Looking for the best sausage stuffing to grace your Thanksgiving table? This savory Thanksgiving recipe is a classic for a reason! Packed with juicy sausage, aromatic vegetables, and crusty bread, this stuffing is the perfect complement to your roasted turkey and all the fixings.
It’s easy to make, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What is Best Sausage Stuffing?
Best Sausage Stuffing is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, offering a delightful blend of comforting flavors and textures. This recipe elevates traditional stuffing by incorporating savory sausage, creating a richer, more satisfying experience. Imagine perfectly seasoned pork sausage mingling with fragrant sautéed vegetables and cubes of toasted bread, all brought together with herbs and broth creating the best stuffing the family has tasted.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to adapt the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a mild Italian sausage or a spicy chorizo, the choice is yours. Best Sausage Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of the season’s bounty, a warm and inviting addition to your festive gathering. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your family and friends with this amazing dish. You’ll be happy you tried it!
Key Ingredients for Best Sausage Stuffing:
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients needed to make the best sausage stuffing:
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage: Preferably Italian (mild or sweet), removed from casings if necessary. Crumble and brown before adding to the stuffing.
- 1 large onion: Diced. Adds a savory base flavor.
- 2 celery stalks: Diced. Provides a subtle crunch and fresh taste.
- 1 green bell pepper: Diced. Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 red bell pepper: Diced. Adds sweetness and color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the stuffing.
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old crusty bread: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Use Italian bread, sourdough, or a baguette for best results. Day-old bread is crucial for soaking up the liquid without becoming mushy.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1 tablespoon dried sage: Provides classic Thanksgiving flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the sage and adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: For its piney and aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
- 3-4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten. These act as a binder, helping the stuffing hold its shape.
How to Make Best Sausage Stuffing:
This delicious Thanksgiving stuffing is easier than you think! Sautéed veggies and crumbled sausage combine with toasted bread cubes, herbs, and broth. Minimal effort yields incredible flavor, perfect for any holiday feast! This recipe prepares in approximately 20 minutes and requires an additional 30-40 minutes of baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted, flipping halfway through. This helps dry out the bread and prevents it from becoming soggy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and peppers. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the crumbled sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients:
- In a very large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour 3 cups of chicken broth over the bread mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Add more broth as needed until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Pour the eggs over the stuffing and gently toss to combine. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together.
Step 4: Bake the Stuffing:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
- Let the sausage stuffing stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Best Sausage Stuffing:
This dish is a Thanksgiving highlight, mainly because it combines the best of both worlds: savory sausage and comforting, seasoned bread. The Italian sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor that elevates the classic stuffing, making it mouthwateringly delicious. Forget buying pre-made stuffing mix! Making it from scratch is incredibly cost-effective. This recipe uses simple ingredients like day-old bread, sausage, vegetables, and broth, which are often more affordable than store-bought alternatives. This version of the classic is far more impressive at the Thanksgiving table than the box variety.
What makes this stuffing recipe truly special is the combination of fresh herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. These aromatic herbs infuse the stuffing with an earthy, holiday-inspired flavor that perfectly complements the sausage and vegetables. The texture, with its crispy top and soft, savory inside, will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). If you love a sweeter stuffing, you might also try a cranberry apple stuffing but for a savory, family hit, try this recipe at home. It will be the best sausage stuffing you have ever tasted.
What to Serve Best Sausage Stuffing With:
This Best Sausage Stuffing pairs perfectly with the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table:
- Roasted Turkey: The classic pairing! The savory stuffing complements the richness of the turkey.
- Gravy: Drizzle generously over the stuffing for extra moisture and flavor. Turkey giblet gravy or a simple pan gravy both work well.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, comforting side that balances the textures and flavors of the meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory stuffing, and turkey.
- Green Bean Casserole: Balance out all the richness with some lovely vegetables.
Top Tips for Perfecting Best Sausage Stuffing:
Here are some valuable tips to enhance your cooking experience and ensure the most flavorful result:
- Use day-old bread: This is crucial! Fresh bread will become mushy when mixed with the wet ingredients from the broth. Older bread absorbs the liquid without losing its structure.
- Don’t over-moisten the bread: Add the broth gradually, mixing well between additions. The stuffing should be moist but not sopping wet. It should still have some texture.
- Customize the Sausage: This recipe is a perfect place for customization. Sweet, Mild, Hot Italian, Chorizo or Sage Sausage are all good choices.
- Add other seasonings: Try adding a teaspoon of poultry seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
- Toast the bread cubes: Toasting the bread cubes helps them to retain their shape and texture when combined with the wet ingredients. If you don’t have time to toast them in the oven, you can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Add the broth just before baking. This is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day!
- Don’t over-bake: Over baking can cause the stuffing to dry out. Bake until it’s golden brown on top and heated through.
- Add acidity: a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar will make all of the flavors pop!
- Stir in dried cranberries!: Dried cranberries add a lovely sweetness and texture.
Health Benefits of Best Sausage Stuffing:
While Best Sausage Stuffing may not be the healthiest dish on the Thanksgiving table, it can offer some nutritional benefits when made with wholesome ingredients. The vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Herbs like sage and thyme are known for their antioxidant properties. You can make this recipe even healthier by using whole-wheat bread to increase the fiber content and leaner sausage. Be conscious of the amount of butter and sodium in the broth to make more heart health conscious choices.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sausage stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffing in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to re-moisten, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes for a crispier top.
- Microwave: Place the stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Skillet: For a crispy texture, reheat the stuffing in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned.
Final Thoughts:
This Best Sausage Stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving staple that you and your family are sure to love. With savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned bread, it’s a flavorful and satisfying addition to any holiday feast. Don’t hesitate to try this festive hit.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Best Sausage Stuffing FAQs:
Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use a vegetarian sausage substitute or add additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Experiment with different types of bread to create your preferred flavor and texture. Sourdough, challah, or even cornbread are all great options.
How can I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Make sure to use day-old bread and toast it before adding it to the stuffing. This will help it retain its shape and texture.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes! Store leftover stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.