You’ve probably tasted countless stuffing recipes over the years, but there’s something irreplaceable about the classic combination of savory pork sausage and herb-seasoned breadcrumbs that transforms any holiday meal. This old-fashioned recipe doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—instead, it builds layers of rich, comforting flavors that’ll have your guests asking what makes it taste so much better than store-bought versions.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
When you’re craving that perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures, this sausage stuffing delivers exactly what your holiday table needs. You’ll love how the rich sausage creates layers of hearty satisfaction while herbs infuse every bite with traditional taste. The savory aroma fills your kitchen, instantly creating that nostalgic warmth that makes holidays special. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary – tender breadcrumbs absorb all those delicious flavors while maintaining perfect texture. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing families together around authentic, homemade goodness that’ll become your new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
This traditional sausage stuffing brings together carefully selected ingredients that create the perfect foundation for your holiday feast. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the protein-rich sausage to the aromatic herbs that give this dish its distinctive character. The combination of fresh vegetables, quality breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings guarantees every bite delivers that authentic homemade taste families have cherished for generations.
- 1 (14 ounce) bag Pepperidge Farm breadcrumbs
- 12 links raw sausage, removed from skin
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, soft
- 1 (4 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon chives
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Turkey liver
- Turkey giblets, chopped with liver
When preparing these ingredients, guarantee your sausage is completely removed from its casing for proper mixing and cooking. The turkey liver and giblets should be finely chopped until they form a paste-like consistency, which will distribute their rich flavor throughout the stuffing. If you prefer a milder version or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, the celery and onion can be omitted while still maintaining the dish’s essential character by simmering the broth with just the herbs and spices.
Directions
Begin by creating the flavor base for your sausage stuffing. In a large skillet, combine the 1 cup chopped celery, 1 medium chopped onion, 1/2 cup soft butter, 4 ounces chicken broth, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon basil, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Simmer this mixture over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
While the vegetable mixture cools, prepare the remaining ingredients for mixing. Using clean hands, combine the 12 links of raw sausage (removed from casings), the 14-ounce bag of Pepperidge Farm breadcrumbs, and the finely chopped turkey liver and giblets in a large mixing bowl. The turkey organs should be chopped until they reach a paste-like consistency to guarantee even distribution throughout the stuffing. Once the skillet contents have cooled sufficiently, add them to the bowl with the sausage and breadcrumb mixture.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly using your hands, making sure the sausage is evenly distributed and broken up into small pieces throughout the breadcrumb base. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet or dry. Use this prepared stuffing to fill the cavity of your turkey and pack any remaining stuffing around the bird in the roasting pan. The stuffing will absorb additional flavors from the turkey as it roasts, creating a perfectly seasoned side dish.
Substitutions and Variations
While this traditional sausage stuffing recipe delivers excellent results as written, you can easily customize it to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. For Vegetarian Alternatives, replace sausage with crumbled tempeh, mushrooms, or plant-based sausage. Omit turkey liver and giblets, adding extra herbs instead. For Gluten Free Swaps, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions or cubed gluten-free bread. You can enhance flavors by adding dried cranberries, chopped apples, or toasted nuts. Adjust liquid amounts accordingly when making substitutions, as different ingredients absorb moisture differently. Always taste and season before stuffing your turkey.
Additional Things To Serve With This Dish
Sausage stuffing pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. You’ll want to serve cranberry relish alongside to cut through the richness with its tart sweetness. Garlic green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast that balances the hearty texture. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips work wonderfully, as does creamy mashed potatoes. Consider adding roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon for extra depth. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides a light counterpoint. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls and gravy to complete your feast. These combinations create a well-rounded, satisfying holiday meal.
Final Thoughts
Though this sausage stuffing recipe requires several steps and ingredients, you’ll find the effort worthwhile when you taste the rich, savory results. Remember to practice proper food safety by ensuring your sausage reaches 165°F during cooking. Don’t let the turkey giblets sit at room temperature too long while preparing. Once you’ve enjoyed this hearty stuffing at dinner, you’ll have plenty of leftover ideas to explore. Transform remaining stuffing into crispy breakfast patties, use it as a base for soup, or stuff it into portobello mushrooms for a delicious next-day meal.
