Easy Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Name: Easy Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Meat; 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage; Vegetables & Herbs; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary; 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage; 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme; Other; ¾ cup dried cranberries; 2-½ cups chicken stock; 1 (12 oz) bag herbed stuffing mix; Non-stick spray, for greasing pan

This incredible sausage stuffing transforms the traditional side dish into a standout star of any holiday table. With savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and sweet dried cranberries, this stuffing delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Best of all, it comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking when you need a reliable, delicious dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stress-Free Preparation: The entire dish comes together quickly with straightforward steps, allowing you to focus on other parts of your meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this the day before your big gathering and simply bake when needed – perfect for holiday planning.
Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and sweet cranberries creates a perfect balance that elevates traditional stuffing to new heights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even stuffing skeptics will be won over by this hearty, flavorful version that pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even as a standalone dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and wonderful texture. The mild variety gives flavor without overwhelming heat, but you can use hot if you prefer a spicier stuffing.
Yellow Onion: Creates a sweet, aromatic base that melts into the stuffing when cooked properly.
Celery: Adds essential crunch and fresh flavor that’s quintessential to classic stuffing.
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Sage, Thyme): The trinity of Thanksgiving herbs that brings authentic holiday flavor. Fresh herbs make a remarkable difference compared to dried.
Dried Cranberries: Deliver perfect bursts of sweetness and tartness that balance the savory elements beautifully.
Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and depth of flavor, bringing everything together.
Herbed Stuffing Mix: The convenient base that saves time while still delivering great texture and flavor. The pre-seasoned mix already contains some herbs, making this recipe even easier.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Alternatives

Swap the Italian sausage for breakfast sausage, ground turkey, or chorizo for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms sautéed until deeply browned.

Fruit Options

Replace cranberries with dried cherries, chopped apples, or diced pears for a different sweet element.

Nut Addition

Fold in 1/2 cup of toasted pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts for extra crunch and richness.

Wine Infusion

Replace 1/2 cup of chicken stock with white wine for a sophisticated flavor boost.

How to Make Easy Sausage Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your casserole dish thoroughly with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large, high-sided skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This initial cooking releases the flavorful fats that will season the entire dish.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Herbs

Add the diced onion, celery, and minced fresh herbs to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue cooking until the vegetables soften and the sausage is fully cooked, about 10 minutes. This careful sautéing builds the flavor foundation.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Liquid

Stir in the dried cranberries and pour in the chicken stock. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly until the stock is warmed through, helping to plump the cranberries slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Stuffing Mix

Turn off the heat and add the stuffing mix to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful liquid and evenly distributed with the sausage and vegetables.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a deliciously crispy top while maintaining a moist interior.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs: They make a world of difference. If you absolutely must use dried, reduce the amounts to about 1/2 teaspoon each.
Control the Moisture: For a drier stuffing, reduce the chicken stock by 1/4 cup. For a more moist version, add an extra 1/4 cup.
Texture Balance: The covered/uncovered baking technique gives you the perfect balance of crisp top and moist interior. Don’t rush this step!
Taste Before Baking: The stuffing mix contains salt, so taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Even Distribution: When mixing in the stuffing cubes, ensure they’re evenly coated with liquid and ingredients for consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this stuffing alongside roasted turkey or chicken with cranberry sauce and gravy for a classic holiday meal.

Everyday Meals

Turn this side into a main dish by adding a fried egg on top or serving with a simple green salad for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Presentation

For an impressive presentation, bake in individual ramekins and top with a small sprig of fresh herb before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

Assemble the entire stuffing up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate uncooked. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.

Freezing

Freeze cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated stuffing covered in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. For frozen stuffing, add 10-15 minutes to the reheating time.

FAQs

Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms sautéed until deeply browned, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. This creates a rich, savory base that’s completely meat-free but still packed with flavor.

Can I prepare this stuffing inside the turkey?

While this stuffing can be cooked inside a turkey, I recommend baking it separately for food safety and optimal texture. If you do stuff your bird, ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F before serving, and be aware that cooking times for the turkey will increase.

My stuffing seems too dry/too wet. How can I fix it?

For dry stuffing, drizzle with additional warm broth before serving. If it’s too wet, bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. The perfect stuffing holds together when scooped but isn’t soggy.

Can I use a different type of bread or stuffing mix?

Yes! Cornbread stuffing mix creates a delicious Southern twist, or use a combination of sourdough and white bread cubes (toasted first) for a homemade version. Just maintain the same total volume of bread to keep the liquid ratio balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage Stuffing strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade flavor. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and sweet cranberries creates a memorable side dish that might just steal the spotlight at your next holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or hosting your first Thanksgiving, this foolproof recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort—exactly what we all need during the busy holiday season!