Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage

Introduction

Stuffing is the heart of Thanksgiving dinner, and this Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage is a recipe that feels like home. Rich, savory, and filled with rustic flavors, it combines golden bread cubes, juicy sausage, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables baked together to perfection. This dish is a warm hug on a plate—it’s hearty enough to stand on its own yet made to complement the star of the table, the roast turkey.

I love this recipe because it’s deeply comforting, flavorful, and versatile. The sausage adds a rich, meaty depth, while the herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary) bring that unmistakable Thanksgiving aroma. Every bite has the perfect balance of crispy golden edges and soft, moist centers.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it captures the soul of Thanksgiving in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together at the table, filling the house with the comforting aroma of herbs, butter, and golden bread. The sausage adds a rich, savory depth that makes the stuffing hearty enough to stand on its own, while the fresh herbs—sage, thyme, and rosemary—infuse it with warmth and tradition.

What makes this recipe even more special is the perfect texture balance—those crispy, golden edges on top and the soft, flavorful center that melts in your mouth. It’s like having the best of both worlds in one dish.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage is a must-try because it’s one of those timeless recipes that elevates your holiday table. Unlike plain bread stuffing, the addition of savory sausage brings an irresistible depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with roast turkey and gravy.

It’s also incredibly crowd-pleasing—guests of all ages love it, and it’s often the first dish to disappear from the table. With its crispy edges and moist, tender center, it offers a comforting texture contrast that makes every bite special.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: American (Traditional Thanksgiving)
• Course: Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Stuffing

• 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
• 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 12 cups cubed, white, sourdough, or French bread)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2½–3 cups chicken or turkey stock (low sodium)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook sausage until browned.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in butter.
3. Mix bread cubes with sausage, veggies, and herbs.
4. Add stock and eggs to moisten.
5. Bake until golden brown and set.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until dry (if not using day-old bread).

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
2. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables

1. In the same pan, melt butter.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Mix the Stuffing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs.
2. Pour in 2½ cups stock and gently toss.
3. Stir in beaten eggs to bind the mixture.
4. Add more stock if needed—the stuffing should be moist but not soggy.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on top.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a side alongside roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a festive look.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mixture of bread types (sourdough + white) for deeper flavor.
• For extra richness, add sautéed mushrooms or diced apples.
• To save time, prep the bread and sausage mixture a day ahead.
• Don’t over-soak the bread—just enough stock to keep it moist.

Variations

• Vegetarian Stuffing: Skip the sausage and use vegetable stock. Add mushrooms or roasted chestnuts.
• Apple & Cranberry Stuffing: Add chopped apples and dried cranberries for a sweet-savory twist.
• Cornbread Stuffing: Replace bread cubes with cornbread for Southern-style stuffing.
• Spicy Sausage Stuffing: Use hot Italian sausage for a little kick.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked stuffing in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, covered with foil to prevent drying.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Conclusion

This Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage is the ultimate holiday side dish. With its balance of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and perfectly baked bread cubes, it’s warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether served next to roast turkey or enjoyed on its own, this stuffing is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and tradition to the holiday table year after year. A true must-have for your Thanksgiving feast!

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Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 50 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 320 kcal

Description

Stuffing is the heart of Thanksgiving dinner, and this Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage is a recipe that feels like home. Rich, savory, and filled with rustic flavors, it combines golden bread cubes, juicy sausage, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables baked together to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
• 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 12 cups cubed, white, sourdough, or French bread)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 2 cups 2½–3 chicken or turkey stock (low sodium)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Bread : Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until dry (if not using day-old bread).
2. Step 2: Cook the Sausage : In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Step 3: Cook Vegetables : In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Mix the Stuffing : In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pour in 2½ cups stock and gently toss. Stir in beaten eggs to bind the mixture. Add more stock if needed—the stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
5. Step 5: Bake : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer stuffing to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on top.

Keywords: Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage