When it comes to holiday feasts, stuffing holds a special place on the table, right alongside the turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. A classic, old-fashioned sausage stuffing is a hearty, flavorful dish that adds richness and depth to any meal. Made with savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and bread cubes, this traditional stuffing recipe is packed with flavor and is a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Unlike many modern variations, this Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing stays true to the basics, delivering a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that will bring back memories of family gatherings from years past. The sausage adds a flavorful boost to the stuffing, while the combination of fresh herbs and sautéed vegetables brings balance and warmth to every bite.
This recipe is simple to prepare and can be baked separately or stuffed inside the turkey, depending on your preference.
1. Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 loaf of bread (about 10-12 cups of cubed bread, stale or toasted)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 celery stalks, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust depending on the saltiness of the sausage)
- 2-3 cups chicken or turkey broth (more or less, depending on desired moisture level)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cube the bread: Start by cutting the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture, as fresh bread can become mushy in the stuffing. If using fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting the cubes in the oven.
Dry the bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, or until the bread is dry and slightly crisp. This step helps the bread hold up better when mixed with the liquid and other ingredients. Let the bread cool while you prepare the rest of the stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink in the center.
Drain excess fat: Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter: In the same skillet, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. The butter will help sauté the vegetables and add richness to the stuffing.
Cook the onions and celery: Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent but not browned.
Add the garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can create a bitter taste.
Step 4: Combine the Stuffing Ingredients
Mix the bread and sausage: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the browned sausage.
Add the sautéed vegetables: Pour the mixture of sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and herbs over the bread and sausage. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, ensuring the bread cubes are evenly coated with the butter and vegetable mixture.
Moisten with broth: Gradually pour 2-3 cups of broth over the stuffing mixture, tossing as you go. Add enough broth to moisten the bread without making it soggy. You want the bread to absorb the liquid but still hold its shape. The amount of broth required will depend on how dry the bread is and how moist you prefer your stuffing.
Add the eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs, which will help bind the stuffing and give it a light, fluffy texture when baked.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer to a baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffing for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake until golden: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a crisper stuffing, you can bake it uncovered for a little longer.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest: Once the stuffing is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to scoop out portions.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the stuffing warm alongside your holiday turkey, gravy, and other favorite side dishes.
2. What to Serve with Sausage Stuffing
Roast Turkey: Sausage stuffing is a perfect complement to a traditional holiday roast turkey. The savory flavors of the sausage and herbs pair beautifully with the mild, tender turkey.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve stuffing alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans. The caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies balance the richness of the stuffing.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes and sausage stuffing make a delicious duo. Top both with a ladle of turkey gravy for the ultimate holiday comfort food.
Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the sausage stuffing, providing a refreshing contrast.
Gravy: Don’t forget to serve your sausage stuffing with plenty of gravy. The gravy adds moisture and enhances the savory flavors of the stuffing, making each bite even more irresistible.
3. Storing and Reheating Sausage Stuffing
Storing: Leftover sausage stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short, 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: Sausage stuffing can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Old Fashioned Sausage Stuffing Recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort and flavor to any holiday meal. With its perfect blend of savory sausage, toasted bread cubes, and aromatic herbs, this stuffing is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering.
