Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasting turkey, and the kitchen buzzes with excitement. For me, nothing quite says „holiday feast“ like a warm, savory dish of sausage stuffing. My family has been making this recipe for generations, and I can still recall the joy of sneaking spoonfuls while it baked, the crispy edges perfectly golden and the rich flavors mingling in the air. What I absolutely love about this stuffing is how it marries the heartiness of sausage with the comforting goodness of bread and herbs, creating a side dish that complements turkey like a dream. Trust me, this isn’t just stuffing; it’s a family tradition that brings everyone together at the table, ready to share laughter and gratitude.
Ingredients for Sausage Stuffing Thanksgiving
- 1 pound of sausage, crumbled (I love using a savory sage sausage for that extra flavor punch!)
- 4 cups of cubed stale bread (Trust me, stale bread is key for the best texture—don’t skip this step!)
- 1 onion, finely chopped (This adds a wonderful sweetness when sautéed—yum!)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (It gives a nice crunch and freshness to the stuffing.)
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped (I always prefer fresh parsley for that vibrant touch!)
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage (This herb is a classic partner for sausage and truly enhances the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (A little bit of thyme goes a long way in boosting those savory notes!)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (Use low-sodium for better control over seasoning.)
- 2 eggs, beaten (These help bind everything together—so important for that perfect consistency!)
How to Prepare Sausage Stuffing Thanksgiving
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your stuffing to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. So, while you’re prepping, let the oven do its warm-up dance!
Cook the Sausage
Now, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in your crumbled sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has that delicious, savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Oh, the anticipation!
Sauté Vegetables
Next up, let’s sauté those onions and celery. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and chopped celery to the sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell like Thanksgiving heaven!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, fresh parsley, dried sage, dried thyme, and the sausage mixture. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed. It’s like a flavor party, and you don’t want anyone to feel left out!
Add Liquid Ingredients
Now, pour in that savory chicken broth and add the beaten eggs. This is where the magic happens! Stir everything together until the bread is nicely moistened and the mixture is well combined. You want it to be cohesive but not soggy—so keep an eye on it!
Transfer and Bake
Time to transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture adds to the charm! Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Check for Doneness
After about 30 minutes, start checking for doneness. You’ll know your stuffing is ready when the top is golden brown and crispy. If it’s not quite there yet, give it a few more minutes. Once it’s perfectly baked, take a moment to admire your work and get ready for the feast!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your sausage stuffing is an absolute showstopper this Thanksgiving! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Stale Bread is Key: As I mentioned before, stale bread is crucial for great texture. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread cubes in the oven at a low temperature (about 200°F) for 10-15 minutes. This will help them soak up all that delicious broth without getting mushy!
- Experiment with Sausage: While sage sausage is my go-to, feel free to mix it up! Try Italian sausage for a bit of a kick or even a spicy chorizo for a bold twist. Just remember, the flavor of the sausage sets the tone for the entire dish!
- Herb Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to adjust the herbs to your taste. If you love a strong sage flavor, add a bit more. Prefer a lighter touch? Just reduce the amount you use. Fresh herbs can also be used—just double the quantity since they’re less concentrated.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense stuffing. You want it to be fluffy and light, so fold everything together gently.
- Seasoning Check: Always taste your mixture before baking! If it needs more salt or pepper, now’s the time to adjust. Remember, the chicken broth can vary in saltiness, so trust your palate!
- Make Ahead: This stuffing is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance, just cover it and keep it in the fridge. On Thanksgiving Day, simply pop it in the oven to heat through—saving you precious time!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a sausage stuffing that will steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for a serving of my delicious sausage stuffing:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But knowing this will help you enjoy your stuffing with a little more awareness while you savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this fabulous sausage stuffing? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I make this stuffing in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead is a fantastic way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. Just prepare everything, transfer it to a greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. On the day of, simply bake it until heated through and golden on top. Easy peasy!
What type of bread works best?
I recommend using stale bread for the best texture, but any bread you love will work. A rustic sourdough or a hearty whole grain adds wonderful flavor. Just make sure to cube it up and let it dry out a bit before mixing. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it in the oven at a low temperature!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Just remember, the stuffing is best enjoyed fresh, but it still tastes great the next day!
Can I freeze sausage stuffing?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven.
What if I don’t like sausage?
No problem at all! You can substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or cooked vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Just make sure to enhance the flavor with extra herbs and spices to keep it tasty!
Hopefully, these answers help you in your stuffing adventure! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This sausage stuffing comes together in just under an hour, making your holiday meal prep a breeze!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and buttery bread creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly Complements Turkey: It’s the ultimate sidekick to your Thanksgiving turkey, soaking up all those delicious juices and enhancing the whole meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with ingredients! You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it a day in advance to save time on the big day, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious sausage stuffing ready to go, let’s think about what to serve alongside it to create a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving feast! Here are some of my favorite pairings that work beautifully together:
- Roast Turkey: Of course, the classic turkey is a must! The savory stuffing complements the juicy turkey perfectly, soaking up all those flavorful drippings.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds a delightful burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the stuffing. It’s a match made in holiday heaven!
- Green Bean Casserole: This creamy, crunchy side dish brings a nice contrast to the stuffing. Plus, it’s a Thanksgiving favorite that everyone loves!
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy create a comforting plate that pairs wonderfully with the stuffing’s hearty texture.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: If you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows or pecans adds a lovely flavor contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a bit of crunch and a slight bitterness that nicely balances the savory notes of the sausage stuffing.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect Thanksgiving spread! Trust me, your guests will be raving about this meal for years to come. Enjoy the feast!
Drucken
Sausage Stuffing Thanksgiving: 7 Secrets for Joyful Feasts
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving is a classic dish that complements turkey perfectly.
Zutaten
- 1 pound sausage
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
- Add onion and celery; cook until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley, sage, thyme, and sausage mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth and beaten eggs; mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 40 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: sausage stuffing thanksgiving
