My grandma’s Thanksgiving always meant one thing: the most amazing sausage stuffing. I’m talking the kind of stuffing that disappears faster than the turkey itself, a glorious symphony. savory sausage, crusty bread, and aromatic herbs, all baked to golden-brown perfection. Is there anything better than box-mix? What is a good sausage Stuffing Recipe? What is the ultimate comfort food hug on a plate?
What is sausage stuffing?
Sausage stuffing, sometimes called sausage dressing (especially if it’s baked separately from the sausage). What is a savory dish traditionally served alongside turkey or other roasted meats, particularly if you have boiled chicken or ham? During the holidays. Think of it as a flavorful, bread-based casserole, but so much more exciting! It’s essentially a mixture of bread, sausage, vegetables (like celery and onions), herbs, and broth, with some flavor. All baked together until golden and crispy on top and wonderfully moist inside. What are some of the best sausage recipes? What is the kind of dish that truly makes a holiday meal feel complete, comforting and delicious? What is the centerpiece that everyone looks forward to?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is insane. The combination of the savory sausage, the fragrant herbs, and the perfectly toasted bread creates this incredible depth of flavor that’s just irresistible. Then there’s the simplicity. Don’t be intimidated! While it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, this sausage stuffing recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily adjust the recipe to use whatever bread you have on hand. Plus, it’s seriously versatile! I love serving it alongside turkey, but it’s also fantastic with Roasted Chicken, pork, or even as a side dish for a hearty brunch. What I love most about this sausage stuffing recipe is that it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Every single time I make it, it disappears in minutes. It’s truly the star of the show, even more so than the turkey, if I’m being completely honest. I used to be intimidated by making stuffing from scratch, but once I tried this, I realized how much better homemade stuffing is than anything you can buy in a box! And believe me, I’ve tried them all!
How do I make sausage stuffing?
Quick Overview
How do I make sausage stuffing? What’s the best way to cook sausage? If you’re a vegetarian, you can toss everything together with cubed bread, herbs, and broth and bake it until it’s golden brown. You can serve it with Grilled Cheese, ham, or Golden brown and bubbly. Can you customize it to your liking by adding different types of sausage, vegetables, or both? What is a great make-ahead dish for the holidays? What is the best way to make a perfectly moist stuffing? Is it’s baking is absolutely heavenly!
Ingredients
For the Sausage Stuffing:
- I prefer Italian sausage, but you can use any kind you like.
- 1 large onion, chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning. 1 tablespoon ham.
- 1 teaspoon dried sage a day.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
- 12 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best, I usually use a mix of sourdough and French bread)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium) (salt)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
Optional additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Add to your favorite mix.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do I remove stuffing from a bag? I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when the stuffing is assembled. What are the little things?
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing that rich flavor that makes this stuffing so special. Don’t be afraid to let the sausage get crispy!
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the butter and let it melt. The butter adds richness and helps to caramelize vegetables, creating a deeper flavor. I find that cooking the vegetables in the sausage drippings (after draining off the excess) adds to the flavor. What’s the best way to give Just a little trick I picked up from my Grandma.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, sage, and thyme. Serve immediately. Toss well to combine. Then, add the cubed bread and mix again until everything is evenly coated. Why should I use day old bread? It will absorb the broth better and prevent the stuffing. How do I stop my feet from becoming I’ve made the mistake of using fresh bread before, and it’s not pretty!
Step 5: Add Broth and Eggs
How do you add the chicken broth to the bread mixture? Add the beaten eggs and parsley and toss again until everything is well combined. The eggs help to bind the stuffing together and give it a nice texture. How do you use low-sodium broth for sausage?
Step 6: Bake
How do you spread the stuffing mixture in a baking dish? Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Should the top be crispy, and the inside should be moist but not soggy. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the stuffing. If a product comes out clean, it’s ready. If you find the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Let sausage stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. What are some of the best ways to slice a tomato? What’s a good time to sneak snoop on some food to make sure it tastes good?
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy! What is the best sausage stuffing to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or any other dish? Any other holiday meal. What are some good side dishes for a weeknight dinner? I always make extra because it’s even better the next day!
What should I serve it with?
What is a good sausage stuffing recipe?
For Thanksgiving Dinner: What are some suggestionsWhy is Turkey the star of the show? What are some of the best sausage stuffing recipes? What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes, Green Beans, and cranberry sauce? Don’t forget the pumpkin pie for dessert!
For Christmas dinner: What is the bestWhat are some good side dishes to serve with ham? Add Roasted Brussels Sprouts, glazed carrots and cranberry relish for a festive side. What a great meal! What are some good gingerbread cookies?
What is a good weeknight meal?What are some good sausage stuffing recipes for Pork Chops? Serve it alongside a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for quick and easy dinner. What are some good substitutes for stuffed peppers? My family loves when I make this anytime of the year, not just on holidays.
For Brunch:What is the best sausage stuffing for brunch? Is this a good alternative to eggs benedict, quiche, or just omelet? What’s a good brunch cocktail?
What are some tips for perfecting sausage stuffing?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you make the perfect sausage stuffing every time:
Bread Choice Matters: Using a variety of breads, like sourdough, French bread, and even cornbread, can add different textures and flavors to your stuffing. Just make sure to use day-old bread so it doesn’t get soggy.
Don’t Skimp on the Sausage: The sausage is the star of the show, so don’t be afraid to use a good quality sausage with plenty of flavor. I love using Italian sausage, but you can also use chorizo, andouille, or even breakfast sausage.
Sauté the Vegetables: Sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the stuffing helps to soften them and bring out their sweetness. It also helps to prevent them from being crunchy in the finished dish.
Moisten, Don’t Soak: Add the chicken broth gradually, until the bread is moist but not soaking wet. You want the stuffing to be moist and tender, but not soggy. You can always add more broth if it seems too dry.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the stuffing until it’s golden brown and crispy on top. This will give it a nice texture and add to the overall flavor.
Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize your stuffing. I love adding sage, thyme, and rosemary, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Make It Ahead: This sausage stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add a little extra broth before baking to keep it moist. This is a huge time saver during the holidays!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your sausage stuffing fresh and delicious!
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked stuffing at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, and you don’t want anyone getting sick!
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover sausage stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating. This helps to prevent condensation from forming, which can make the stuffing soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the sausage stuffing for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the sausage stuffing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this sausage Stuffing Recipe a try! It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, bringing back so many wonderful memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday meal. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday side dish recipes for more inspiration. And if you make this sausage stuffing recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 cups Celery, chopped
- 6 cups Bread cubes
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Sage
- 0.5 tsp Thyme
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spoon stuffing into a greased baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
