Best Stuffing Recipe with Sausage

Best stuffing recipe with sausage transforms your holiday table. Golden, savory, and loaded with flavor—this Southern classic steals the show.Let me tell you… I used to be that person who bought boxed stuffing and called it a day.

Well, everything changed three years ago when my neighbor Mrs. Henderson, shared her grandmother’s secret. She leaned over the fence with a mischievous grin and said, “Honey, if you’re not adding sausage to your stuffing, you’re missing the whole point of Thanksgiving.”

Oops! Turns out she was absolutely right.

That November, I tested this best stuffing recipe with sausage seven times before the big day. My kitchen smelled like a five-star Southern restaurant.

Moreover, my family devoured two entire pans before the turkey even made it to the table. Now? This recipe has become our non-negotiable holiday tradition.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just stuffing. It’s layers of buttery bread cubes, perfectly seasoned pork sausage, and aromatic vegetables that create a golden, crispy-topped masterpiece.

Furthermore, it strikes that elusive balance between moist interior and crunchy edges that makes people fight over corner pieces.

Why This Sausage Stuffing Recipe Outshines the Rest

You know what separates mediocre stuffing from legendary stuffing? Depth of flavor and texture contrast.

This moist Thanksgiving stuffing delivers on both fronts. The pork breakfast sausage adds savory richness that boxed versions simply cannot replicate. Additionally, the combination of sautéed vegetables creates a flavor foundation that food scientist Harold McGee would call “umami-rich layering.”

After making this recipe 20+ times, I’ve learned exactly what makes it foolproof. The secret lies in three critical elements: quality bread with proper cube size, the right liquid-to-bread ratio, and strategic seasoning at multiple stages.

What You’ll Need: Premium Ingredients Matter

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Pork breakfast sausage	16 oz package	Choose Jimmy Dean or similar quality brand
Celery, diced	2 cups	Fresh, firm stalks only
Onion, diced	2 cups	Yellow onions work best
Mushrooms, diced	2 cups	Optional but recommended
Unsalted butter	1 stick (8 tbsp)	European-style adds richness
Bread dumplings or French bread	2 boxes or 6–8 cups cubed	Day-old bread is essential
Chicken or turkey broth	32 oz carton	Low-sodium preferred
Whole milk	1 cup	Full-fat creates better texture
Large eggs	2, beaten	Room temperature
Poultry seasoning	To taste	Start with 2 tsp
Garlic powder	To taste	Not garlic salt
Kosher salt	To taste	Diamond Crystal brand
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground
Fresh herbs	Optional	Parsley, sage, celery seed

Shopping Like a Pro at Your Local Grocery Store

Head to stores like Kroger, Publix, or Whole Foods for the freshest ingredients. Consequently, your best homemade stuffing will taste restaurant-quality.

Look for bread with a tight crumb structure—avoid super-soft sandwich bread. Instead, grab a French baguette or sourdough loaf from the bakery section. If using bread dumplings, check the freezer aisle near the German or European specialty foods.

For sausage, choose a brand with simple ingredients. Thomas Keller emphasizes that quality proteins make or break savory dishes. Therefore, skip anything with fillers or artificial flavors.

Bold Add-ins for Creative Variations:

• Dried cranberries (adds festive sweetness)
• Toasted pecans or walnuts (Southern twist)
• Fresh apple chunks (unexpected brightness)
• Italian sausage instead of breakfast sausage (spicier kick)

International Substitutions

Can’t find pork sausage? Use chicken sausage or plant-based alternatives. Similarly, swap bread dumplings for challah, cornbread, or even gluten-free bread cubes. The technique remains the same regardless of your dietary needs.

Quality Indicators: Fresh celery should snap cleanly when bent. Onions should feel firm with papery, unblemished skins. Meanwhile, mushrooms should be dry to the touch without dark spots.

Essential Equipment (No Fancy Gadgets Required)

Man, oh man… you don’t need a gourmet kitchen for this Southern stuffing recipe Thanksgiving favorite.

What You Actually Need:

• Large skillet (12-inch cast iron or stainless steel)
• 9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic)
• Large mixing bowl (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk for combining liquids

DIY Alternative: No large skillet? Use a Dutch oven instead. It provides even heat distribution and enough space for all those vegetables.

Step-by-Step: Building Layers of Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Foundation

Start by cubing your bread into 1-inch pieces. This size ensures even moisture absorption without turning mushy. Subsequently, spread cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit uncovered overnight. This drying process is non-negotiable—it prevents soggy stuffing.

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, toast bread cubes in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes instead.

Step 2: Create the Aromatic Base

Melt butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Once it foams, add diced celery and onion. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and develop golden edges. The kitchen should smell incredible at this point.

Add mushrooms during the last 3 minutes. They’ll release moisture and concentrate their earthy flavor. Julia Child always said that properly sautéed vegetables form the backbone of French cooking—and she wasn’t wrong.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage Properly

Push vegetables to the skillet edges. Add sausage to the center. Break it into small pieces with your spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 7–8 minutes.

Here’s where I made my biggest mistake: I once forgot to drain excess fat. The result? Greasy stuffing that left everyone reaching for napkins. Learn from my error—if your sausage releases more than 2 tablespoons of fat, drain it off before proceeding.

Season generously with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The sausage should taste slightly over-seasoned on its own because the bread will dilute those flavors.

Step 4: Marry the Components

Transfer your bread cubes to a large bowl. Add the sausage-vegetable mixture. Toss gently with your hands—this ensures even distribution without crushing the bread.

Step 5: The Liquid Gold Technique

Whisk together eggs, milk, and broth in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture gradually over the bread, tossing continuously. You want every cube coated but not swimming. The mixture should feel moist when squeezed but not dripping wet.

Sensory check: It should look like wet sand that holds its shape when pressed. This texture indicates you’ve hit the perfect ratio.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly but don’t pack it down—you want air pockets for crispy bits. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Watch for these indicators: golden-brown top, crispy edges, and an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, you’ll hear a subtle crackle from the crusty top layer.

Step 7: The Crucial Rest Period

Let stuffing rest 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the dish. Patience here prevents the dreaded mushy bottom layer.

Expert Tips for Next-Level Results

After testing variations repeatedly, these techniques elevate good stuffing to extraordinary:

Timing Strategy: Assemble everything the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Consequently, you’ll just pop it in the oven on Thanksgiving Day. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time when starting cold.

Moisture Control: Different breads absorb liquid differently. Start with 3 cups of liquid, then add more gradually. You can always add liquid but cannot remove it.

Texture Perfection: For extra-crispy tops, dot the surface with additional butter pieces before baking. This creates irresistible golden patches.

Make-Ahead Magic: Bake stuffing completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat covered at 350°F for 25 minutes, then uncover for 10 minutes to re-crisp the top.

Creative Variations to Try

Southern Comfort Version: Add 1 cup crumbled cornbread and substitute chicken sausage. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh sage.

Holiday Cranberry-Apple: Fold in 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 diced Granny Smith apple. This variation pairs beautifully with easy cranberry orange sauce.

Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage and add 1 cup grated Parmesan. Replace poultry seasoning with Italian herbs.

Vegetarian Alternative: Skip sausage entirely. Double the mushrooms and add 1 cup toasted walnuts for protein and texture.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread for gluten-free sourdough. The technique remains identical.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practices
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Cover tightly with foil
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Use airtight containers
Reheating	350°F for 20 min	Add 2 tbsp broth before reheating

Important note: Never stuff poultry with this mixture for food safety reasons. Always bake separately in a dish.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This best stuffing recipe with sausage shines alongside classic Thanksgiving sides. Serve it with a delicious apple fruit salad for brightness that cuts through the richness.

Additionally, consider these complementary dishes:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Classic mashed potatoes with gravy
• Toffee Chex Mix for dessert

For beverages, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light amber ale balances the savory flavors perfectly. However, don’t overlook sparkling apple cider for a family-friendly option.

Want to impress? Serve stuffing in individual ramekins for elegant plating. Furthermore, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color that Instagram will love.

Best Stuffing Recipe with Sausage FAQs

Your New Thanksgiving Tradition Starts Here

This moist Thanksgiving stuffing recipe has transformed countless holiday tables—including mine. The combination of savory sausage, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and golden-crusted bread creates something truly special.

Remember that first Thanksgiving when Mrs. Henderson shared her wisdom? Now I’m passing it to you. This stuffing will absolutely become your most-requested dish. Moreover, it’s flexible enough to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining its soul-satisfying essence.

Pair it with smashburger quesadillas for a fun leftover fusion, or keep things classic with traditional sides. Either way, you’re creating memories that last far beyond the meal itself.

Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving game? Grab your ingredients and let’s make magic happen. When your family asks for seconds (and they will), you’ll know exactly why this Southern stuffing recipe Thanksgiving classic earned its reputation.

Share your results on social media and tag us @TastyAtHome—we love seeing your golden, crispy creations come to life. For more holiday inspiration, check out our creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta for an impressive side dish alternative.

Now go forth and stuff some bread. Your destiny as the Thanksgiving hero awaits.