Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Classic Sage & Sausage Stuffing – Homemade Holiday Side Dish

Sarah Smith
Nov 21, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Savory stuffing in a white dish with a serving spoon, garnished with herbs on top. Background includes plates and soft lighting, creating a cozy mood.

There’s nothing more comforting than a pan of Classic Sage & Sausage Stuffing fresh from the oven. Warm, buttery, and packed with savory flavor, this timeless dish is made with toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned sausage for that perfect balance of hearty and cozy. Fresh sage and thyme, along with rich broth, keep the center moist while the top bakes up golden and crisp. It’s a must-have side dish served alongside Southern-Style Holiday Turkey, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, or Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

10 cups cubed bread (French bread, Italian bread, or a mix), toasted

1 pound breakfast sausage or Italian sausage

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

1 large onion, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

2 1/2–3 cups chicken broth

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast 10–12 minutes until lightly crisp.
In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 1 minute.
In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sausage, and the sautéed vegetables.
Pour 2 1/2 cups of broth over the mixture and toss gently. Add more broth if needed — stuffing should be moist but not soggy.
Stir in lightly beaten eggs until mixture is evenly coated.
Transfer stuffing to the baking dish and cover with foil.
Bake 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve alongside turkey, ham, chicken, prime rib, mashed potatoes, or any cozy holiday meal.

Tips

• Use day-old bread — it absorbs broth better and prevents soggy stuffing.

• Add more sage if you love a stronger herb flavor.

• For extra moisture, add 1/2 cup of broth before baking.

• Add-ins like dried cranberries, pecans, or apples work beautifully.

FAQ

Q: What type of bread works best for sausage stuffing?

A: Day-old or lightly toasted bread works best because it absorbs broth without getting mushy. French bread, sourdough, Italian bread, or a classic white loaf all hold up beautifully.

Q: Do I need to dry out the bread first?

A: Yes — this is key. Dry bread absorbs flavor better and keeps the stuffing from turning soggy. You can cube the bread and let it sit overnight, or toast it in the oven for 10–15 minutes.

Q: Can I use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage?

A: Absolutely. Breakfast sausage makes the stuffing sweeter and cozier, while mild or hot Italian sausage adds more savory depth. Both are delicious.

Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the stuffing up to 1 day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Add a splash of broth before baking if it looks dry.

Q: How do I keep my stuffing from turning mushy?

A: Use dry bread, add broth gradually, and mix gently. The stuffing should feel slightly moist before baking — not soupy.

Q: Should I bake stuffing covered or uncovered?

A: Bake covered for most of the time to keep it moist, then uncover during the final 10–15 minutes to brown the top and create that golden, slightly crisp finish.

Q: What herbs pair best with sage in stuffing?

A: Thyme, rosemary, parsley, and a little poultry seasoning complement sage beautifully. Fresh herbs add the brightest flavor.

Q: Can I freeze leftover stuffing?

A: Yes — stuffing freezes very well. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth.

Final Thoughts

Classic Sage & Sausage Stuffing is the kind of dish that defines comfort and tradition. With its crisp, golden top and tender, savory center, every bite delivers that familiar, homey flavor everyone looks forward to during the holidays. Whether it’s anchoring a Thanksgiving feast, sharing space with Christmas favorites, or making an appearance at a cozy family dinner, this stuffing is timeless, reliable, and always a crowd favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people back for seconds — and keeps memories warm long after the meal is over.