The Ultimate Sausage Stuffing Recipe: A Flavorful Holiday Tradition

Stuffing, also known as dressing, is a cornerstone of holiday meals, and this sausage stuffing recipe takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Packed with savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly toasted bread, this stuffing is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey, chicken, or even pork, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize to your liking.

This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your stuffing is perfectly moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Let’s dive in!

## Why This Sausage Stuffing Recipe is the Best

There are countless stuffing recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sausage, vegetables, herbs, and broth creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Perfect Texture:** Achieving the right balance of moisture and crispness is key to a great stuffing. This recipe guides you through the process to ensure a perfectly textured stuffing every time.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different types of sausage, vegetables, or herbs.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This stuffing can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible sausage stuffing:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of stale bread, such as French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* **Sausage:** 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), removed from casings
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks of celery, chopped
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced
* **Fresh Herbs:** 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
* **Chicken Broth:** 4-6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large baking sheet
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the best sausage stuffing you’ve ever tasted:

### Step 1: Prepare the Bread

The foundation of any great stuffing is good bread. Stale bread works best because it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients without becoming mushy.

1. **Cube the Bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using fresh bread, you can leave it out on the counter overnight to dry out slightly. Alternatively, you can toast the bread cubes in a low oven (250°F or 120°C) for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are dry but not browned, flipping them halfway through. Be careful not to burn them.
2. **Toast the Bread (Optional):** While air-drying works, lightly toasting the bread cubes intensifies their flavor and ensures a better texture in the final stuffing. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and dry, flipping halfway through. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
3. **Cool the Bread:** Allow the toasted bread cubes to cool completely before proceeding.

### Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

Cooking the sausage and vegetables together infuses them with flavor and creates a delicious base for the stuffing.

1. **Brown the Sausage:** Remove the sausage from its casings and place it in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Combine Sausage and Vegetables:** Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

### Step 3: Assemble the Stuffing

Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together and create the magic.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sausage and vegetable mixture, chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, and parsley), and any optional add-ins like dried cranberries, nuts, or cheese.
2. **Add Broth and Eggs:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and lightly beaten eggs. Gradually pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture, tossing gently to combine. Be careful not to over-saturate the bread; you want it to be moist but not soggy. Start with 4 cups of broth and add more as needed, until the bread is evenly moistened. The amount of broth needed will vary depending on the dryness of the bread.
3. **Season to Taste:** Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and broth may already be salty, so taste before adding more salt.

### Step 4: Bake the Stuffing

Baking the stuffing allows it to become perfectly golden and crispy on top while remaining moist and flavorful inside.

1. **Prepare Baking Dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. **Transfer Stuffing:** Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. **Rest:** Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further.

## Tips for Perfect Sausage Stuffing

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve stuffing perfection:

* **Use Stale Bread:** As mentioned earlier, stale bread is key to preventing mushy stuffing. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in a low oven.
* **Don’t Over-Saturate:** Be careful not to add too much broth, as this will result in soggy stuffing. Add the broth gradually and toss gently until the bread is evenly moistened.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the stuffing before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
* **Make it Ahead:** This stuffing can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the stuffing and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Bake Inside the Bird (Optional):** If you prefer to bake the stuffing inside your turkey or chicken, be sure to stuff it loosely, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. The internal temperature of the stuffing should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through.
* **Broth Alternatives:** Chicken broth adds a richness, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version. You can also use a combination of chicken and vegetable broth for a balanced flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier stuffing, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture.
* **Add Some Sweetness:** Dried cranberries, apples, or raisins add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the sausage and vegetables.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or oregano to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Nutty Crunch:** Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch to the stuffing.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this sausage stuffing recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Different Sausage:** Try using different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or maple sausage, to create a unique flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the sausage with mushrooms, lentils, or other vegetables to create a vegetarian version.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free bread to make this stuffing gluten-free.
* **Apple and Cranberry Stuffing:** Add diced apples and dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
* **Mushroom and Herb Stuffing:** Add sautéed mushrooms and extra herbs for an earthy and aromatic stuffing.
* **Cornbread Stuffing:** Substitute some of the bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern-inspired stuffing.
* **Oyster Stuffing:** For a more sophisticated stuffing, add shucked oysters to the mixture.

## Serving Suggestions

This sausage stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Alongside Turkey or Chicken:** Serve it alongside your roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday feast.
* **With Pork:** It pairs perfectly with roasted pork loin or pork chops.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish at any potluck or gathering.
* **In Stuffed Vegetables:** Use it to stuff bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for a creative and delicious vegetarian meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about this sausage stuffing recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which is a huge time-saver during the busy holiday season.

* **Assemble Ahead:** Prepare the stuffing as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake from Cold:** When ready to bake, remove the stuffing from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate Leftovers:** Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Sausage Stuffing Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** The Ultimate Sausage Stuffing

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes

**Cook Time:** 45 minutes

**Total Time:** 1 hour 15 minutes

**Servings:** 10-12 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 pound of Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot), removed from casings
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 2 stalks of celery, chopped
* 4 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage
* 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme
* 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
* 4-6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bread:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden and dry. Let cool.
2. **Cook Sausage and Vegetables:** In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease. Add butter, onion, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Assemble Stuffing:** In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sausage and vegetable mixture, fresh herbs, and optional add-ins. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and eggs. Gradually pour broth mixture over bread mixture, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
4. **Bake Stuffing:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour stuffing mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

## Conclusion

This sausage stuffing recipe is a guaranteed winner for your holiday table. With its flavorful combination of sausage, vegetables, and herbs, and its perfectly moist and crispy texture, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the best sausage stuffing you’ve ever tasted! Happy cooking and happy holidays!