Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a pan of warm, savory stuffing. Add flavorful sausage, aromatic herbs, buttery vegetables, and golden toasted bread, and you have a side dish that can easily become one of the most-requested recipes on the table.

From classic sausage stuffing and Southern cornbread dressing to apple sausage stuffing, cranberry pecan stuffing, mushroom sausage stuffing, and cheesy variations, these 21 Sausage Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner offer plenty of delicious ways to make your holiday feast extra special.

1. Classic Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing 🥖🌿

This classic sausage stuffing combines toasted bread, savory sausage, onion, celery, sage, and thyme. It’s crispy on top, tender in the middle, and perfect with turkey gravy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed French or Italian bread
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
3. Toast for 10–15 minutes until dry and lightly golden.
4. Brown the sausage in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces.
5. Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl.
6. Melt the butter in the same skillet.
7. Add onion and celery.
8. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
9. Stir in sage and thyme.
10. Place toasted bread in a large mixing bowl.
11. Add sausage and vegetables.
12. Whisk eggs with the broth.
13. Pour the broth mixture gradually over the bread.
14. Toss gently until evenly moistened.
15. Season with salt and pepper.
16. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
17. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
18. Remove the foil.
19. Bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
20. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tip: Don’t add all the broth at once. Different breads absorb liquid differently.

---

2. Sausage and Apple Stuffing 🍎🥩

Sweet apples and savory sausage create a delicious combination that feels perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb breakfast or Italian sausage
• 2 firm apples, diced
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread cubes at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Remove sausage and drain excess fat.
4. Melt butter in the skillet.
5. Add onion and celery.
6. Cook until softened.
7. Add diced apples.
8. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
9. Stir in sage and thyme.
10. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, apples, and cranberries.
11. Whisk eggs with broth.
12. Pour gradually over the stuffing.
13. Toss gently.
14. Transfer to a casserole dish.
15. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

3. Sausage Cornbread Stuffing 🌽

Golden cornbread and savory sausage make this a Southern-inspired Thanksgiving favorite.

7

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Crumble day-old cornbread into a large bowl.
2. Brown sausage in a skillet.
3. Remove the sausage.
4. Melt butter in the skillet.
5. Sauté onion and celery until tender.
6. Add sage and thyme.
7. Combine cornbread, sausage, and vegetables.
8. Whisk eggs with broth.
9. Pour gradually over the mixture.
10. Toss gently.
11. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
12. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
13. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

---

4. Sausage Mushroom Stuffing 🍄

Mushrooms add earthy flavor and moisture to this hearty sausage stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 10 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Remove sausage from the skillet.
4. Add butter.
5. Cook onion and celery.
6. Add mushrooms.
7. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and most moisture has evaporated.
8. Add garlic, thyme, and sage.
9. Combine bread, sausage, and vegetables.
10. Whisk eggs with broth.
11. Add liquid gradually.
12. Transfer to a baking dish.
13. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
14. Rest before serving.

---

5. Sausage Cranberry Pecan Stuffing 🍒🥜

Cranberries and pecans add festive color, sweetness, and crunch to savory sausage stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, cranberries, and pecans.
6. Whisk eggs and broth together.
7. Pour over the mixture.
8. Toss gently.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
11. Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes.

---

6. Sausage Bacon Stuffing 🥓

Why choose between sausage and bacon? This hearty version combines both.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• ½ lb sausage
• 6 bacon slices
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp.
2. Crumble and set aside.
3. Brown the sausage in the bacon drippings.
4. Remove both meats.
5. Add butter if needed.
6. Cook onion and celery.
7. Add sage and thyme.
8. Combine bread, sausage, bacon, and vegetables.
9. Add broth gradually.
10. Transfer to a baking dish.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
12. Top with extra bacon before serving.

---

7. Sage Sausage Stuffing 🌿

This recipe keeps things simple and lets classic Thanksgiving sage flavor shine.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp sage
• ½ tsp thyme
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Cook onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Combine bread, sausage, and vegetables.
6. Whisk eggs and broth.
7. Pour gradually into the bread mixture.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Spread into a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
11. Garnish with parsley.

---

8. Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing 🌰

Chestnuts add a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that makes this stuffing feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast the bread.
2. Brown the sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Stir in chopped chestnuts.
6. Combine with bread and sausage.
7. Whisk eggs and broth.
8. Add the liquid gradually.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

---

9. Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing 🍠

Roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and beautiful color.

6

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes.
2. Roast at 400°F until tender.
3. Toast the bread cubes.
4. Brown the sausage.
5. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
6. Add sage and thyme.
7. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
8. Whisk eggs with broth.
9. Pour over the stuffing.
10. Transfer to a casserole.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

10. Sausage and Caramelized Onion Stuffing 🧅

Slow-cooked onions add rich sweetness that balances savory sausage.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 3 large onions
• 5 tbsp butter
• 3 celery stalks
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slowly cook sliced onions in butter for 25–30 minutes.
2. Brown the sausage separately.
3. Sauté celery.
4. Add thyme and sage.
5. Combine bread, sausage, celery, and caramelized onions.
6. Whisk eggs with broth.
7. Add broth gradually.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
10. Serve warm.

---

11. Italian Sausage Stuffing 🇮🇹

Italian sausage, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs give this Thanksgiving stuffing an Italian-inspired twist.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown Italian sausage.
2. Remove from the skillet.
3. Melt butter.
4. Cook onion and celery.
5. Add garlic.
6. Stir in Italian seasoning.
7. Combine bread and sausage.
8. Add vegetables.
9. Sprinkle in Parmesan.
10. Whisk eggs with broth.
11. Add gradually.
12. Transfer to a casserole.
13. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

---

12. Sausage Apple Sage Stuffing 🍎🌿

This version doubles down on classic Thanksgiving flavors with sausage, apples, and plenty of sage.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp sage
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Cook onion and celery in butter.
4. Add apples.
5. Cook briefly.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and apples.
8. Add cranberries.
9. Whisk eggs and broth.
10. Pour over the mixture.
11. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

---

13. Sausage Cornbread Dressing with Sage 🌽🌿

A Southern-style cornbread dressing made extra savory with sausage.

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 lb sausage
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Crumble day-old cornbread.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage and poultry seasoning.
5. Combine cornbread, sausage, and vegetables.
6. Whisk eggs with broth.
7. Add liquid gradually.
8. Mix gently.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.
11. Let rest before serving.

---

14. Sausage Spinach Stuffing 🥬

Spinach adds color and a little extra vegetable goodness to this hearty stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.
2. Remove from the skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in herbs.
6. Combine bread and sausage.
7. Add vegetables and spinach.
8. Whisk eggs and broth.
9. Pour gradually into the mixture.
10. Transfer to a casserole.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

15. Sausage Mushroom Cornbread Dressing 🍄🌽

Earthy mushrooms and Southern cornbread make this a rich holiday side.

Ingredients

• 8 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 lb sausage
• 10 oz mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown sausage.
2. Remove from skillet.
3. Cook onion and celery in butter.
4. Add mushrooms.
5. Cook until browned.
6. Add sage and thyme.
7. Combine cornbread and sausage.
8. Add vegetables and mushrooms.
9. Whisk eggs and broth.
10. Pour gradually over the mixture.
11. Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes.

---

16. Sausage Cranberry Apple Stuffing 🍒🍎

This colorful stuffing combines three Thanksgiving favorites: savory sausage, tart cranberries, and sweet apples.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 2 apples
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add diced apples.
5. Cook for several minutes.
6. Stir in sage and thyme.
7. Combine all ingredients.
8. Add cranberries.
9. Whisk eggs with broth.
10. Pour gradually over the stuffing.
11. Transfer to a casserole.
12. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

---

17. Sausage and Pecan Stuffing 🥜

Toasted pecans add crunch to tender bread and savory sausage.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• ¾ cup pecans
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Toast pecans lightly.
2. Toast bread cubes.
3. Brown sausage.
4. Cook onion and celery in butter.
5. Add herbs.
6. Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and pecans.
7. Whisk eggs with broth.
8. Add the liquid gradually.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

18. Sausage and Brussels Sprout Stuffing 🥬

Roasted Brussels sprouts add color and a slightly caramelized flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 2 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.
2. Remove from skillet.
3. Sauté onion and celery.
4. Add Brussels sprouts.
5. Cook until slightly browned.
6. Add thyme.
7. Combine with bread and sausage.
8. Add broth and eggs.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

19. Sausage and Jalapeño Cheddar Stuffing 🌶️🧀

A little jalapeño and melted cheddar make this a fun alternative to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown sausage.
2. Cook onion, celery, and jalapeño in butter.
3. Add sage.
4. Combine bread and sausage.
5. Add vegetables.
6. Stir in half the cheddar.
7. Whisk eggs with broth.
8. Add gradually.
9. Transfer to a casserole.
10. Top with remaining cheddar.
11. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.

---

20. Sausage and Herb Stuffing with Parmesan 🧀🌿

Parmesan adds a savory finish while fresh herbs keep the stuffing bright and aromatic.

Ingredients

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 lb sausage
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 onion
• 3 celery stalks
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2½ cups broth
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Toast bread cubes.
2. Brown sausage.
3. Sauté onion and celery in butter.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Combine bread, sausage, and vegetables.
6. Add Parmesan.
7. Whisk eggs and broth.
8. Pour gradually into the mixture.
9. Transfer to a baking dish.
10. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley.

---

21. Ultimate Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing 🦃🥖✨

This loaded Thanksgiving stuffing combines sausage, apples, cranberries, pecans, celery, onion, herbs, and golden toasted bread.

7

Ingredients

• 10 cups day-old bread cubes
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 apples, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2½–3 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp rubbed sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Spread bread cubes on baking sheets.
3. Toast for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisp.
4. Brown sausage in a large skillet.
5. Break it into small pieces.
6. Remove sausage from the skillet.
7. Melt butter in the same skillet.
8. Add onion and celery.
9. Cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
10. Add diced apples.
11. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
12. Stir in sage, thyme, and rosemary.
13. Place toasted bread into a large mixing bowl.
14. Add cooked sausage.
15. Add the vegetables and apples.
16. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
17. Whisk eggs with 2½ cups broth.
18. Pour the liquid gradually over the bread.
19. Toss gently.
20. Add additional broth only if necessary.
21. Season with salt and pepper.
22. Stir in fresh parsley.
23. Transfer to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
24. Cover with foil.
25. Bake for 25 minutes.
26. Remove the foil.
27. Bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
28. Let rest for 5–10 minutes.
29. Garnish with fresh parsley.
30. Serve warm alongside turkey and gravy.

⭐ Why Everyone Will Ask for This Recipe

Every bite combines savory sausage, buttery vegetables, sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, fragrant herbs, and golden bread. It has the classic flavors of Thanksgiving while giving the traditional stuffing a little extra texture and personality.

---

🍽️ What to Serve With Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing pairs beautifully with almost every Thanksgiving favorite.

Main Dishes

• Roast turkey
• Turkey breast
• Roast chicken
• Honey-glazed ham
• Roast beef
• Prime rib

Classic Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Glazed carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Creamed corn
• Dinner rolls

Sauces

• Turkey gravy
• Mushroom gravy
• Giblet gravy
• Cranberry sauce
• Herb gravy

---

🥄 Tips for Perfect Sausage Stuffing

Use dry bread

Day-old or lightly toasted bread absorbs the broth without becoming overly mushy.

Brown the sausage first

Browning develops deeper flavor and gives the stuffing delicious savory bits.

Don’t oversaturate

Add broth gradually. You can always add more, but it’s difficult to fix stuffing that has become too wet.

Balance rich ingredients

If using sausage and bacon, fresh herbs, apples, cranberries, or vegetables can help balance the richness.

Make the top crispy

Bake uncovered during the final 15–20 minutes to develop those irresistible golden edges.

Let it rest

Allow the stuffing to rest for several minutes before serving so it firms up slightly.

21 Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving

21 Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

31 Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes Everyone Will Ask For

17 Elegant Thanksgiving Roast Beef Recipes

---

🗓️ Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing

1–2 Days Before Thanksgiving

• Cube the bread.
• Dry or toast the bread.
• Chop onion and celery.
• Cook the sausage.
• Prepare herbs.
• Toast pecans if using.
• Prepare apples and cranberries.

Thanksgiving Morning

• Sauté vegetables.
• Combine the ingredients.
• Add broth shortly before baking.
• Transfer to the casserole dish.

Before Dinner

• Bake until hot and golden.
• Remove foil near the end.
• Garnish with fresh herbs.
• Serve immediately with gravy.

---

❓ Sausage Stuffing FAQs

What sausage is best for Thanksgiving stuffing?

Mild Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, sage sausage, or a plain ground pork sausage can all work well. Choose according to how strongly seasoned you want the finished stuffing.

Can I use turkey sausage?

Yes. Turkey sausage can be substituted for pork sausage if you prefer a lighter option.

Should sausage be cooked before adding it to stuffing?

Yes. Brown the sausage thoroughly before combining it with the other stuffing ingredients.

Can I make sausage stuffing ahead of time?

Yes. Many sausage stuffing recipes can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Keep the prepared dish properly refrigerated.

How do I keep sausage stuffing from becoming soggy?

Use dried bread and add broth gradually. The mixture should be moist but should not contain excess liquid pooling at the bottom.

Can I freeze sausage stuffing?

Cooked stuffing can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw safely and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make sausage stuffing with cornbread?

Absolutely. Cornbread provides a slightly sweet, crumbly base that pairs especially well with savory sausage, sage, and celery.

---

🍂 Final Thoughts

These 21 Sausage Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner give you plenty of ways to turn a classic holiday side into something memorable. Whether you choose Classic Sausage Stuffing, Sausage Cornbread Dressing, Sausage Apple Stuffing, Sausage Mushroom Stuffing, Sausage Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, or the Ultimate Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing, each recipe brings comforting flavors to the holiday table.

For a classic Thanksgiving feast, serve your favorite sausage stuffing alongside roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and warm dinner rolls.