Sausage stuffing has been a staple on holiday tables for as long as I can remember. It’s one of those dishes that, no matter how many times I make it, still manages to surprise me with how much flavor can come from such simple ingredients.
This recipe brings together rich, savory sausage with soft, golden-brown bread, seasoned to perfection with fragrant herbs that fill the kitchen as it bakes. It’s hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious—a dish that’s always a hit at family gatherings, and one that I look forward to every year.
One of my favorite things about this stuffing is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it with a juicy roast turkey, ham, or a comforting vegetable casserole, this stuffing complements any main dish with ease. I often pair it with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad for a colorful, wholesome side and Mashed Potatoes for that creamy, indulgent touch that everyone loves.
What makes this recipe special is the texture—it’s got just the right balance of crispy edges and soft, flavorful centers. The sausage gives it that satisfying depth, while the herbs and spices bring everything together in a way that feels both cozy and indulgent. It’s simple, yet so full of flavor that every bite makes you want more.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):
- Perfect for Holidays: This stuffing is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s become a family tradition, and I look forward to making it each year.
- Versatile and Easy to Make: You can customize it with your favorite herbs or swap in different types of bread, depending on what you have on hand.
- The Sausage Makes It: The rich flavor of sausage elevates this stuffing, turning it into something special that can’t be beaten.
- A Flavor That Sticks: The crispy bits and the rich sausage flavor combine for a dish that feels both classic and elevated, without too much effort.
So whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or just craving that ultimate comfort food, this sausage stuffing will be a dish everyone will remember. Try it, and I promise it’ll be a new favorite in your kitchen. Let me know if you put your own spin on it, I’d love to hear what variations you come up with!
Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Chopping-board
- Knife (for chopping celery and onion)
- Casserole dish (optional, for baking separately)
- Turkey roasting pan (if stuffing a turkey)
- This classic American side dish is tradit
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 3/4 cup melted butter or as needed
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced celery
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 8 cups white bread cubes
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl using a slotted spoon.
Prepare Butter and Drippings:
- Pour the sausage drippings into a measuring cup and add enough melted butter to make a total of 1 cup. Pour this mixture back into the skillet over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced celery and chopped onion to the skillet with the butter mixture. Sauté until the onions are tender and translucent, but avoid browning the vegetables.
Combine Bread and Sausage Mixture:
- Add one-third of the bread cubes to the skillet, stirring to coat with the butter and vegetable mixture. Transfer this to the large mixing bowl with the cooked sausage.
Mix in Seasonings and Remaining Bread Cubes:
- Add the remaining bread cubes, poultry seasoning, and black pepper to the bowl with the sausage mixture. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Turkey or Bake Separately:
- Use the sausage and bread mixture to stuff the body and neck cavities of a turkey if desired. Roast the turkey according to your recipe’s instructions. Alternatively, bake the stuffing separately in a greased casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 514 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
Tips You Must Be Mindful Of!
- Brown the Sausage Well: When cooking the sausage, make sure it’s browned thoroughly, which enhances the flavor and adds a deeper richness to the stuffing. Don’t rush this step; the crispy, caramelized bits in the pan are golden flavor.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: For a balanced flavor profile, consider adding a small pinch of brown sugar to the sausage mixture. This subtle sweetness can help offset the savory elements and bring out the richness of the sausage and butter.
- Use Day-Old Bread: The key to great stuffing is using bread that’s slightly stale. Fresh bread tends to get mushy, but day-old bread or even toasted bread cubes will absorb the flavors of the sausage mixture without turning too soggy.
- Customize the Seasoning: While poultry seasoning is a classic, feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your tastes. Fresh thyme, sage, or even a bit of rosemary can add depth. A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can round out the savory notes.
- Moisture Control: If the stuffing seems too dry before baking, drizzle a bit more melted butter or even a bit of chicken broth over the mixture. The right amount of moisture will help it bake up perfectly—crispy on top but moist and flavorful inside.
- Don’t Overstuff the Turkey: If you’re stuffing a turkey, avoid overstuffing it, as the stuffing needs room to expand as it cooks. Overstuffing can also result in uneven cooking, especially in the stuffing, which should reach a safe temperature to avoid any food safety issues.
- Crispy Top: For that perfect crispy top when baking separately, spread the stuffing evenly in the casserole dish, and give it a final drizzle of butter before baking. This will ensure it gets beautifully golden and crisp on top while staying moist inside.
- Rest Before Serving: Once you’ve baked or stuffed your turkey, let the stuffing rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a much more enjoyable bite.