Side Dishes > Stuffing & Dressing (Side) > Bread-Based Stuffing/Dressing > Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Classic Sausage Stuffing Recipe

This classic sausage stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving staple. It's made with savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and bread, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Perfect for pairing with roasted turkey or chicken.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
8-10
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage
  • 1 loaf Day-Old Bread
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps to dry out the bread, which is essential for good stuffing.

Cook the Sausage

Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable) and crumble it into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced celery and onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, chopped fresh sage, and chopped fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper.

Moisten the Stuffing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and egg. Pour the mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-saturate the bread; it should be moist but not soggy.

Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dot the top with butter. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

Rest and Serve

Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite holiday meal.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 250kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 500mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This stuffing is relatively high in calories and sodium. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth and leaner sausage to reduce the sodium and fat content. Adding more vegetables can increase the fiber content.

FAQ

  • Can I use different types of bread?

    Yes, you can use different types of bread such as sourdough, French bread, or even cornbread. Just make sure it's day-old and dried out slightly for the best texture.
  • Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day or two in advance. Assemble the ingredients up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
  • Can I add other vegetables to this stuffing?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or apples for added flavor and texture.