Thanksgiving Day Sausage and Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—it's also about the stuffing. For many, stuffing is the true heart of the feast. It's the dish that soaks up the delicious turkey drippings, balances out the mashed potatoes, and steals just as many compliments as the bird itself. And when it’s sausage and turkey stuffing, well, you’ve got yourself a winning recipe that’ll satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Today, we’re not just making any stuffing; we’re making a hearty, flavor-packed dish that pairs savory ground meat with herbed seasoning to elevate your Thanksgiving meal. Whether you’re creating this dish for the first time or tweaking your recipe for the umpteenth year, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. This is a recipe has been in existence for quite some time and was made up by my friend's sister-in-law, so I'm excited to share that I've been making this stuffing since 2004, and it does not disappoint.
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Variations and Customizations
Hosting guests with dietary restrictions? Here are some ideas to make your stuffing inclusive for everyone.
Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your Thanksgiving feast? Take a peek at my blog post, Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday. I've included some of my all-time favorites like a warming pumpkin soup that's perfect for chilly autumn evenings, and a delightful butternut squash and pumpkin dessert that's sure to impress your guests. These recipes are not only delicious, but also designed to make your holiday cooking experience a joy, allowing you to focus on enjoying the occasion with family and friends.
Vegetarian Alternatives
Swap out the turkey and sausage for cooked mushrooms, lentils, or roasted squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain that rich flavor.
Gluten-Free Options
Replace the herbed stuffing mix with a gluten-free version or use your favorite gluten-free bread cubes, (I personally love Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Stuffing).
Regional Twists
Southern-style: Add cornbread instead of traditional stuffing mix.
New England flair: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for a balance of tart and crunch.
Italian-inspired: Try sweet Italian sausage, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for a unique twist.
The Healthier Side of Stuffing
Thanksgiving food doesn’t have to be overly indulgent. Here's how you can make your sausage and turkey stuffing lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Use leaner meats: Opt for turkey sausage or ground chicken over regular pork sausage.
Cut back on butter: Reduce the amount of butter by half and supplement with olive oil or more broth.
Add vegetables: The more veggies, the better. Mushrooms, spinach, and carrots are excellent additions.
Practice portion control: Stuffing is delicious, but pairing it with a balanced plate of greens, lean turkey, and lighter sides will keep you from overdoing it.
christmas themed thanksgiving table
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
We already know your stuffing is going to taste incredible, but here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes.
Make It a Visual Highlight
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs (like parsley or sage) on top before baking.
Use a rustic serving dish that matches your Thanksgiving table decor.
Pair It with Other Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes. For a well-rounded bite, get a little bit of each on your fork—it’s the quintessential Thanksgiving flavor explosion.
Reheating and Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Cover and refrigerate the leftover stuffing, and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Or get creative—turn it into a stuffing-stuffed bell pepper or use it to top a shepherd’s pie. I love using this dish from Our Place because they store the food really well and also are heat safe.
The Basics of Making Sausage and Turkey Stuffing
If you’ve been intimidated by stuffing before, you’re not alone. But with the right ingredients and a clear process, it’s a lot simpler than you think.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a classic Thanksgiving sausage and turkey stuffing:
Vegetables for flavor
2-3 leeks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3-4 celery stalks, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
Meats for that hearty texture
1 lb of ground turkey
2-3 sausages of your choice (hot, chicken, or sweet sausage—whatever floats your boat!)
Binding and seasoning
1 bag of herbed stuffing (I’ve used Arnold's Herbed Seasoning but this year opted for gluten free stuffing from Trader Joe’s)
1 1/2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup white wine (optional, but adds depth)
Cayenne pepper to taste (optional, for a little kick)
Additional essentials
1-2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Cook your veggies - Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, onion, and celery, and cook until tender and translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Toss in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Brown the meats - To the same pan, add the ground turkey and sausage (remove the sausage casing first). Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks. If you’re not planning to put the stuffing into a bird, you can cook the meat until it’s fully done. For stuffing a turkey, leave it just slightly undercooked so it doesn’t dry out during baking.
3. Deglaze the pan - Add 1/4 cup of white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits at the bottom. Allow the alcohol to cook off over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat.
4. Prepare the stuffing mix - Pour your bag of herbed stuffing into a large mixing bowl.
5. Make the liquid mixture - Combine chicken broth, water, and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
6. Combine it all together - Pour half of the hot liquid over the stuffing, mixing it gently to evenly saturate the bread. Add the remaining liquid and mix again. Toss the cooked meat and veggie mixture into the bowl and combine thoroughly.
Ta-da! Your stuffing is ready to bake or stuff into a bird. Bake in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes (or until heated through) if you're skipping the turkey.
Tips for Perfect Stuffing
Time to Stuff Your Thanksgiving Memories
Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a Thanksgiving tradition, a labor of love, and a dish that brings everyone together. Whether you stick to this recipe as is, tweak it to suit your guests’ needs, or experiment with fun new flavors, remember that the heart of Thanksgiving is sharing delicious food with the people you love.
We’d love to see your stuffing creations! Snap a pic and tag us on social media to share your Thanksgiving table. Have your own twist or tips for sausage and turkey stuffing? Drop them in the comments below—we can’t wait to hear from you.
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Find the recipe here for all the pumpkin-filled inspiration you need to wow your guests: Holiday Favorite Pumpkin Dessert.
Also, whip up some Pumpkin Maple Muffins for a cozy breakfast or post-dinner treat! Prep them ahead for a gluten-free, fluffy delight right out of your freezer or oven. Details here: Pumpkin Maple Muffins.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy stuffing!
Ready to take your snacking game to the next level? Try our pumpkin protein ball recipe and share your thoughts with us!
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