Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, filled with family, gratitude, and, of course, incredible food. One dish that never fails to steal the spotlight on our table is my savory sausage stuffing. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! The combination of hearty sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful flavor explosion that perfectly complements the turkey. It’s so comforting and satisfying, and I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without it. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means more time with family and less time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound of ground sausage (you can use breakfast sausage for a mild flavor or spicy sausage for a kick!)
- 4 cups of cubed stale bread (trust me, stale bread absorbs the flavors best—day-old works like a charm!)
- 1 cup of chopped onion (adds a sweet, savory base—don’t skimp on this one!)
- 1 cup of chopped celery (for that nice crunch and freshness)
- 2 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, it all adds moisture and richness)
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage (this is where the classic stuffing flavor comes from!)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (it brings a lovely earthy note to the dish)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
- 1/2 cup of butter (melted, to drizzle on top for that golden crust)
How to Prepare Sausage Stuffing Thanksgiving
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your stuffing cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown crust we all crave. So, while the oven warms up, we can get right into the fun part!
Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want the sausage to be crumbly and cooked through, so keep breaking it apart as it cooks. The aroma that fills your kitchen is just divine, and it’s a sure sign that you’re on your way to something delicious!
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion and celery into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté these together until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds so much flavor to your stuffing! The veggies should be tender but not mushy—just perfect for that lovely crunch.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cubed stale bread, the sausage mixture, and all those fragrant herbs. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly, so the bread gets coated with all that savory goodness. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Add Broth and Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, pour in the chicken broth and give everything another good mix. This adds moisture, so your stuffing doesn’t dry out. Once it’s well combined, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
Drizzle with Butter and Bake
Finally, melt your butter and drizzle it over the top of the stuffing. This will help create that irresistible golden crust! Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and beautifully browned. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly and you can’t resist sneaking a bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your sausage stuffing turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, definitely use stale bread—it soaks up all that delicious broth and flavors beautifully. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out overnight to dry out a bit. If you like a moister stuffing, don’t hesitate to add a little more chicken broth to the mix. And if you’re prepping ahead of time, you can assemble everything the day before and pop it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before baking, and you’ll have a wonderfully comforting dish ready to go!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just estimates. That said, here’s what you might expect per serving (about 1 cup) of this delicious sausage stuffing:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So there you have it! This stuffing is not just tasty but also packs a decent amount of protein and flavor, making it a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your sausage stuffing the day before Thanksgiving. Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate the stuffing. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature, then pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the big day!
What type of sausage works best?
For the best flavor, I love using a good quality breakfast sausage. It’s mild and flavorful, but if you’re looking for a little heat, go for Italian sausage or chorizo! You can even mix different types for a unique twist. Just remember, the seasoning of the sausage will influence the overall taste, so choose one that excites your palate!
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! This stuffing is super versatile. You can mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or add dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for a sweet touch. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so that everything works harmoniously together. Get creative and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday with family.
- The rich, savory flavor of sausage combined with fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that steals the show.
- Perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy your day without last-minute stress.
- This stuffing is a comforting, hearty side that everyone will rave about and ask for seconds!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making for a satisfying post-holiday meal.
Sausage Stuffing Thanksgiving: 7 Savory Secrets Revealed
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A savory stuffing made with sausage, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound sausage
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook sausage until browned.
- Add onion and celery; cook until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, and herbs.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Melt butter and drizzle over stuffing.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best results.
- Add more broth for a moister stuffing.
- Can be made a day in advance and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 40 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: sausage stuffing thanksgiving
