Mom’s Sausage Stuffing Recipe for Classic Holiday Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Stuffing

Picture this: gathering around the table with family, sharing stories, and savoring that perfect side dish that ties the meal together. This sausage stuffing hits all the right notes, making it a favorite for holidays or cozy dinners. It’s simple to whip up and brings warm flavors that feel like a hug from home.

One reason this recipe shines is its ease of preparation. This sausage stuffing recipe stands out with its straightforward steps and quick cooking time, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or hosting a big event, you can have it ready without much hassle.

Beyond that, it offers solid health benefits. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like pork sausage, celery, and bread, it’s packed with balanced proteins and fiber. You can even swap in lean or plant-based options to keep things heart-healthy and reduce fat intake.

Then there’s the versatility that makes it a winner. This dish adapts easily to different dietary needs, from gluten-free tweaks to vegan swaps, so everyone at your table can dive in. It’s like having a reliable friend in your kitchen that fits any occasion.

What really steals the show is the distinctive flavor. The blend of herbs, spices, and sausage creates a savory taste that elevates any meal. Imagine tender bread soaking up rich juices, with just the right kick from seasonings. It’s no wonder this sausage stuffing becomes a go-to recipe year after year.

To make it even better, using ingredients like 1 pound of pork sausage and a 20-ounce loaf of white bread torn into bite-sized pieces adds that classic, comforting texture. Preparing the bread ahead by letting it dry helps it absorb flavors without getting mushy, enhancing the overall dish.

Quick Tips for Customizing

If you’re new to cooking, start small and taste as you go. I remember when I first made this for a family gathering, I was worried about getting the seasoning right, but a little extra salt and black pepper made all the difference. Now, it’s a staple that brings smiles every time.

This section builds on the idea of making sausage stuffing accessible and full of personality. For more ideas on pairing it with other dishes, check out our guide to best turkey recipes on the blog.

Essential Ingredients for Sausage Stuffing

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating that irresistible sausage stuffing. This recipe pulls together simple items that pack a punch of flavor and make the process fun. Let’s break down what you need to get started.

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients for this sausage stuffing, based on the classic recipe. I’ll lay it out clearly so you can shop and measure with ease. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference, so grab the best you can find.

• 1 (20-ounce) loaf of white bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound of pork sausage
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup of diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons of poultry seasoning
• A dash of white pepper
• Plenty of salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock

This structured list ensures you have everything measured out just right. For special tweaks, you can swap in alternatives like plant-based sausage for a vegan twist or gluten-free bread to keep it light.

In my kitchen experiments, I’ve found that using a denser bread might need more chicken stock to stay moist, which keeps the stuffing from drying out. It’s all about balancing those flavors to match your taste.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sausage Stuffing: Step-by-Step Guide

Making sausage stuffing is like putting together a puzzle that ends in a delicious reward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s crispy on top and moist inside. It’s easier than you think, even if you’re juggling a busy day.

First, tear the 1 (20-ounce) loaf of white bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. This helps the bread soak up all the yummy flavors later. Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking.

Next, cook the 1 pound of pork sausage in a pan until it’s fully done, then add it to the bread bowl. Don’t drain the drippings they add extra taste. In the same pan, toss in the 1/2 cup of butter, 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of diced celery, 1 1/4 teaspoons of poultry seasoning, a dash of white pepper, and plenty of salt and black pepper. Cook this mix until the vegetables are tender and everything smells amazing.

Once that’s ready, pour the mixture into the bowl with the bread and sausage. Gradually stir in the 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock until the bread is nice and moist. Transfer everything to a greased 2 1/2 quart casserole dish and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is crispy and the inside stays moist.

For the best results, let the bread dry out a bit ahead of time it really improves the texture. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a wider pan to keep that crispy crust. This method works great as a side dish or even as dressing when you’re not stuffing poultry.

1. Preheat oven and prep bread
2. Cook sausage and add to bowl
3. Sauté vegetables and seasonings
4. Mix and add stock
5. Bake until perfect

When I tried this for the first time, I added a bit more stock for denser bread, and it turned out spot on. For more on cooking techniques, visit delicious holiday side dishes for helpful tips.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sausage Stuffing

Everyone has different needs in the kitchen, and this sausage stuffing is flexible enough to adapt. Whether you’re watching your diet or cooking for friends with preferences, a few swaps can make it just right. Let’s look at how to tweak it without losing that signature taste.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap traditional pork sausage for plant-based options to suit vegan diets or lean turkey for a lighter meal. Using gluten-free bread keeps the texture intact for those with sensitivities. You could even try flavored vegan sausages to mix things up a bit.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Switch celery with diced zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh twist. Go for vegetable broth instead of chicken stock if you want a vegetarian version. Play around with herbs like rosemary to create your own flavor adventure, and adjust the salt and black pepper to fit your spice level.

In my experience, these changes keep the dish hearty and fun. Remember, generous seasoning is key with all that bread, so don’t hold back.

Mastering Sausage Stuffing: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you nail the basics, take your sausage stuffing to the next level with some pro moves. These tips can turn a simple side into something extraordinary. Let’s dive into ways to enhance flavor and presentation.

For pro cooking techniques, brown the sausage over higher heat for a crispier bite and lightly toast the bread cubes first. This adds that extra crunch everyone loves. Flavor variations could include tossing in cranberries or nuts for a sweet contrast, or adding smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

Presentation is key too serve it in individual ramekins or stuff it into bell peppers for a fancy look. Garnish with fresh herbs to make it pop. If you’re planning ahead, mix everything a day early and chill it in the fridge; the flavors blend even better that way.

Baking uncovered at 375°F ensures a crispy top, just like in the recipe. Leftovers store well for up to 4 days in the fridge, and reheating with a splash of stock keeps it moist. According to experts, this approach, as seen in sausage nutrition facts, can help balance your meal’s health benefits.

How to Store Sausage Stuffing: Best Practices

After enjoying your sausage stuffing, proper storage keeps it fresh for later. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid waste and keep meals tasty. It’s all about making the most of your efforts in the kitchen.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheating with extra stock helps retain moisture. For longer keeps, freeze it in a safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before warming. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep that crisp texture.

Meal prep is a game-changer too portion it out for easy grabs. If you’re doubling the recipe, a wider pan maintains that lovely crust, as mentioned earlier.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Stuffing

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🦃 Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic sausage stuffing that delivers perfect texture and rich, savory flavors that will make your holiday meal unforgettable
🥖 Master the art of traditional stuffing with this foolproof recipe that combines savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned bread for a dish that steals the show every time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

– 1 (20-ounce) loaf of white bread torn into bite-sized pieces

– 1 pound of pork sausage

– 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter

– 1 diced yellow onion

– 4 minced garlic cloves

– 1 cup of diced celery (about 3 stalks)

– 1 1/4 teaspoons of poultry seasoning

– A dash of white pepper

– Plenty of salt to taste

– Plenty of black pepper to taste

– 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock

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Instructions

1-First, tear the 1 (20-ounce) loaf of white bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. This helps the bread soak up all the yummy flavors later. Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking.

2-Next, cook the 1 pound of pork sausage in a pan until it’s fully done, then add it to the bread bowl. Don’t drain the drippings they add extra taste. In the same pan, toss in the 1/2 cup of butter, 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of diced celery, 1 1/4 teaspoons of poultry seasoning, a dash of white pepper, and plenty of salt and black pepper. Cook this mix until the vegetables are tender and everything smells amazing.

3-Once that’s ready, pour the mixture into the bowl with the bread and sausage. Gradually stir in the 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock until the bread is nice and moist. Transfer everything to a greased 2 1/2 quart casserole dish and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is crispy and the inside stays moist.

4-Preheat oven and prep bread

5-Cook sausage and add to bowl

6-Sauté vegetables and seasonings

7-Mix and add stock

8-Bake until perfect

Last Step:

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Notes

🥖 For the best texture, let the torn bread pieces sit out overnight to dry slightly – this helps them absorb the flavors without becoming mushy
🌿 Be generous with seasoning since the large quantity of bread can dilute flavors – taste and adjust before baking for the perfect balance
🧊 This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated – just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time and add a splash extra stock if needed

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American/Holiday
• Diet: Contains Meat

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg