Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory stuffing with browned sausage, fragrant sage, and toasted bread cubes baked to a crisp-tender finish. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 75 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casing removed, unsalted butter, fresh sage, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 330 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 8 American cuisine 330 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 8 cups stale bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until lightly crisp.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Transfer sausage to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 3 diced celery stalks, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the sautéed vegetables and herbs to the bowl with sausage. Add 8 cups toasted bread cubes, then pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Toss everything gently to combine and moisten the bread evenly.
  7. Step 7: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sage and Sausage Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing?

American thanksgiving like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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