Old Fashioned Sausage Stuffing is a classic side dish that has been a holiday favorite for generations. It’s a comforting addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family dinners, making any meal feel a little more special.
If you’re looking for an easy stuffing recipe that can serve a crowd, this one is a great choice. With simple preparation and dependable results, it’s a traditional side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions throughout the year.
1. Old Fashioned Sausage Stuffing Recipe (Yield: 12 Servings)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), more for baking dish
- 2 lbs good quality white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 20 cups)
- 4 ribs celery, plus some leafy tops, finely diced (1½ cups)
- 2 carrots, finely diced (1 cup)
- 1 sweet onion, finely diced (2½ cups)
- 1 lb bulk pork breakfast sausage
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 3 cups homemade turkey stock, or chicken broth or stock
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
Begin by preparing the bread. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on large baking sheets and allow them to dry out overnight at room temperature. If you’re short on time, place the bread cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dry but not browned.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a large baking dish and set it aside.
Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pork breakfast sausage and cook it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving most of the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the butter to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Once melted, add the diced celery, celery leaves, carrots, and sweet onion. Cook the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and aromatic.
Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Continue cooking for another minute to release their flavors throughout the vegetable mixture.
Transfer the cooked vegetables to the bowl with the sausage. Add the dried bread cubes and gently toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Keep in mind that the sausage and broth may already contain some salt, so season gradually and taste when possible.
Slowly pour the turkey stock or chicken broth over the bread mixture while gently tossing. Continue adding the liquid until the bread is evenly moistened. The stuffing should feel moist but not soggy. Depending on the dryness of your bread, you may use slightly more or less broth.
Allow the mixture to rest for about 5 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid. Stir again to check the consistency. If the stuffing appears too dry, add a small amount of additional broth.
Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer without packing it down too firmly. Leaving some air pockets helps create a lighter texture.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the stuffing to heat through while retaining moisture.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The top should become lightly golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Serve warm alongside roasted turkey, chicken, ham, or your favorite holiday meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Sausage Stuffing
Use slightly stale or dried bread for the best texture. Fresh bread tends to become overly soft and can result in a dense stuffing.
Choose a high-quality pork breakfast sausage since it contributes a significant portion of the flavor to the finished dish.
Finely dice the vegetables so they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the stuffing.
Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor than dried herbs and help create a more traditional homemade taste.
Mix the broth into the bread gradually instead of adding it all at once. This allows you to control the moisture level more accurately.
Bake the stuffing covered first and uncovered later to achieve a moist interior with a lightly crisp top.
For larger holiday meals, prepare the stuffing mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sausage stuffing a day ahead?
Yes. You can assemble the stuffing one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze sausage stuffing?
Absolutely. Baked or unbaked stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
Many types of sturdy bread work well, including white bread, French bread, Italian bread, and sandwich bread. The most important factor is allowing the bread to dry out before using it.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Yes. Popular additions include dried cranberries, chopped apples, mushrooms, walnuts, pecans, or parsley. These ingredients can add extra texture and flavor.
How do I reheat leftover stuffing?
Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, add a small splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition values are approximate and based on 12 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 38 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Potassium | 230 mg |
Old Fashioned Sausage Stuffing is a classic side dish that deserves a place on your holiday table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family dinners, it’s a recipe that has remained popular for generations.
Easy to prepare and ideal for serving a crowd, this traditional stuffing is one you’ll turn to again and again. Serve it alongside your favorite holiday meals and enjoy a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.
