Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a staple of holiday meals that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy winter dinner, this Stuffing with Sausage and Sage recipe is guaranteed to impress. With perfectly toasted bread, savory chicken sausage, and fragrant sage, this dish is a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best stuffing, including ingredients, preparation steps, expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of sausage and sage creates a deliciously robust taste.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different breads, herbs, and add-ins.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance for easy holiday meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Base:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or white bread)
For the Sausage Mixture:
- 1 lb chicken sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Liquid Mixture:
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisp. This helps absorb the flavors without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Remove from skillet and drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables & Herbs
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, sage, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Mix well.
Step 5: Prepare Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and beaten eggs. Pour the mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently until evenly moistened.
Step 6: Bake the Stuffing
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffing
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can become too mushy; slightly stale bread absorbs the flavors better.
- Don’t over-mix: Stir just enough to combine ingredients without breaking the bread apart.
- Adjust moisture level: If your stuffing seems dry, add a little more broth before baking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage and thyme provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Option
Swap the sausage for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free bread and double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.
Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing
Replace the bread with crumbled cornbread for a Southern twist.
What to Serve with Stuffing
This Stuffing with Sausage and Sage pairs perfectly with classic holiday dishes, including:
- Roast Turkey – A Thanksgiving staple
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy – Creamy and comforting
- Green Bean Casserole – A festive vegetable side
- Cranberry Sauce – A sweet and tangy contrast to the savory stuffing
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the stuffing a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing with Sausage and Sage is a delicious, hearty side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals and beyond. With its rich, savory flavors and perfect texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Try it this season and enjoy a classic stuffing recipe that never disappoints!
Stuffing with Sausage and Sage
Description
This classic Stuffing with Sausage and Sage is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any special meal. Featuring savory chicken sausage, aromatic sage, and a blend of toasted bread cubes, this stuffing is rich in flavor and has the perfect balance of crispy and soft textures. Whether baked inside a turkey or served as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Bread Base:
For the Sausage Mixture:
For the Liquid Mixture:
Optional Add-ins:
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.
Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken sausage, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Remove from skillet and drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables & Herbs
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, sage, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Mix well.
Prepare Liquid Mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and beaten eggs. Pour the mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently until evenly moistened.
Bake the Stuffing
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Rest and Serve
- Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 469.46kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26.79g42%
- Saturated Fat 8.85g45%
- Trans Fat 0.29g
- Cholesterol 127.17mg43%
- Sodium 938.13mg40%
- Potassium 381.26mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 39.94g14%
- Dietary Fiber 4.1g17%
- Sugars 14.34g
- Protein 18.75g38%
- Vitamin A 113.85 IU
- Vitamin C 3.22 mg
- Calcium 156.91 mg
- Iron 3.44 mg
- Vitamin D 0.77 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 32.52 mcg
- Thiamin 0.33 mg
- Riboflavin 0.43 mg
- Niacin 6.67 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.38 mg
- Folate 55.97 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.44 mcg
- Phosphorus 236.1 mg
- Magnesium 53.33 mg
- Zinc 1.85 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Variations: Try using cornbread instead of white bread for a Southern-style stuffing.