Sage and sausage stuffing is a classic holiday side dish made with bread cubes, ground sausage, onions, celery, and fresh sage. This savory stuffing recipe is known for its rich flavor and warm, herb-filled aroma. Whether it’s baked inside the turkey as stuffing or cooked separately in a casserole dish as dressing, this dish remains a favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
The combination of seasoned sausage and aromatic herbs like sage and thyme makes this sausage stuffing both hearty and flavorful. The bread absorbs the sausage drippings and vegetable stock, creating a soft, moist texture with a golden, crispy top. This traditional stuffing recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with cornbread, apples, or dried cranberries for added variety. It’s a reliable holiday recipe that belongs on every festive table.
Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing
- Stuffing: Cooked inside the turkey or another protein. The juices from the meat enhance the flavors.
- Dressing: Baked in a separate dish, resulting in a crispy top and fluffy interior.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, they generally reflect regional preferences “stuffing” is more common in the North, and “dressing” is often used in the South.
Ingredients for Sage and Sausage Stuffing
This recipe serves 8–10 people and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean or Irish sausage)
- 8 cups cubed bread (day-old or toasted)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- 2 ½ cups chicken or turkey stock
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Sage and Sausage Stuffing (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Prepare the Bread
- Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread cubes in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until crisp. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Sausage
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and celery in the sausage drippings for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables to the bowl of bread cubes. Mix well.
5. Add Stock and Butter
- Pour the chicken or turkey stock and melted butter over the mixture. Toss gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake the Stuffing
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
View Recommended Tools on Amazon
- Shop Nonstick Baking Dish on Amazon Perfect for evenly baked stuffing.
- View Cuisinart Skillet on Amazon Ideal for sautéing sausage and vegetables.
View Cuisinart Skillet on Amazon Ideal for sautéing sausage and vegetables. Also see our guide on the best types of waffle makers for making crispy leftovers into waffle treats.
Variations on Sage and Sausage Stuffing
Irish Sausage Stuffing
Use Irish sausage for a richer, slightly sweet flavor. Add apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing
Incorporate giblets or turkey drippings for a traditional, nostalgic flavor.
Sausage Meat Stuffing with Paxo
Use Paxo stuffing mix as the base and add cooked sausage for a simple, flavorful twist.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Replace bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern-inspired variation. Replace bread cubes with cornbread for a Southern-inspired variation. Pair it with a waffle bar setup to please every guest at your brunch table!
Tips for Perfect Sage and Sausage Stuffing
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the stock better, preventing sogginess.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently toss the ingredients to maintain texture.
- Customize the Herbs: Adjust the herbs to your taste or use a pre-mixed poultry seasoning.
- Check the Internal Temperature: If stuffing a turkey, ensure the center reaches 165°F for food safety.
FAQs About Sage and Sausage Stuffing
- What is sage stuffing made of?
Sage stuffing typically includes bread, sage, onions, celery, butter, and stock. Sausage is often added for a richer flavor.
- What is traditional stuffing made of?
Traditional stuffing uses bread, onions, celery, stock, butter, and a mix of herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary.
- How do you make stuffing fluffy?
Add enough stock to moisten the bread but not oversaturate it. Baking uncovered at the end creates a crispy top while keeping the interior fluffy.
- What do you put inside waffles?
For savory waffle stuffing sandwiches, use turkey, cranberry sauce, or mashed potatoes as fillings.
Looking for more ways to elevate your holiday table? Check out our recipe for Stuffing Waffles to discover a creative way to repurpose leftovers!
For savory waffle stuffing sandwiches, use turkey, cranberry sauce, or mashed potatoes as fillings. You can also try creative ideas like waffle wraps or even hearty waffle burgers for post-holiday meals!
Conclusion
Classic sage and sausage stuffing is a must-have for any holiday feast. With its savory flavors, aromatic herbs, and crispy texture, this dish is a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Customize it with regional variations, serve it alongside turkey, or turn it into a standalone entrée. This easy recipe ensures your stuffing will be the highlight of the meal!
Looking to serve something sweet on the side? Don’t miss our Apple Waffles or build a festive waffle brunch board for the perfect holiday morning.
