Easy & Delicious Sausage Stuffing Recipe – A Holiday Favorite Reinvented

There’s something magical about the scent of sausage, herbs, and bread roasting in the oven during the holidays. It’s not just food—it’s comfort, memory, and celebration wrapped into one dish. If you’ve been searching for a stuffing that combines all those warm, familiar feelings with bold, balanced flavors, you’re in the right place. This easy sausage stuffing recipe is your answer. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or simply craving something hearty and nostalgic, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite—without spending hours in the kitchen.

This guide walks you through everything you need to make the best sausage stuffing. You’ll learn how to make it step by step, adapt it to your taste, store leftovers safely, and even make it ahead of time. Let’s turn a traditional side dish into the star of your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Stuffing Recipe

What Sets It Apart

You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to impress your guests. With this sausage stuffing recipe, you’re working smarter—not harder. It starts with a store-bought stuffing mix, which cuts down prep time drastically while still delivering a homemade feel. Once you add flavorful ingredients like Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries, you’ve got a dish that tastes like it took all afternoon.

Key Reasons to Try It

• Quick and Easy: No need to dry your own bread cubes or start from scratch.
• Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage adds depth, herbs bring freshness, and cranberries offer a surprising pop.
• Foolproof Cooking: Baking separately from your turkey means you avoid the risk of undercooked stuffing or overcooked poultry.
• Versatile: Make it spicy, sweet, vegetarian, or gluten-free with a few swaps.

This stuffing isn’t just a side—it’s a memory in the making.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage Stuffing

The Essentials

To make this recipe, you’ll only need a few easily accessible ingredients. Most of these are staples during the fall and winter holidays.

• 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage – brings richness and a savory punch
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 3 celery stalks, diced – for crunch and earthiness
• 2 tsp each of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, minced – classic stuffing herbs that give that nostalgic aroma
• ¾ cup dried cranberries – for brightness and a touch of tangy sweetness
• 2½ cups chicken broth – keeps everything moist and flavorful
• 1 (12 oz) bag herbed stuffing mix – the convenient base that ties it all together

Substitutions and Variations

You might want to adjust the recipe based on what you have or your dietary needs. Here’s how:

• Sausage options: Use spicy sausage if you want heat or breakfast sausage for a sweeter flavor. Plant-based sausage works great for a vegetarian version.
• Herbs: No fresh herbs? Use ½ teaspoon of each dried herb or substitute with poultry seasoning.
• Dried fruit: Try dried cherries if you prefer something a bit sweeter than cranberries.
• Broth: Swap in vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Feel free to mix and match to suit your preferences—this stuffing welcomes personalization.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Stuffing

A Simple Cooking Process

You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary expertise to master this dish. Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat and Prep
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. A larger pan gives a crispier result, while a smaller one keeps things more moist.
2. Cook the Sausage
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage for about 5 minutes. You want the fat to begin rendering and the sausage to start browning.
3. Add Veggies and Herbs
   Toss in the diced onion, celery, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Stir and cook until the sausage is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft—this takes around 10 minutes.
4. Incorporate Cranberries and Broth
   Add the cranberries and pour in the chicken broth. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb flavor and ensure the mix is hot.
5. Combine with Stuffing Mix
   Turn off the heat. Stir in the dry stuffing mix until every piece is coated and soaked in the flavorful mixture.
6. Transfer and Bake
   Move everything into your prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Serve Warm
   Serve immediately as a show-stopping side dish to your favorite main course.

Expert Tips & Variations

How to Make It Your Own

• Want a crunchier top? Use a wider baking dish to spread the stuffing thinner.
• Make it gluten-free: Just switch to a certified gluten-free stuffing mix and sausage.
• Add texture: Stir in chopped pecans or toasted walnuts before baking.
• Boost sweetness: Include sautéed apples or roasted butternut squash cubes.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

• Prepare in advance: Assemble everything the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

This recipe is not only tasty but also flexible enough to adapt to your holiday timeline.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage stuffing is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired well. Consider these combinations:

• Roast Turkey: The classic Thanksgiving combo. Drizzle some pan gravy over the stuffing for extra indulgence.
• Glazed Ham: The savory-sweet balance of ham and cranberry-studded stuffing is irresistible.
• Vegetarian Sides: Try pairing it with roasted root vegetables, green bean casserole, or a butternut squash salad.

Whether you’re feeding a big crowd or planning a small dinner, this stuffing fits right in.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 266 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 526mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

This dish is rich and satisfying, making it ideal for special occasions. If you’re watching your intake, consider using lean sausage and low-sodium broth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Stuffing

Conclusion

Sausage stuffing has a way of stealing the spotlight at holiday dinners. It’s warm, savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying—all the things you want in a festive side dish. This recipe lets you enjoy all those comforting flavors without the fuss of traditional methods.

Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering or just making a Sunday meal feel special, this dish fits the moment. The ease of using a stuffing mix combined with fresh herbs, sausage, and cranberries gives you a homemade taste without hours of prep. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—this is a recipe that welcomes creativity.

Now it’s your turn. Bring this stuffing into your kitchen, adapt it to your taste, and share it with people you love. Let this dish become part of your holiday tradition.

More Tasty Ideas

• Sausage Apple Sage Stuffing: A perfect complement to the original sausage stuffing recipe, this variation adds sweet apple and aromatic sage, enhancing both texture and flavor for a well-rounded, festive side dish.
• Classic Butter Herb Stuffing: This traditional recipe focuses on rich buttery flavors and fragrant herbs, making it a wonderful alternative or companion to sausage stuffing for your holiday table.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole: A hearty main dish version of classic stuffing flavors, this casserole combines seasoned stuffing mix with tender chicken and a creamy base, ideal for cozy dinners or potlucks.

Stuffed Mushrooms Christmas Appetizer

Print Recipe

This easy sausage stuffing is a flavorful and comforting holiday side dish made with Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and dried cranberries. It delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite, ideal for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 2 tsp minced fresh sage
• 2 tsp minced fresh thyme
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (12 oz) bag herbed stuffing mix
• Non-stick spray or butter for greasing baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage for about 5 minutes until fat begins to render.
3. Add diced onion, celery, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Cook for about 10 minutes until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in dried cranberries and pour in chicken broth. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the stuffing mix until fully combined and moistened.
6. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
8. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

• Use spicy or breakfast sausage for flavor variations.
• Substitute dried cherries for cranberries for extra sweetness.
• Replace fresh herbs with 1/2 tsp each of dried rosemary, sage, and thyme if needed.
• Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
• Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking if making in advance.