Lynn'S Foolproof Stuffing For Thanksgiving Turkey
A flavorful Thanksgiving stuffing with savory sausage, aromatic herbs, crisp vegetables, and sweet apple, perfect for stuffing turkey or serving as a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. mild pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot or grated ⓘ
- 9 cups dry bread cubes ⓘ
- 1 large apple, cored and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup turkey or chicken broth ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, crumble the sausage and cook until browned.
- Drain off all but 1/4 cup of drippings from the skillet.
- Add butter, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped carrot to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender.
- In a very large bowl, combine dry bread cubes, chopped apple, ground sage, crushed thyme, crushed rosemary, snipped parsley, and the sausage mixture.
- Toss lightly to mix.
- Add enough broth to moisten the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use to stuff a 10 to 12-pound turkey.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the mild pork sausage with venison sausage for a unique flavor. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep time. Be sure to let the sausage cool slightly before mixing it with the bread to prevent sogginess. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh herbs can elevate the stuffing even more.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce. For a complete Thanksgiving meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Consider offering a fresh salad to balance the richness of the stuffing. Leftover stuffing can also be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lynn'S Foolproof Stuffing For Thanksgiving Turkey contains roughly 1105 calories, with 51g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (102% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2571mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
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 make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of stuffing the turkey, then cover and refrigerate it. On Thanksgiving, use it to stuff the turkey just before roasting for best results.
Is it possible to make this stuffing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the dry bread cubes with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This will allow everyone to enjoy the stuffing without worrying about gluten sensitivities.
What can I do with leftover stuffing?
Leftover stuffing can be transformed into a delicious breakfast by mixing it with eggs and baking it into a farmers breakfast casserole. It can also be reheated as a side dish or incorporated into soups for added flavor and texture.
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).