This sausage stuffing is the perfect complement to Thanksgiving turkey. It tastes excellent in leftover casserole too. Loaded with all the textures and flavors that make Thanksgiving a favorite fall meal.My very favorite thing about this Sausage Stuffing are the little sweet surprises baked within. Dried cranberries and crisp, Golden Delicious apple chunks lighten the savory sausage and herbs flavors beautifully. It’s really a meal all on its own.
Ingredients for Cranberry Sausage Stuffing
Thanksgiving without stuffing is like Christmas without cocoa! This Cranberry Sausage Stuffing is the perfect dish to serve alongside a plump, juicy bird and all the fixings. Oven-baked bread cubes, succulent sausage, and a hint of sweet cranberries and apples make this a treat your guests will ask for again and again.
Bread loaf – Day-old bread is the best! It has a crunchy outer layer and soft inside. We used both whole wheat and white bread cubed.Sage pork sausage – We love Bob Evans brand. It already has the flavor in the premium pork and has the best protein percentage. Vegetables – Chop your onion and celery the same size to help cook it evenly. Seasonings – Combine together fresh sage leaves, fresh rosemary, parsley, and fresh thyme – dried or freshly chopped seasonings work well. Golden Delicious apple – Core and chop an apple to add to the pan. Cranberries – Dried cranberries or craisins add in a sweet and soft texture to the stuffing. Butter – Melt in the microwave for the stuffing mixture. Turkey stock – Adds in moisture and helps bring flavor when stirred together. Nuts – Almonds or walnuts or any kind of nut, need to be chopped in a food processor. Salt and pepper – Add to taste!
Substitutions for the Best Cranberry Sausage Stuffing
Types of bread – Pick your favorite bread that is in your home. French bread, Italian bread, sourdough bread, brioche, or challah bread. These are all high-quality breads that are crunchy and add flavor to the stuffing.Add an egg – Eggs are binding. Chicken broth is a great liquid to substitute for turkey stock.
Toast the Bread for Sausage Stuffing
In my mind, there’s nothing worse than soggy, flavorless bread stuffing. This sausage stuffing is gloriously golden brown with just the right amount of flavor and texture. The secret? Toast the bread cubes in the oven for a little bit! This will give your bread a crispy outer crust with a tender inside and allows the herbs and flavors to adhere to the bread pieces. It is so delicious and never soggy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Make Cranberry Sausage Stuffing Ahead of Time
This stuffing is one of a kind and the best holiday side dish! It is perfect to make ahead and you can prepare the stuffing in a baking dish. Place all the ingredients into a casserole or baking dish. Wrap with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Once you are ready to bake, let thaw to room temperature, then bake.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Now that you have your stuffing settled, try a few more of these family favorite recipes for your holiday meal:
How to Cook a Turkey
Turkey Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole
Dinner Rolls
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