Delicious sausage stuffing dish for holiday meals and gatherings.

Sausage Stuffing

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Sausage stuffing is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home. With its mix of flavors from sausage, vegetables, and crunchy pecans, this stuffing is hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. You’ll want to serve this stuffing alongside roasted meats, or as a delightful dish on its own!

How To Make Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients

  • 8 heaped cups plain white bread (crust on, cut into 2.5cm / 1 “ cubes (~600g/1.2lb) (Note 1))
  • 500g/1 lb pork sausages (good quality) (Note 2)
  • 50g/3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1/2 onion (finely diced)
  • 1 large celery stalk (sliced 3mm / 1/8” thick)
  • 1 granny smith apple (skin left on, diced into 0.5 cm / 1/5” cubes)
  • 1/3 cup pecans (roughly chopped) (Note 3)
  • 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock/broth (low sodium)
  • 1/3 cup (85 ml) cream (heavy/thickened or low fat also ok)
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp each cooking/kosher salt and pepper
  • 30g / 2 tbsp butter (melted, extra for brushing)
  • Thyme leaves, small sage leaves, chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced).
  2. Lightly toast the bread: Spread the bread cubes out on a tray. Bake for about 8 minutes until they’re a pale gold color. They should be soft inside but crispy outside. Transfer the bread into a large bowl.
  3. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, add about 1 tsp of butter over high heat. Once melted, add the sausage and break it up as it cooks. Cook until it has some golden bits, then pour the sausage and all the fat over the bread.
  4. Sauté the vegetables: Return the skillet to the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the celery and apple. Cook for another 3 minutes.
  5. Simmer the mixture: Add the pecans, chicken stock, cream, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, then pour this mixture into the bowl with the bread. Mix well, ensuring all the bread is coated. You might want to use your hands to mix it thoroughly.
  6. Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and add more salt if necessary, depending on how salty the sausage is.
  7. Bake: Transfer the stuffing into a 2-liter / 2-quart baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  8. Brown the top: After 40 minutes, remove the foil, brush the top with extra melted butter if you want. Broil or grill on high for 2 to 4 minutes until the top is nicely browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
  9. Serve warm: Sprinkle with parsley, fresh thyme, or small sage leaves if desired.

How To Serve Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing is best served warm. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish with gravy or cranberry sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs to elevate its presentation.

How To Store Sausage Stuffing

If you have leftovers, store the sausage stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a baking dish and warm it in the oven until heated through.

Tips To Make Sausage Stuffing

  • Use stale bread for better texture.
  • Mix and match herbs based on your taste.
  • For a spicier flavor, choose hot sausages.
  • You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a mix of mushrooms and veggies. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a full vegetarian dish.

FAQs

  1. Can I freeze sausage stuffing?
    Yes, you can freeze sausage stuffing before or after baking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

  2. What type of bread is best for stuffing?
    Plain white bread works well, but you can also use whole grain, sourdough, or cornbread for different flavors and textures.

  3. How do I make the stuffing more flavorful?
    Add extra herbs, spices, or even some dried fruit like cranberries for a sweet twist.