Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe

If you’re searching for the Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe, you’ve just stumbled upon a winner that’s about to become your new holiday staple. I absolutely love how this stuffing turns out every time – it’s cozy, flavorful, and packed with just the right balance of sausage, herbs, and soft, buttery bread. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how it transformed my Thanksgiving dinner from good to unforgettable. Trust me, once you taste this stuffing, your family will be asking for it year after year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that soul-satisfying taste and texture that makes stuffing a holiday favorite. Grab fresh veggies and quality sausage—you’ll notice the difference in every bite.

• Pork Breakfast Sausage: I prefer a good-quality sausage with herbs and spices already mixed in—it adds instant flavor and richness.
• Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness of sausage and butter.
• Onion: Make sure it’s finely diced so it cooks evenly and blends beautifully with the other flavors.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthiness and moisture; wipe clean with a damp towel to avoid excess water.
• Butter: The key to sautéing veggies and adding richness to the whole mixture.
• French Rolls (Cubed): Using fresh rolls saves time without compromising texture or flavor.
• Chicken or Turkey Broth: I usually use homemade broth for extra depth, but store-bought works fine too.
• Milk: Helps make the casserole creamy; stirring with eggs creates the perfect custard-like binder.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together so your stuffing slices nicely and holds shape.
• Poultry Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These pantry staples bring that classic stuffing aroma and flavor.

Variations

I love making this Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe as is, but feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s taste—there’s no wrong way!

• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the sausage for sautéed walnuts or diced tofu with smoked paprika for that umami punch—I’ve tried this for meatless holidays, and it worked great!
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add diced apples or roasted butternut squash for sweetness and texture contrast that my guests have come to adore.
• Herb Explosion: Mix in fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary if you have them handy instead of dried poultry seasoning—fresh herbs add a lovely brightness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread cubes and double-check your broth to make this festive dish safe for those with sensitivities.

How to Make Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Slowly and Patiently

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the diced celery, onions, and mushrooms. This step is crucial—cook these veggies until they’re soft and golden brown, and make sure all the liquid is evaporated. I learned the hard way that rushing this step leads to soggy stuffing, so take your time here. Also, wiping mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of rinsing them keeps them from soaking up too much water, which really helps with the texture.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Season Everything

Add your pork breakfast sausage to the skillet with the softened veggies. Break it up finely as it cooks through, making sure it’s nicely browned but not dried out. Then season the whole mixture with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I usually go generous with about 2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning and tweak the salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! This blend is the heart of your flavor here.

Step 3: Combine Bread with Sausage Mixture

Place your cubed French rolls in a large casserole dish or big mixing bowl. You don’t need to dry or toast the bread first, which is a huge time-saver. Add the sausage and veggie mixture on top and toss gently to combine. This is where the magic starts. You want those bread pieces to soak up the savory goodness.

Step 4: Mix in Milk, Eggs, and Broth

Whisk together the eggs and milk, then pour into the bread and sausage mixture. It’s going to look pretty soggy right now—don’t panic; this is perfect. Next, slowly add the chicken or turkey broth, stirring gently so the bread absorbs the liquid but doesn’t float around. I keep a little extra bread handy because sometimes the mixture gets wetter than I want, and adding more cubes helps balance it out.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pop your casserole into a 375°F oven for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels firm to the touch and the top is nicely browned. If the top starts browning too fast, just loosely tent it with foil. I sometimes brush melted butter over the top before baking to get a super crispy crust—that little extra touch really elevates the texture.

Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to let everything set beautifully before serving. This is key for perfect slices and maximum flavor.

How to Serve Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a bright pop of color and a bit of fresh herbiness that complements the rich stuffing perfectly. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted butter on top right out of the oven adds irresistible shine and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This sausage stuffing pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving mains like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a roasted chicken. My family goes crazy for it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole—comfort food at its finest!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the stuffing inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or a decorative baking dish—it makes the meal feel extra festive. You can also sprinkle toasted pecans on top for an unexpected crunch that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffing keeps beautifully covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I’ve found that it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to marry even more.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked stuffing in portions wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When I plan ahead, I make a double batch and freeze half—it’s a lifesaver for busy holiday meals.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to place leftover stuffing in a covered baking dish, sprinkling a little broth on top to revive moisture, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through. This way, it stays moist but gets a lovely fresh-baked texture again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings my family together around the table every single year. It’s comforting and familiar, yet rich enough to feel like a real treat. I hope when you try this, it becomes a new classic in your holiday lineup too. There’s nothing quite like the smell of this stuffing baking to really kick off the festive spirit—give it a go, and don’t forget to share with those you love!

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