Sweet Potato Sausage Stuffing
A hearty stuffing combining sweet potatoes, sausage, and seasonal spices, perfect for holiday dinners or comforting family gatherings with warm, savory flavors and optional extras.
Ingredients
- 8 medium sweet potatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. bulk sausage ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 5 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. sage ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 c. diced apples (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. mace (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel, slice, and boil the sweet potatoes until just tender. Mash them well.
- Fry the sausage until done, breaking it up with a fork as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Saute the onions and celery in the sausage drippings until tender.
- Place the mashed sweet potatoes, sausage, celery, and onions in a large bowl.
- Add the bread crumbs, raisins, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently stir until well mixed.
- Add diced apples and chopped pecans if desired.
- If using, add nutmeg and mace when including pecans and apples.
- Adjust the consistency with more sweet potatoes or less bread crumbs as needed.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of bulk sausage. You can also substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free options for a gluten-free dish. If you want extra flavor, try adding some chopped sage and thyme to the sweet potatoes while boiling. This stuffing pairs beautifully with Chili Roasted Turkey Breast.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato sausage stuffing makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs well with roasted meats, such as turkey or chicken, and can also complement a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve alongside J.B.'S Chili 'Hot Stuff'.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Sausage Stuffing contains roughly 1036 calories, with 32g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1494mg per serving (65% 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. Follow the recipe up to the point of mixing all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based options to enhance the flavors without compromising the dish.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or pumpkin, as they will provide a similar sweetness and texture. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these alternatives may vary in tenderness.
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).