If you have been searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines savory flavors with a touch of homemade charm, this Sausage Stuffing Recipe is the answer to your cravings. It’s the perfect balance between juicy, seasoned Italian sausage and the tender, buttery bread stuffing that soaks up all those wonderful flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving a cozy side dish, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Sausage Stuffing Recipe so approachable, yet the combination of each element creates a harmony of taste and texture that’s hard to beat. Every ingredient plays its part in making this dish deeply satisfying, from the savory sausage to the crisp celery and the fragrant sage seasoning.
- 1 lb. mild Italian sausage (ground): Adds rich, meaty flavor that’s the hallmark of this stuffing.
- 1 cup celery (chopped): Provides a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness to balance the savory meat.
- 1 cup onion (chopped): Infuses gentle aromatic depth for a warming foundation.
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Moistens the stuffing with savory, mellow undertones without overpowering.
- 1 ½ cups/3 sticks butter (divided): Delivers buttery richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- 1 tsp Sage seasoning (rubbed): Brings a classic herbaceous note that’s essential in traditional stuffing.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild warmth and subtle spice to round out the profile.
- 1 10-ounce box cubed seasoned stuffing mix: Creates a hearty base with seasoned bread flavor and texture.
- 1 6-ounce box cornbread stuffing mix: Offers a slightly sweet, crumbly contrast that makes each bite exciting.
How to Make Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This essential first step ensures your sausage stuffing bakes evenly and comes out easily without sticking, setting the stage for all those beautiful layers of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large pan over medium heat, cook your ground sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once the pink color disappears, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. This step builds the deep, savory backbone of the stuffing and keeps it from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large saucepan, melt one stick of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped celery and onion, sautéing just until tender and fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This quick sauté softens the vegetables and releases their sweetness, blending beautifully with the sausage.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Butter
Add the chicken broth and the remaining two sticks of butter to the pan and heat gently, stirring frequently until all the butter melts. If the mixture starts foaming, reduce the heat to prevent separation. This luscious, buttery broth will soak into the bread cubes, making every bite moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Season and Mix Stuffing
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rubbed sage seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in both the seasoned stuffing mix and cornbread stuffing mix, stirring until everything is moist and well combined. Finally, fold in the cooked sausage so that the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and stir to ensure it’s not soggy on the bottom. Return it to the oven uncovered and bake an additional 15 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with a crispy edge. Serve immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme can add a bright, fresh touch to your Sausage Stuffing Recipe, making it look even more inviting. A light drizzle of melted butter on top right before serving also enhances the richness and aroma.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, but don’t stop there. Roasted root vegetables, green beans almondine, or a crisp salad all complement the hearty, savory flavors without overwhelming the palate. For a festive touch, add cranberry sauce on the side for a sweet-tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Sausage Stuffing Recipe into stuffed bell peppers or mushrooms for an elegant twist, or use it as a filling for a savory bread pudding. Presenting it in individual ramekins gives a charming, personalized feel at the dinner table, perfect for family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The stuffing will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of your cooking without any waste.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, this Sausage Stuffing Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Store cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a convenient grab-and-go option.
Reheating
Reheat your stuffing in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20-25 minutes until hot throughout. To revive crispiness, uncover during the last 5 minutes of heating. Microwave reheating works too, just be mindful of uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add a nice kick and a different flavor dimension. Just be mindful of how spicy you want the stuffing overall, as the other ingredients are quite mild.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious textures and flavors with a meat-free twist.
Can I prepare this stuffing without cornbread stuffing mix?
Yes, you can use all seasoned bread stuffing or even homemade bread cubes if you prefer. The cornbread adds a slight sweetness and texture contrast, but the dish will still turn out great without it.
What is the best way to ensure my stuffing isn’t soggy?
Draining the cooked sausage well and not adding too much broth helps prevent sogginess. Also, stirring halfway through baking breaks up any overly moist spots and encourages even cooking and crispiness on top.
Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?
Definitely! This recipe scales well. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness to ensure it’s heated through and beautifully crisp on top.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Stuffing Recipe has quickly become a treasured classic in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try. It’s warm, hearty, and full of so much flavor that every bite feels like a celebration. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to become your go-to comfort food. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Sausage Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Sausage Stuffing recipe combines savory mild Italian sausage, seasoned stuffing mixes, and aromatic herbs for a comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. It’s cooked by sautéing and baking to achieve a moist yet crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with poultry and other main dishes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. mild Italian sausage (ground)
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
Liquids & Fats
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 ½ cups/3 sticks butter (divided)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Sage seasoning (rubbed)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Stuffs
- 1 10-ounce box cubed seasoned stuffing mix
- 1 6-ounce box cornbread stuffing mix
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook sausage: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground mild Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain the excess fat by transferring the sausage to paper towels and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick of butter. Add chopped celery and onion, sautéing in the butter until vegetables are softened, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth and butter: Pour in the 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth and add the remaining 2 sticks of butter. Heat gently, stirring frequently until the butter is fully melted. If the mixture begins to foam, reduce the heat to prevent boiling over.
- Season and mix stuffing: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in rubbed sage seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Add both the cubed seasoned stuffing mix and the cornbread stuffing mix to the pan, stirring until all bread cubes are fully moistened. Incorporate the cooked sausage thoroughly into the mixture.
- Bake stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and stir the stuffing to release any excess moisture at the bottom. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is slightly crispy. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy for a more robust taste.
- The combination of two different stuffing mixes adds a unique texture and flavor.
- Covering the casserole with foil during the initial bake keeps the stuffing moist while the uncovered baking crisps the top.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
