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Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing is a classic, comforting side dish combining savory sausage, fresh herbs, bread, and aromatic vegetables to create a rich and hearty addition perfect for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Easy to customize and make ahead, this recipe delivers warm, homey flavors with crispy edges and moist interiors.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Base

  • 1 pound pork or turkey sausage
  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fat

  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cube day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast lightly in a 350°F (175°C) oven until just crisp to prevent sogginess later.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and celery in the sausage drippings until tender and fragrant.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed onions and celery, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well for even distribution.
  4. Add Broth and Butter: Gradually pour warm chicken broth over the mixture until the bread is moist but not soggy. Stir in melted butter for richness and mix until well combined.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to soak up juices without becoming mushy.
  • Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Add broth gradually to keep stuffing moist but not soggy.
  • Use fresh herbs like sage and thyme for brighter flavor.
  • Let stuffing rest a few minutes after baking to meld flavors and firm up texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas stuffing, comfort food, easy stuffing recipe, savory stuffing, make-ahead stuffing