Thanksgiving Stuffing
A savory and hearty stuffing featuring sausage, bread cubes, mushrooms, and fragrant poultry seasoning. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a perfect side dish for turkey and holiday gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy comforting, flavorful, and filling holiday fare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the pork sausage in a skillet until cooked through. Pour off the grease and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add chopped celery and onion. Fry until the celery is soft.
- Pour the cooked celery and onion mixture over the cubed and dried bread and whole wheat bread.
- Add the cooked sausage to the bread mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then pour over the bread mixture.
- Add poultry seasoning to taste and mix well.
- Chop the canned mushrooms finely and add to the mixture.
- Stuff the prepared mixture into the turkey or serve as a side dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade bread or incorporating herbs like thyme and sage into your stuffing mix. You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use mushroom or vegetable broth in place of milk and omit the sausage. Enhance the dish by adding chopped apples or cranberries for a hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce, making it a perfect side for your Thanksgiving feast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes and gravy, or a fresh green salad like Sail Along Salad. It can also be enjoyed as a comforting side dish with Pork Chops With Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Stuffing contains roughly 1694 calories, with 23g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), iron (101% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% 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 prepare this stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Assemble the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the eggs and milk right before baking or stuffing the turkey to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for the bread?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or cornbread. You can also try using cooked quinoa or rice for a different texture while still providing a hearty base for the stuffing.
How do I know when the stuffing is done?
If you're cooking the stuffing inside the turkey, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If baking separately, it should be golden brown and crisp on top, while remaining moist inside. Use a thermometer in the center to check for doneness.
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).