Sausage stuffing is an incredibly flavorful and hearty Thanksgiving side dish! My family recipe is so simple to make and includes instructions for preparing in advance.
Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a casserole dish with butter and set aside.
Place butter in a medium-sized skillet and melt over medium heat.
3 Tablespoons salted butter
Once butter is melted, add onion and celery and cook until softened.
1 cup small-chopped onion, 1 cup small-chopped celery
Add sausage, cooking and crumbling until browned.
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
Add poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
While stirring, drizzle in chicken broth and stir until well incorporated.
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Remove pan from heat and pour contents evenly over bread cubes. Gently stir together until all bread cubes are moistened.
8 cups dried bread cubes
Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Cover dish with foil and bake in 350F (175C) oven for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Sausage
May substitute hot Italian sausage if you like a bit of heat!
Bread cubes
This recipe calls for plain/unseasoned bread cubes. If you can’t find them, you can make your own using my tutorial. Cut bread into ½” pieces and cook in 300F (150C) oven for 10 minutes. Stir, cook another 5 minutes. If bread cubes are not stale/dry, continue to cook in 5 minute intervals until they are. If using seasoned breadcrumbs, just leave out the poultry seasoning.
Making in advance
Prepare as instructed, but don’t bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake (up to 2 days in advance). Cook as indicated, note it may take longer than written to warm through.
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Bake recipe as indicated then allow to cool. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to several months. To serve, thaw (covered) overnight in the refrigerator. Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 325F (160C) until warmed through.
Turkey
I do not recommend cooking this stuffing inside a turkey.