Classic Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Nothing says holiday comfort quite like a classic sausage stuffing. This timeless dish, brimming with savory flavors and hearty textures, is the perfect complement to turkey or roast dinners. Combining the robust flavor of seasoned sausage, crusty bread cubes, and a medley of aromatic herbs and vegetables, this stuffing brings a cozy, nostalgic feeling to the table.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

1. Packed with Flavor: Sausage, onions, celery, and herbs create a taste explosion.
2. Customizable: Add nuts, cranberries, or mushrooms to suit your preferences.
3. Perfect Texture: Crisp on top, moist and tender inside.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Dry the Bread:
   • If your bread is fresh, cube it and spread it out on a baking sheet.
   • Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes until lightly toasted.
   • Alternatively, leave the bread cubes out overnight to become stale.
2. Set Aside:
   • Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage.
   • Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
2. Drain Excess Fat:
   • Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. Melt Butter:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Cook Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic.
   • Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Herbs:
   • Stir in the dried sage, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for an additional minute to release their aroma.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix the Base:
   • In the large bowl with the bread cubes, add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables.
   • Toss to combine.
2. Add Liquids:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, mixing gently to coat the bread.
   • Ensure the mixture is moist but not soggy. Add more broth if necessary.
3. Fold in Additions (optional):
   • Mix in cranberries, nuts, or mushrooms if desired.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the stuffing mixture in, spreading it evenly.
2. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
3. Crisp the Top:
   • Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing

1. Choose the Right Bread:
   • Use sturdy bread that can absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
2. Taste the Mixture:
   • Before adding the eggs, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Balance Moisture:
   • The stuffing should be moist but not wet. Add broth gradually to avoid over-saturating.
4. Make It Ahead:
   • Assemble the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roast turkey, chicken, or ham.
• Pair with gravy or cranberry sauce for added flavor.
• Complement with green bean casserole or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete holiday spread.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free:
   • Use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.
2. Vegetarian:
   • Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
3. Spicy Twist:
   • Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Cheesy Upgrade:
   • Mix in shredded Parmesan or Gruyère for a cheesy stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this stuffing without eggs?
A: Yes, you can omit the eggs. They help bind the stuffing, but it will still taste great without them.

Q: Can I cook this inside the turkey?
A: Yes, but ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Q: What type of sausage works best?
A: Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can use breakfast sausage or chorizo for variation.

Conclusion

This classic sausage stuffing recipe is a holiday staple that brings family and friends together with its rich, savory flavors and irresistible texture. Whether you serve it as a side dish or the star of your meal, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Yield: 10

Classic Sausage Stuffing Recipe

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Nothing says holiday comfort quite like a classic sausage stuffing. This timeless dish, brimming with savory flavors and hearty textures, is the perfect complement to turkey or roast dinners. Combining the robust flavor of seasoned sausage, crusty bread cubes, and a medley of aromatic herbs and vegetables, this stuffing brings a cozy, nostalgic feeling to the table.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 10 cups cubed bread (day-old or lightly toasted; use white, sourdough, or French bread)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2-3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on sausage saltiness)
• 2-3 cups chicken or turkey broth (as needed for desired moistness)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

1. If using fresh bread, cube it and lightly toast it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until dry but not browned.
2. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

2. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the butter.
2. Once melted, add the onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients

1. Add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables to the bread cubes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and 2 cups of broth. Pour over the bread mixture.
3. Add the parsley and toss gently to combine, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened. Add more broth if needed, but avoid making the mixture overly wet.

5. Bake the Stuffing

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish alongside roast turkey, ham, or chicken.
• Pair with cranberry sauce and gravy for a classic holiday combination.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Customizations: Add diced apples, dried cranberries, pecans, or mushrooms for extra flavor.