There’s something about a well-made sausage stuffing that brings a meal together. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with flavor—savory sausage, tender celery and onions, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes absorbing every bit of goodness.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just a comforting dinner side, this stuffing is the kind that disappears fast. What makes this recipe special? It’s all about texture and balance.
The sausage adds a deep, meaty richness, while the poultry seasoning brings that nostalgic, herby warmth. And let’s not forget the golden, slightly crisp top, which gives way to a soft, flavorful interior.
Pair it with Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots for a hearty side or finish the meal with a slice of Apple Crumb Pie for the perfect sweet contrast. Stuffing is a staple at Thanksgiving, but why wait? It’s easy enough to make anytime you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish.
Fun fact: A study found that stuffing is one of the top three most-loved holiday sides in the U.S.! Try this recipe once, and you’ll never go back to boxed stuffing. Trust me, homemade is worth it.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- It’s packed with flavor – The sausage and seasoning make every bite irresistible.
- Perfectly moist, never soggy – The right bread-to-liquid ratio keeps it just right.
- Great for meal prep – It tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – You can swap ingredients to match your taste or diet.
Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- ¾ cup melted butter or as needed
- 1 ½ cups finely diced celery
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- 8 cups white bread cubes
- 3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté the celery and onion until soft.
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Gradually pour in the melted butter, stirring until the bread absorbs the flavors.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 514kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 989mg |
Tips For the Best Sausage Stuffing!
- Use a mix of bread types – Combining white, sourdough, and even cornbread adds depth to the stuffing’s flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft bread; day-old or slightly dried-out bread works best.
- Brown the sausage well – Let it develop a deep golden crust before removing it from the skillet. Those crispy bits at the bottom? Deglaze them with a splash of broth for extra flavor.
- Season as you go – Instead of dumping all the seasoning in at once, add a little while sautéing the veggies and more when mixing. This builds a more balanced, layered taste.
- Boost umami with mushrooms – Finely chopped mushrooms blend seamlessly with the sausage, making the dish extra savory without overpowering the classic stuffing taste.
- Don’t overdo the liquid – Too much broth can turn stuffing mushy. Add just enough so the bread is moistened but not soggy. If unsure, bake covered first, then check consistency before adding more.
- Crisp up the top – If you love a crunchy top layer, broil the stuffing for the last 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- Make it ahead – The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Prep everything a day before, then bake just before serving for an easy, stress-free meal.
- Try a spicy kick – Want to shake things up? Use spicy sausage instead of regular or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. It gives the stuffing a nice heat without overwhelming it.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
