As the holiday season approaches, I can almost hear the joyful chatter of family and friends gathering around the table. It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth and nostalgia, and the aroma of freshly baked dishes brings back cherished memories. One dish that has become my steadfast go-to for festive gatherings is the Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing. This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s a delightful blend of crusty sourdough bread, savory sausage, and fragrant herbs, creating a mouthwatering experience that dances on your palate.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor. With soft, tender bites intertwined with crunchy edges, it transitions from a humble side dish to the star of the show. Plus, it’s the perfect way to breathe new life into leftover bread! Whether you’re serving it as an accompaniment to a golden roasted turkey or enjoying it on its own, this stuffing is sure to impress your guests and create food memories you’ll treasure forever. Let’s dive into the recipe that has simplified my holiday cooking while delivering flavor that feels truly homemade.
Why is Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing a must-try?
Comfort, what’s better than a warm serving of stuffing that embraces festive flavors? Unique Texture: The crisp crust combined with a fluffy interior elevates any meal. Simplicity: This dish uses easy-to-find ingredients and takes minimal time to prepare. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, it pleases guests of all ages. Leftover Magic: Breathe new life into stale bread while reducing waste. Versatility: Pair it with turkey, chicken, or enjoy it solo—it’s delicious no matter how you serve it!
Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing Ingredients
• Get ready to create a holiday classic!
For the Stuffing
- Sourdough Bread – This forms the flavorful base; using day-old bread ensures the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps to perfectly sauté the ingredients; can be swapped for oil if needed.
- Onion – Provides a sweet undertone when cooked well; shallots can be substituted for a milder taste.
- Celery – Offers a refreshing crunch; leeks can be utilized for a gentler flavor.
- Garlic – Enriches the stuffing with depth; fresh garlic is preferred for a bolder taste.
- Jones Dairy Farm Pork Sausage – Infuses savory richness; opt for any high-quality sausage for a great alternative.
- Chicken Broth – Delivers moisture and enhances flavor; vegetable broth is perfect for a meatless version.
- Heavy Cream – Contributes a smooth, creamy texture; whole milk can work, but it will be less rich.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive stuffing; no substitution is recommended for this recipe.
- Sage, Rosemary, Thyme – Fresh herbs enhance the stuffing’s aroma; if needed, dried herbs can be used, about 1 tsp each.
Feel the warmth of your kitchen as this Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing fills the air with rich aromas just waiting to envelop your holiday gatherings!
How to Make Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
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Prep Bread: Tear the sourdough bread into bite-sized pieces and leave them out to dry for about 12-24 hours. This will help achieve that perfect, slightly chewy texture when baked.
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Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they become translucent but not browned.
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Cook Sausage: Add the Jones Dairy Farm pork sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your sautéed sausage mixture with the dried sourdough pieces, chicken broth, heavy cream, beaten egg, and fresh herbs. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and pour the stuffing mixture in, spreading it out evenly. Don’t pack it too tightly; you want it to have room to rise and crisp up.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
Fridge: Keep your Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the stuffing for up to 2 months. Be sure to pack it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil for best results.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp the top.
What to Serve with Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing?
Embrace the aroma of the holiday season with a warm, comforting meal that celebrates family and togetherness.
- Roast Turkey: A classic pairing, the juiciness of turkey complements the savory stuffing, creating a perfect holiday centerpiece.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries balances the richness of the stuffing, brightening your plate with a pop of flavor.
- Green Bean Almondine: Adding a fresh crunch, this dish contrasts beautifully with the creamy stuffing and offers a burst of color.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide a comforting base, beautifully absorbing the delicious juices from the stuffing and turkey.
- Gravy: Drizzling homemade gravy over the stuffing and turkey adds moisture and deepens the savory flavors of your meal.
- Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this classic fall favorite rounds off your feast with a sweet, spiced finish that delights every palate.
- Mulled Wine: Sipping this warm, spiced beverage elevates your festive atmosphere, merging wonderful holiday aromas with your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread brings a delightful crunch and flavor that pairs well with the stuffing. Perfect for sopping up sauces!
- Apple Cider: A chilled or warm glass of spiced apple cider mirrors the sweetness in your stuffing while providing a refreshing contrast.
Variations of Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
Feel free to personalize this recipe and make it your own with these exciting adaptations!
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Vegetarian Swap: Use a delicious plant-based sausage to create a meatless stuffing that’s just as satisfying.
Imagine every bite bursting with the same wonderful flavors, but with a veggie twist! -
Dried Fruit Delight: Add dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet contrast that brightens the savory stuffing.
This addition enhances the depth of flavor and makes each mouthful a delightful surprise! -
Nuts for Texture: Toasted pecans or walnuts can bring a crunchy element to the otherwise tender stuffing.
These nuts not only add crunch but also a nutty aroma that complements the dish beautifully. -
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of or in addition to sage and rosemary.
Swapping or combining herbs brings a refreshing newtake to the classic recipe while keeping it fragrant. -
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to add a delightful heat to your stuffing.
The warmth they bring can transform this dish into a zesty crowd-pleaser! -
Savory Cheese: Stir in some crumbled feta or sharp cheddar for a rich, cheesy undertone in every bite.
Cheese melts into the stuffing, giving it an irresistibly creamy texture that you won’t forget! -
Brothy Boost: Instead of plain chicken broth, use a flavored broth like mushroom or onion for additional layers of taste.
This simple swap gives each mouthful an extra umami punch that everyone will love.
Expert Tips for Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing
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Stale Bread Matters: Ensure your sourdough bread has been left out to dry for 12-24 hours. This prevents sogginess and enhances texture in your stuffing.
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Don’t Rush Aromatics: Sauté onions, celery, and garlic slowly over medium heat. Taking your time here builds depth of flavor that makes your stuffing stand out.
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Moisture Check: Before baking, the stuffing should be moist but not soupy. Adding just the right amount of chicken broth is key to achieving a delectable texture.
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Crispy Topping: For a golden, crunchy top, remove the foil about halfway through baking. This allows the stuffing to develop that enticing, crispy edge everyone loves.
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Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different sausages or herbs. Using the best quality sausage enhances the overall flavor of your Sourdough Sausage Stuffing.
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Make Ahead: Prepare everything a day prior and refrigerate it. Just bake before your guests arrive to save time and enjoy the cooking process!
Make Ahead Options
This Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the holidays without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, and then cover and refrigerate the mixture in your greased baking dish. To maintain quality, ensure the stuffing is moist (you can add a splash of broth if necessary) before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until it’s golden and crispy on top. This way, you’ll save time and still achieve that unforgettable homemade flavor!
Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough bread should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using day-old sourdough bread for the best results. The drier texture helps the stuffing hold together and not turn mushy. If you can, leave it out to dry for about 12-24 hours before tearing it into pieces.
How should I store leftover stuffing?
Very! Store your Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy on top.
Can I freeze the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can freeze your stuffing for up to 2 months. Make sure to pack it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes to help retain moisture.
What should I do if my stuffing is too dry?
Not to worry! If your stuffing turns out a bit dry, simply add a little extra chicken broth before baking to bring back moisture. Ideally, the mixture should be moist but not soupy—if it seems a tad too dry before baking, toss in a splash or two of broth to get the consistency just right!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
I often think about dietary needs! This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with respective allergies. You can use vegetable broth and a dairy alternative to create a gluten-free and dairy-free version, but I’ve found the best flavor comes from using the original ingredients. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your needs!
Savory Best Sourdough Sausage Stuffing for Cozy Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Tear the sourdough bread into bite-sized pieces and leave them out to dry for about 12-24 hours.
- In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until they're soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Jones Dairy Farm pork sausage to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up until it's browned and cooked through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your sautéed sausage mixture with the dried sourdough pieces, chicken broth, heavy cream, beaten egg, and fresh herbs. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Grease a baking dish and pour the stuffing mixture in, spreading it out evenly. Don’t pack it too tightly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.