
Most bags of Pepperidge Farm stuffing will measure out to between 7 1/2 and 8 cups of prepared stuffing after following the package instructions. This takes into account the moisture absorption and fluffing up that occurs during baking.
Factors Affecting Volume
There are a few factors that can slightly alter the final measured cup yield of a small bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing:
- Compacting – Stuffing that is tightly packed into the measuring cup will yield a greater number of cups.
- Heaping – Heaping measuring cups over the top will also increase yields.
- Settling – On the other hand, allowing stuffing to settle compactly before leveling can lower yields.
- Moisture content – Dry or soggy stuffing will produce different cup measurements.
- Size of cubes – The uniformity of bread cube size can affect settling and number of cups.
For accuracy, always follow package directions closely when preparing Pepperidge Farm stuffing and measure using the standard “scoop and sweep” method with a dry measuring cup.
Nutrition Information Per Cup
Here is the nutritional breakdown for a 1 cup serving of prepared Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned classic stuffing mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 440 mg |
* Based on Pepperidge Farm stuffing nutrition facts label
As you can see, a single cup of prepared stuffing contains a significant amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sodium. So portion sizes are important to keep in mind.
Serving Size Guidance
A small 14 ounce bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing will make about 8 cups prepared. This means each cup represents one serving. Here are some general serving size guidelines based on the number of people you are serving:
- 2-4 people – 1/2 cup stuffing per person
- 5-8 people – 1/3 cup stuffing per person
- 9-12 people – 1/4 cup stuffing per person
- 12 or more people – 2 tablespoons stuffing per person
These smaller portion sizes allow the stuffing to stretch to serve more people. You can also supplement the stuffing with extra sides like vegetables, rolls, and potatoes.
Uses for Leftover Stuffing
For larger gatherings, you’ll likely have leftover stuffing even when portioning small amounts. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover Pepperidge Farm stuffing:
- Stuff into a poultry sandwich along with turkey, cranberry sauce and mayo.
- Pile stuffing into a baked potato for added texture.
- Mix into egg or chicken salad in place of celery for extra flavor.
- Shape chilled stuffing into patties and pan-fry into croquettes.
- Spread into a casserole dish and top with cheese, eggs, or gravy and bake.
- Stir into soup or chili to add heartiness.
With a little creativity, leftover stuffing doesn’t need to go to waste!
Cost Comparison
Pepperidge Farm stuffing is one of the more expensive packaged stuffing mixes at grocery stores. Here is a price comparison of Pepperidge Farm versus store brand stuffing mixes:
| Brand | Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperidge Farm | 14 oz | $2.99 |
| Store brand (Walmart) | 12 oz | $1.98 |
| Store brand (Aldi) | 14 oz | $1.49 |
As you can see, Pepperidge Farm stuffing costs $1-1.50 more per bag than equivalent store brands. Whether the additional flavor and quality is worth the splurge is up to you!
Stuffing Alternatives
In addition to retail bagged stuffing mixes, there are some other simple stuffing options to consider:
- Homemade from scratch – Combine cubed bread, broth, sautéed aromatics, eggs, herbs and spices.
- Boxed broth + cubed bread – Soak cubed bread in chicken or vegetable broth mixed with herbs.
- Stovetop only – Sauté everything together rather than baking in a casserole.
- Alternative grains – Use cooked rice, quinoa, etc in place of bread cubes.
Homemade stuffing allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. But bagged stuffing mixes are quick, easy, and don’t require many extra ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Pepperidge Farm stuffing:
What are the ingredients in Pepperidge Farm stuffing?
Most bags contain dried seasoned bread cubes, dried vegetable mix (onions, celery, parsley), chicken or vegetable broth powder, spices, herbs, and dried sautéed chicken.
Can I prepare stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the stuffing 1-2 days before and reheat thoroughly on Thanksgiving. Store cooked stuffing covered in fridge.
Should I stuff my turkey with stuffing?
The USDA recommends against stuffing poultry with stuffing to avoid bacterial contamination. Cook stuffing separately.
How long does an opened bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing last?
An opened bag will stay fresh for about 6 months past the printed expiration date if stored in a cool, dry pantry.
Does Pepperidge Farm make gluten-free stuffing?
No, Pepperidge Farm does not currently offer a certified gluten-free stuffing option, as the stuffing contains wheat-based bread cubes.
Conclusion
So how many cups are in a small 14 ounce bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing? The answer is approximately 8 cups of prepared stuffing following the package directions. This may vary slightly depending on measurement methods and moisture content.
To stretch a small bag to serve more people, spoon the stuffing into side portions rather than heaping plates full. And be sure to account for the calories, carbs, and sodium in each serving.
While a bit pricier than generic brands, Pepperidge Farm stuffing is a tasty time-saving option for holiday meals and special occasions. With creative leftover ideas and proper storage, a little bag of stuffing can go a long way!
