Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a stuffing recipe that hits all the right notes—savory, comforting, and packed with flavor—you’re going to love this. I’m sharing my Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe that’s become a Thanksgiving staple in my family. It’s rich with sausage, buttery veggies, and soft, pillowy bread cubes that soak up all those lovely seasonings. Trust me, whether it’s the holidays or just a cozy night in, this recipe will make your stuffing game unbeatable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures. You’ll want fresh veggies to build that savory base, hearty sausage to punch up the richness, and good bread that can absorb all the goodness without falling apart. When shopping, look for crusty French rolls or any soft white bread. Also, choose high-quality pork breakfast sausage—the flavor difference is totally worth it.

• Pork breakfast sausage: Adds savory, slightly spicy flavor and juicy texture.
• Celery: Brings crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
• Onion: Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
• Mushrooms: Earthy depth and moisture; wipe clean instead of rinsing to avoid sogginess.
• Butter: For sautéing veggies and boosting richness.
• French rolls (cubed): Soft bread that absorbs broth without disintegrating.
• Chicken or turkey broth: The liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind ingredients.
• Eggs: Act as a binder to hold the stuffing together.
• Poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: The seasoning combo that makes this stuffing sing.

Variations

I love that this Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe is super adaptable—you can tweak it based on what you have or your taste preferences. I often try different mix-ins or swap out bread types to keep it interesting without losing that homey comfort.

• Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth—I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes; just make sure they’re firm enough to absorb liquids without turning to mush.
• Extra herbaceous: Fresh sage and thyme bring a vibrant, garden-fresh punch—I like adding these when I have fresh herbs on hand.
• Add nuts and fruit: Toasted pecans and dried cranberries give a fun texture and sweetness that my family can’t get enough of.

How to Make Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Perfectly Soft

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced celery, onion, and mushrooms. This step is crucial—take your time and cook until the veggies are soft and most of their liquid has evaporated. This usually takes a good 10-15 minutes. I learned the hard way that rushing this results in soggy stuffing. Also, avoid rinsing your mushrooms; just wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. Mushrooms are like little sponges and can add extra water that ruins the texture.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Season Well

Next, add your pork sausage to the skillet with the cooked veggies. Break it up finely as it cooks through—this helps distribute those savory morsels evenly. Once browned, season the mixture with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I usually go for about 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning and 1 tablespoon garlic powder, but feel free to adjust based on your taste. This step is where your stuffing really builds its flavor base.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Sausage Mixture

Place your cubed French rolls in a large casserole dish or bowl, then pour the sausage and veggie mix over the bread cubes. Toss everything together to mix well. Don’t worry if the bread looks dry or unseasoned at this point—it’s about to soak up all the goodness.

Step 4: Whisk Eggs, Milk, and Add Broth

Whisk together the eggs and milk, then pour that over the bread mixture. It’s going to look pretty soggy here, but that’s normal. Now, drizzle your chicken or turkey broth evenly over the whole mix and stir gently to combine. I always keep some extra bread cubes nearby in case it looks too wet—just add more bread to soak up excess liquid.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your stuffing into a 375°F oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the top coloring—it should be browned and crisp while the inside sets firm. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil. For a little extra indulgence, I sometimes brush melted butter on top before baking. Let the stuffing rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving; it helps the flavors meld and makes portioning easier.

How to Serve Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the finished stuffing. It adds a fresh pop of color and a lovely herbal note that wakes up the whole dish. Sometimes, a few crispy sage leaves on top add a fancy touch, especially for holiday guests.

Side Dishes

For sides, this sausage stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and tangy cranberry sauce. My family also loves it alongside green beans almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts for some color and crunch on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this stuffing is baked inside hollowed-out acorn squash or large bell peppers—adds a festive look and makes it feel extra special. You can also bake it in individual ramekins for cute servings at a dinner party or holiday buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The stuffing keeps its flavor well, though the texture softens a bit. Reheating it covered helps preserve moisture without drying it out.

Freezing

Freezing this stuffing works great! I let it cool completely, then pack it tightly into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for 5-10 minutes to crisp the top. This brings back that freshly baked texture better than the microwave ever could.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe has earned a permanent spot at my holiday table because it just works—deliciously easy, with flavors that make everyone smile. I hope you’ll give it a try next time you want stuffing that feels like a warm, loving hug on a plate. Once you taste it, you might never want to go back to boxed mixes again. Trust me, when you nail this recipe, you’ll be the stuff of family dinner legend!

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