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Savory Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole Recipe with Sausage

Thanksgiving stuffing casserole - featured image

This easy and delicious Thanksgiving stuffing casserole combines golden bread cubes, savory sausage, caramelized vegetables, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing holiday side. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb country-style bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old preferred)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried poultry seasoning (optional)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1 apple, diced
  • Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and dry. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Add butter to the skillet. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots for 6-8 minutes until soft and starting to caramelize. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Sauté for 2 minutes to release flavors.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed veggie-herb mixture. Toss gently.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, eggs, and milk until smooth. Pour over bread mixture and fold until all cubes are moistened. Fold in optional add-ins if using.
  7. Transfer mixture to a greased 12×9-inch casserole dish, pressing down gently. Cover with foil.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until top is golden and slightly crisp. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast bread cubes for best texture. Adjust broth for moistness before baking. Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free with substitutions. Prep sausage and veggies ahead for easy assembly. Garnish with extra parsley and herbs for serving. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, sausage casserole, holiday side, stuffing recipe, savory casserole, bread stuffing, easy Thanksgiving, crowd-pleaser, comfort food