Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Sausage stuffing is a classic, comforting side dish that’s a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Combining savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and hearty bread, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey or a holiday roast, it’s the perfect complement to any festive meal.

What Is Sausage Stuffing?

Sausage stuffing is a baked bread-based dish mixed with cooked sausage, aromatic vegetables like onion and celery, and flavorful herbs such as sage and thyme. Tossed with broth, eggs, and butter, it’s baked until golden and crisp on top, with a soft, moist interior. It’s an ideal dish to bring warmth and flavor to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite herbs or bread.
• Holiday classic: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner.
• Crowd-pleaser: Combines hearty and savory flavors everyone will love.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance to save time on busy holiday mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 loaf (12 cups) day-old bread, cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cube the bread: If your bread isn’t day-old, toast it briefly in the oven to dry it out.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables

3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the skillet.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.

Assembling the Stuffing

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables.
6. Pour in the broth, beaten eggs, and melted butter, tossing gently to coat the bread evenly.

Baking the Stuffing

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
9. Let the stuffing sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sausage stuffing with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main dish like stuffed squash. Serve with classic sides such as cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans for a complete holiday feast.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze unbaked stuffing: Assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze baked stuffing: Allow to cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes.
• Vegetarian: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Different breads: Try sourdough, cornbread, or whole-grain bread for unique flavors.
• Extra flavor: Add cranberries, apples, or chestnuts for a festive twist.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What type of bread works best for stuffing?

Day-old white bread, sourdough, or French bread are excellent choices. Make sure the bread is slightly dry for better texture.

Can I use pre-seasoned stuffing mix?

Yes, but adjust the salt and seasonings to taste, as pre-seasoned mixes may already contain herbs and salt.

Sausage stuffing is a must-have side dish for any festive celebration. With its comforting flavors and versatile ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and bring the taste of the holidays to your table. Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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