Superb Sausage Dressing
A hearty and flavorful sausage dressing featuring savory pork sausage, aromatic herbs, crunchy pecans, and dried fruit, all combined with cornbread for a comforting dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, it offers a satisfying blend of textures and rich flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. pecan halves ⓘ
- 12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1/2 c. melted butter ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried sage, crushed ⓘ
- 1 c. dried mixed fruit ⓘ
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 5 c. crumbled cornbread ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, crumble the sausage.
- Cook the sausage, onion, and celery until the sausage is no longer pink.
- Stir in pecan halves and cook until the sausage is lightly browned.
- Pour the mixture into a large roasting pan to mix.
- Add corn, sliced mushrooms, melted butter, dried sage, and dried fruit.
- Stir well until blended.
- Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, then mix in the crumbled cornbread.
- Add chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Beat the eggs and add to the mixture.
- Let set for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- If moister dressing is desired, add more broth.
- Transfer to baking pans or bake in the same roasting pan.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until crusty and brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as good substitutes. You can also use store-bought cornbread instead of homemade to save time. Adjust the dried fruit according to your preference; cranberries or raisins work well. Don't skip letting the mixture set, as this helps the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This superb sausage dressing makes a great side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as turkey or chicken. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Consider browsing more American recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sausage dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Superb Sausage Dressing contains roughly 1415 calories, with 19g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1329mg per serving (58% 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 dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. After mixing, cover it tightly and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze sausage dressing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked dressing for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it well. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, possibly adding a bit more broth if it seems dry.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a great alternative that will still provide moisture and flavor. You can also use a low-sodium broth to keep the dish from becoming too salty. In a pinch, you can dilute water with a bit of soy sauce or seasoning to mimic broth.
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).