Sausage Stuffing

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday side dish, this Sausage Stuffing delivers rich, savory flavor in every bite. Combining golden stuffing cubes with juicy Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs, it’s a cozy dish that brings everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or just craving classic comfort food, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly irresistible.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, soft inside: Each bite combines the perfect mix of textures.
• Full of flavor: Savory sausage, herbs, and buttery onions give every mouthful a homemade taste.
• Perfect for holidays or gatherings: It pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
• Crowd-pleaser: Comforting, hearty, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
• Simple ingredients, big payoff: Uses pantry staples but tastes like something from a gourmet kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

For the Stuffing Bites

• Cooking spray, for greasing
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups store-bought stuffing mix (like Pepperidge Farm)
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced (about ½ cup)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb uncooked sweet Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¾ teaspoon poultry seasoning

For the Cranberry Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Extra chopped parsley, for serving

How to Make Sausage Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the oven and stuffing base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease two baking sheets with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the stuffing mix and milk. Stir well to combine and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes — this allows the cubes to absorb the liquid and soften perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and celery along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. This step builds the savory flavor base for your stuffing.

Step 3: Combine everything

Crumble the sausage directly into the softened stuffing mixture. Add the sautéed vegetables, parsley, and poultry seasoning. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix just until everything is evenly combined — avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 4: Shape the stuffing bites

Using about 2 tablespoons of mixture per ball, roll into 1½-inch rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each for even browning.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The bites should be deeply golden and cooked through with crisp edges and a tender center.

Cranberry Sauce: Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This sweet-tangy dip adds the perfect contrast to the rich sausage stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce: Step 2

Transfer the warm sausage bites to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the cranberry sauce on the side.

Serving and Storage Tips

• To serve: Present the bites on a platter with a small bowl of cranberry sauce in the center for dipping. They make an excellent party appetizer or side dish.
• To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze baked stuffing bites for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful Notes

• Make-ahead tip: You can form the stuffing balls up to a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
• Spice it up: Try hot Italian sausage for a little extra kick.
• Add texture: Mix in chopped chestnuts or diced apples for a festive twist.
• Serving idea: These pair beautifully with roast turkey, chicken, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This Sausage Stuffing recipe turns a simple side dish into the star of the table. With its perfect mix of textures, savory sausage flavor, and aromatic herbs, it’s the kind of recipe that everyone will ask you for after dinner.
If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below — your feedback helps others find it too!
And don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the holiday cheer.
👉 What’s your favorite stuffing add-in — apples, nuts, or cranberries? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use mild, spicy, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s uncooked so it blends well into the stuffing mixture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check that your sausage and mustard are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes — assemble the mixture, shape into balls, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Once baked, let the bites cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen until warmed through.

Can I make it in a baking dish instead of bites?

Of course. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden brown.