Sausage Stuffing: A Flavorful Thanksgiving Classic (and More!)

Sausage stuffing, also known as sausage dressing, is a beloved side dish that elevates any holiday meal, particularly Thanksgiving. But this isn’t just a special occasion dish; its hearty flavors and satisfying texture make it a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The rich, savory sausage perfectly complements the soft, herby bread, creating a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious. This recipe guides you through making a fantastic sausage stuffing, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a simple meal on its own. Get ready to experience the magic of perfectly seasoned sausage, tender vegetables, and fluffy bread all baked to golden perfection.

We’ll delve into why this specific recipe is a winner, explore the ingredients and tools needed, walk you through the step-by-step process with helpful tips, and even offer variations to cater to different dietary needs. We’ll also uncover the nutritional benefits of this hearty side dish. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure filled with the warm, inviting aroma of sausage stuffing!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Stuffing Recipe

This sausage stuffing recipe isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage (you can choose sweet or hot!), tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs is simply irresistible. The herbs sage, thyme, and rosemary blend harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors.
• Easy to Customize: Want a spicier kick? Use hot Italian sausage. Prefer a milder flavor? Opt for sweet Italian sausage. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to create your own unique sausage stuffing masterpiece. This recipe is your canvas, so add your personal touches!
• Perfect Texture: The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, creating a moist and fluffy interior, while the sausage adds a delightful textural contrast. It’s neither too dry nor too soggy – just the right amount of delicious moisture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare much of the stuffing ahead of time, making your Thanksgiving (or any other meal!) preparations much smoother. The baking time is also relatively short, so it won’t keep you tied to the kitchen all day.
• Versatile Side Dish: Sausage stuffing is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, ham, pork, or even vegetarian main courses. It’s the perfect complement to a complete meal, or a satisfying addition to a simpler, cozy dinner.

Why You Should Try This Sausage Stuffing Recipe

In a world of countless recipes, this Sausage Stuffing stands out. Let’s explore the reasons why you should definitely give this recipe a try:

• Classic Comfort Food: Sausage stuffing is a nostalgic dish that evokes feelings of warmth, family, and cherished traditions. Its comforting flavors and aroma create a sense of home, making it ideal for gatherings and family meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its delicious taste appeals to a wide range of palates, making it the perfect dish to serve at potlucks, holiday feasts, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: The detailed instructions and helpful tips make this recipe accessible even to novice cooks. You’ll feel confident in creating a perfect sausage stuffing every time, ensuring a successful and stress-free cooking experience.
• Delicious Leftovers: Leftover sausage stuffing is just as delicious as the freshly baked version! Enjoy it for lunch the next day, or use it as a base for other dishes, such as stuffing-filled omelets or savory bread pudding. The possibilities are endless!
• Improves with Time: While delicious fresh out of the oven, allowing the sausage stuffing to rest for a bit before serving actually allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious experience.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for the Perfect Sausage Stuffing

Gathering the right ingredients and having the right tools on hand is crucial for making this sausage stuffing recipe a success. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian Sausage (Sweet or Hot): The star of the show! Choose your preferred heat level sweet for a milder flavor or hot for a spicy kick. Remove the casings before cooking for easy blending.
• 1 large Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Use a yellow onion for classic flavor or experiment with red onions for a slightly sharper taste.
• 2 Celery Stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile. Using fresh celery is best.
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Any bell pepper color can be used, but green peppers offer a more classic stuffing taste.
• 8 cups Cubed Bread (day-old is best, crusts removed): Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy. Remove the crusts for a softer texture. Consider using a variety of breads, like Italian or sourdough, for added texture and complexity.
• 4 tablespoons Butter: Used to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the stuffing. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level in your recipe.
• 2 teaspoons Dried Sage: A quintessential stuffing herb, sage provides an earthy, warm flavor. Don’t shy away from experimenting with the quantities of herbs to find your perfect stuffing flavor!
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds a slightly lemony, earthy note. This herb’s subtle flavor works beautifully with both the sausage and the vegetables.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary: Contributes a slightly piney, slightly sweet aroma. Fresh rosemary could also be used here, but dried rosemary makes a delightful base flavor that pairs well with sage and thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Adjust to your taste preferences, remembering that the sausage may already be salted.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a subtle touch of spice. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for the best aroma and flavor.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth for vegetarian option): Moistens the bread and adds extra flavor. Low sodium broth allows you to control salt levels for an optimally flavored sausage stuffing.

Utensils:

• Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
• Large Bowl: For combining the bread, herbs, and other ingredients.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: To bake the stuffing. A casserole dish or similar size baking pan could also be used.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients. A sturdy spatula will be helpful for evenly combining the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the baking dish while baking. This is optional but highly recommended.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the vegetables. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, leading to even cooking.

Detailed Steps for Making Delicious Sausage Stuffing

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect sausage stuffing:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This ensures that the sausage is cooked through and evenly browned. Don’t rush this step; allow ample time for the sausage to brown properly. This is where much of the flavor development occurs. Once browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet using a slotted spoon. This will prevent a greasy stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp; don’t overcook them or they will become mushy. The vegetables should still retain a bit of their texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Herbs

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, dried sage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss to ensure the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread. Avoid overmixing, as this can crush the bread.

Step 4: Add Sausage and Vegetables

Add the cooked sausage and the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread mixture. Use a large spoon or your hands (clean hands!) to gently combine all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Again, be gentle to avoid breaking the bread cubes.

Step 5: Add Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), stirring gently as you pour. You want the bread to be moistened but not soggy. Add the broth slowly, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid before adding more. The goal is a moist stuffing, not a soup!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the stuffing into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Covering the dish with foil helps to prevent the top from drying out and allows the stuffing to cook evenly.

Step 7: Uncover and Bake

After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through. Keep a close eye on the stuffing during this stage, to ensure it doesn’t burn. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil again.

Tips and Variations for Your Sausage Stuffing

This recipe is a starting point – feel free to personalize it!

• Alternative Breads: Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, cornbread, or even brioche, for a unique twist.
• Add-ins: Incorporate other ingredients like cranberries, pecans, apples, mushrooms, or even cooked wild rice for added flavor and texture. Consider adding some sauteed chestnuts for a unique, seasonal flavor.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier stuffing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sausage while it’s browning. Some finely chopped jalapeños would also add a nice kick.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the Italian sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. For a vegan option, use vegan sausage crumbles and vegetable broth. Ensure you use vegan butter as well.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free stuffing mix as a base. Check the ingredients list to make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it.
• Avoid Soggy Stuffing: Don’t over-soak the bread with broth. Add the broth gradually, stirring until just moist. If it seems too dry, just add a little bit more broth at a time, always monitoring.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Sausage Stuffing

While sausage stuffing is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits, especially when made with healthier ingredients. Note that precise nutritional information depends greatly on the ingredients used; these are estimates.

A serving of sausage stuffing (approximately 1 cup) might contain:

• Calories: 300-400 calories
• Protein: 10-15 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Bread: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Sausage: A good source of protein, but can be high in fat and sodium, depending on the type.
• Vegetables: Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Celery and onions are excellent sources of antioxidants.
• Herbs: Sage, thyme, and rosemary are rich in antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory properties.

To make your sausage stuffing healthier, consider using leaner sausage, reducing the amount of butter, and adding more vegetables. Use whole grain bread for added fiber.

FAQs

Conclusion: Your Sausage Stuffing Adventure Awaits!

This Sausage Stuffing recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a pathway to creating a truly memorable dish. From the savory aroma to the satisfying textures and delightful flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Remember to experiment, personalize, and enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences.

We’d love to hear about your Sausage Stuffing experience! Share your photos and comments below. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – let’s spread the love (and the deliciousness!) of this classic dish. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out these amazing recipes on our blog: 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Dip and Halloween Deviled Eggs Also, explore more autumnal delights on our Pinterest board! Pinterest

Savory Sausage and Herb Stuffing

A classic sausage stuffing recipe, packed with flavor and perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large bowl
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian Sausage (sweet or hot) Casings removed
• 1 large Onion Chopped
• 2 stalks Celery Chopped
• 1 Green bell pepper Chopped
• 8 cups Cubed bread (day-old) Crusts removed
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 2 teaspoons Dried sage
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Chicken broth Or vegetable broth for vegetarian option

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
• Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and green pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Combine bread and herbs: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Add sausage and vegetables: Add the cooked sausage and vegetables to the bread mixture.
• Add broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the bread is moistened. Don't over-soak; you want it moist but not soggy.
• Bake: Pour the stuffing into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
• Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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