Our Sausage Stuffing Recipe is flavorful, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's ideal for holiday feasts or as a comforting weeknight side.
This sausage stuffing always disappears first at family gatherings, and next time I'm definitely making a double batch. The combination of mild Italian sausage, tender celery and onion, and little bursts of sweet apple creates a comforting, homemade flavor that never disappoints. Plus, the golden-brown top is irresistibly crunchy while the inside stays perfectly moist.
Round out your holiday table with these simple, delicious sides like brown sugar honey glazed carrots and garlic mashed potatoes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prep: Mostly one skillet and easy-to-follow steps make this Italian sausage stuffing simple enough for any home cook.
- Richly flavorful: A savory-sweet combination of sausage, herbs, and apple creates the best stuffing recipe with sausage you'll want on repeat.
- Perfect for any occasion: Works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for sausage stuffing on Thanksgiving or other holiday feasts.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this sausage and herb stuffing disappears fast at the table. For another family favorite dish, try our white cheddar mac and cheese.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Ground mild Italian pork sausage: Look for fresh sausage at your local butcher or grocery store. I find mild sausage keeps the flavor balanced, and the fat content helps keep this pork sausage stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Dry bread crumbs: Choose plain or seasoned bread crumbs, which form the base of this sausage dressing and help bind the ingredients together.
- Onion and celery: These aromatics form the flavor base. Dice them evenly so they cook consistently.
- Apple: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage. Use a firm apple like Honeycrisp or Gala. If you love apples, give our homemade apple pie recipe a try; it's another holiday favorite!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Sausage Stuffing: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or cubes made from gluten-free bread. Make sure the sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.
- Apple and Cranberry Sausage Stuffing: Mix in dried cranberries along with the apples for a sweet-tart twist that adds color and a festive touch. Try our cranberry brie bites recipe for another cranberry-inspired treat.
- Nutty Sausage Stuffing: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the apples and sausage.
How to Make Sausage Stuffing
This old-fashioned sausage stuffing is easy to put together, with a few simple steps. Start by preheating the oven to 375℉ and spray a 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 1: Cook the Sausage. Brown a pound of mild Italian pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Apple. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the diced onion, celery, and apple with the seasonings until the onions are soft. Add this mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
- Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Broth. Whisk the egg with the chicken broth, then gradually fold it into the sausage and vegetable mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 4: Bake the Stuffing. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the inside is moist.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Using mild Italian sausage keeps the flavor balanced, while the fat content helps the stuffing stay moist.
- Don't Overload with Broth: Add the chicken broth gradually to avoid soggy stuffing; it should be moist but not watery before baking.
- Golden Crunch: For a crispier top, uncover the dish during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this sausage stuffing as a hearty side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, alongside a turkey or baked ham. Pair it with other tasty sides like green beans with bacon and oven roasted potatoes.
- It works great for potlucks or family gatherings, it's easy to transport, and it will disappear quickly!
- Serve warm as part of a brunch spread with sausage and cheese egg muffins and some sweet orange rolls for a cozy weekend treat.
Recipe FAQs
Add the chicken broth gradually, making sure the mixture is moist but not wet before baking. Spreading it evenly in the baking dish also helps it cook consistently.
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of sausage and pork can be used. Just keep an eye on the moisture, as leaner meats may need a little extra broth or butter.
Adding fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary, or sautéing the vegetables in butter until golden, both boost flavor and add depth to the dish.
More Delicious Sausage Recipes
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Sausage Stuffing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground mild Italian pork sausage
- 6 cups dry bread crumbs
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ cup apple peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Then, spray a 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl and add the dried bread crumbs.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, apple, poultry seasoning, salt, rosemary, and black pepper, and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the sausage and bread crumbs.
- In a bowl, whisk egg and chicken broth until well combined. Then, slowly fold the mixture into breadcrumbs, sausage, and vegetables until well incorporated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Back for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
Notes
- Brown the sausage thoroughly before mixing to ensure full flavor and even cooking.
- Sauté the onions, celery, and apple until soft to build a flavorful base for the stuffing.
- Add the chicken broth gradually so the mixture stays moist without becoming soggy.
- Spread the stuffing evenly in the baking dish for consistent cooking and a golden-brown top.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
A must have for the thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. So good!