This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

A little out there—in the best way. This buffalo cheddar stuffing brings beer bread cubes, a hit of Frank’s heat, and crispy bacon together for a side that finally gets some love on the table.

It’s cheesy, lightly spicy, and golden on top with pockets of blue cheese. If your crew usually skips stuffing, this might be the one that changes their minds.

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

Why This Works

  • Beer bread base = sturdy, flavorful cubes that soak up buffalo-butter without going mushy.

  • Frank’s + cheddar + bacon = familiar “game day” flavors…in stuffing form.

  • Blue cheese finish = creamy, tangy pops to balance the heat.

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

My family does not really like stuffing. Every year I try to make a new version, but still no one goes for it. All they want is the turkey, gravy, buttery mashed potatoes and buttered rolls. Take note that there is not an ounce of color on that plate? Brothers.

At least mom, dad and I go for the sweet potatoes. Plus, dad and I are all about the roasted veggies and cranberry sauce, but still no one wants the the stuffing. I really do not get why. I mean I have made spicy sausage, chorizo and cheesy stuffing. I have tried cornbread, ciabatta and sourdough bread. Nothing. No one wants it.

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

Until now.

The secret to my family’s stomach?

Buffalo sauce. Just put it on pretty much anything and they will eat it. Alright, not anything. No one but my dad and I would touch fish, and the boys are pretty picky, but come on, this is beer bread, buffalo sauce and bacon. These are their kind of foods.

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

Anyway, what I am trying to say is, everyone loved this stuffing.

And the cheesy beer bread is SO good with the buffalo sauce and bacon. Oh, and you will notice that I left the chicken out of this. I just did not feel it needed it. I mean isn’t stuffing supposed to be served with poultry? But hey, if  you want to throw in some shredded or chopped chicken go right ahead!

FAQ:

Can I assemble this the day before?
Yes. Assemble through step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Add a splash of broth if the top looks dry before baking and watch for that “set with slight jiggle” cue.

What beer is best for the bread?
A neutral lager or light ale keeps the flavor balanced. Darker beers work but will add sweetness and a deeper, malty note.

How spicy is this stuffing?
With Frank’s, it’s medium and crowd-friendly. For less heat, reduce the hot sauce and pass extra at the table.

Can I skip the blue cheese (or the bacon)?
Totally. The stuffing is still cheesy and flavorful with cheddar alone; without bacon it’s richer-veg forward—add a pinch more salt to taste.

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread and Bacon Stuffing

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories Per Serving: 385 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

SavePrintEmail

Ingredients

Cheddar Beer Bread

Stuffing

  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 10 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 1/4 cups hot sauce I use Franks Red Hot
  • 3 cup chicken broth or veggie broth
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 8 sliced cooked thick cut bacon crumbled (optional)
  • 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled
  • fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
  • 4 green onions chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • To make the beer bread. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray.
  • Add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt to a mixing bowl. Pour in the beer and stir with a mixing spoon until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top of the bread is lightly browned and the middle is set. Let the bread cool 30 minutes to an hour, In a small bowl combine the parsley, dill, chives, pepper and salt. Cut the bread into one inch cubes. Place the cubes on a lightly greased baking sheet and very lightly and carefully sprinkle/toss with the herbs. Place in the oven and toast the bread for 8-10 minutes. You want the bread to get sort of stale and a little golden brown around the edges. Remove and allow the bread to cool and then place the bread in a very large bowl.
  • To make the stuffing. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (something a little larger or smaller also will work) Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and garlic. Saute until the onions are very tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and place in the bowl with the bread.
  • Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons butter in the microwave and add the melted butter to a clean large bowl. To the butter add the hot sauce, chicken, broth, eggs and seasoned salt. Whisk to combine and then pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake 35-45 minutes or until just golden on top. Remove and top the stuffing with crumbled bacon, blue cheese, cilantro (or parsley) and green onions. Serve!
View Recipe Comments

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing | halfbakedharvest.com

And we are now stuffing people!

This post was originally published on November 24, 2013
4.34 from 24 votes (21 ratings without comment)

Add a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Hi – this recipe looks amazing. a couple questions…

    what would be recommendation to serve this with if not thanksgiving…. like roast chicken? or maybe as a good side for steak?

    I love chipotle tobasco sauce over regular hot sauce. do you think that would work? I may try it and report back.

    Reply

    1. Hey Ginger,
      Sure, the chipotle sauce should work nicely here! A chicken roast or steak would be great with this! I hope you love the recipe!

      Reply

  2. 5 stars
    The stuffing was a big hit. It’s not your normal stuffing. It’s very moist, and it came together nicely with the crunchy bacon, blue cheese, and chive topping. We had a lot of fun making it because “beer bread” is a tradition in our family. It was started by my husband’s mother when he was a boy and we have kept the tradition with our boys. Everyone was very excited to give this a try.

    Reply

    1. Hey Kym,
      Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx

      Reply

    1. Hi Kathryn,
      I would go ahead and just skip the blue cheese. I hope you love this recipe, let me know how it turns out! xx

      Reply

    1. Hey Monica,
      Yes, all purpose flour is what I used:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx

      Reply

    1. Hey Annie,
      Sure that would be fine to do. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

  7. Hello! I am not a stuffing person, but I have to say, I may give this a go when I make for the family. I need a clarification though on the recipe:

    – 1 ounce beer 12

    I am lost…. How much beer am I to use? 1 ounce is obviously not enough.

    Thanks bunches.

    Reply

  8. Hello tieghan I have a quick question about the recipe. So for the beer bread do you let it get hard then use it or do you use the beer bread fresh In the recipe?

    Reply

    1. You can let the bread get a little stale, but you can bake it and then use right away. either is fine. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! 🙂

      Reply

    1. Hey Jaimee! I have never tried freezing this or any stuffing so I really cannot say. If you have successfully frozen other stuffing recipes then I think this one would work too. So sorry I could not help more. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

      Reply

  11. My brother made this for our Thanksgiving this year…he found your recipe on The Chive..KCCO!

    UMMMM AMAZING HANDS DOWN….this will be requested every year if not through out the whole year. Great with a baked egg on top for breakfast leftovers.

    Reply