Holiday Stuffing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A savory holiday stuffing packed with flavorful sausage, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables. Its rich taste pairs perfectly with festive meals, offering a comforting and hearty side dish that delights family and guests alike during special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. country sausage (mild or sage)
  • 2 c. chopped onion
  • 1 c. chopped celery with leaves
  • 2 tsp. rubbed sage
  • 10 c. dry bread cubes
  • 2 c. chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp. marjoram
  • 1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  3. Cook onion and celery in the drippings in the skillet until tender.
  4. Combine sausage, cooked vegetables, sage, marjoram, bread cubes, and parsley in a large mixing bowl; blend well.
  5. Stir in chicken broth to moisten. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the sage and marjoram. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. You can also use day-old bread for a better texture. Adjust the broth based on how moist you like your stuffing; start with less and add more as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This holiday stuffing is perfect as a side dish for roasted turkey or chicken, especially paired with Herb Baked Chicken for a festive meal. Serve alongside cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors. It also complements rich gravies beautifully, making it a staple for holiday gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Stuffing contains roughly 499 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

499 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 28.4g 36% DV
Carbs 56.4g 21% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 29g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1427.2mg 62% DV
Potassium 417.7mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 35mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.8mcg
Vitamin C 6.5mg 7% DV
Calcium 49.2mg 4% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Just before baking, add the chicken broth and mix well. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making it even tastier.

How can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

To make this stuffing gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. There are many gluten-free bread options available that will work perfectly in this recipe without compromising flavor.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can also provide a delightful crunch. For a savory twist, sauté mushrooms with the onions and celery to deepen the flavor profile.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Chicken recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →