Join the club! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Collaborate
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Fresh Cooky new logo.

The Fresh Cooky

Real Food with a Healthy Twist

  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • By Course
      • Apps & Snacks
      • Breads
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Sandwiches
      • Sauces & Condiments
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups & Stews
      • Sweets
    • By Cuisine
      • Asian
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • By Diet
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegetarian
    • By Meal Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Easy Weeknight
      • Freezer Friendly
      • Kid-Friendly
      • Make Ahead
      • Copycat
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Crockpot
      • Grilled
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Sheet Pan
      • Stovetop
  • Holidays
    • Patriotic Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • For Subscribers
Recipes โ€บ Holidays โ€บ Holiday Side Dish
12 Comments

Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Mar 29, 2023

Jump to Recipe

The Best Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe, that’s a big claim, I know! Let me tell you why! A delicious, savory sausage, apple, walnut stuffing, fragrant fresh herbs; made with fresh pumpernickel, sourdough and brown bread, making a crispy rich buttery crust on top, that’s why!

Whether you stuff your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, make it as a side dish, or a bit of a both; this will become your new favorite stuffing or dressing.

While we are talking Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes, you may want to check out our other family favorites: Praline Sweet Potatoes, Instant Pot or Stovetop Mashed Potatoes, Giblet Gravy and let’s not forget the bird itself! Two options: roasted herb butter turkey and this smaller Instant Pot Turkey Breast.

Image of casserole dish filled with the best stuffing ever, a variety of bread types are used with chunks of sausage, nuts, apples and more
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

What’s the Difference Between Stuffing and Dressing?

It’s really quite simple, a stuffing get’s STUFFED into the cavity of a turkey or chicken and a DRESSING is made as a side dish!

Large spoonful of the best Thanksgiving stuffing with the casserole in the background.

5 SECRETS TO THE BEST STUFFING RECIPE

  1. Butter, the real thing, no blends or margarine!
  2. Simple bulk breakfast sausage is an extreme flavor enhancer!
  3. Fresh herbs rock the best stuffing, you can use dried, but for this, the flavors will shine through with fresh.
  4. The only veggies you need are onions and celery (and maybe a touch of garlic).
  5. A combination of bread is best! I used pumpernickel, sourdough and sweet brown bread.

WHAT KIND OF BREAD IS BEST FOR DRESSING?

  • I love using a variety of breads, it’s like a trip around the bread world in every bite!
  • Sturdier, porous breads will work the best.
  • Pumpernickel, Sourdough, Challah, Country White, Sweet Brown Breads are all delicious!
image of best thanksgiving stuffing on wooden board with ruffled red napkin and fresh herbs in corner.

DO YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE BREAD OUT FOR STUFFING?

I have done it both ways, but what I do suggest is tear or cut your bread up first, tossing onto a large cookie sheet, spread out to allow the bread cubes to do a little drying while you assemble the rest of the stuffing.

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

It tastes like Thanksgiving or Christmas itself, filling your home with the smells of the holidays! This stuffing (err dressing) has a crispy rich buttery crust on top, tossed with fragrant fresh herbs, sausage, apples shining through.

Image of ingredients for Thanksgiving Stuffing. L-R Bread, chicken stock, apples, walnuts, salt, sausage, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme and sage, fresh parsley, chopped onions and celery.

TRADITIONAL SAUSAGE STUFFING INGREDIENTS

  • Breakfast sausage, bulk (I used a mild all natural pork sausage)
  • Sweet onion
  • Granny Smith apples
  • Celery
  • Garlic cloves
  • Walnuts, toasted
  • Fresh parsley (I used Italian flat leaf)
  • Rosemary, fresh
  • Thyme, fresh
  • Sage, fresh (optional)
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground pepper
  • Assorted bread cubes
  • Turkey or chicken broth
  • Butter

HOW TO MAKE SAUSAGE DRESSING

  1. Cube or tear bread into smaller pieces, set aside on a cookie sheet to dry out a bit while you assemble the rest of the stuffing and if desired toast the walnuts (325 degrees F for 10 minutes)
  2. Sauté sausage and onion in a large skillet (my most favorite skillet!) over medium heat, until sausage is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Toss in apples, celery and garlic, sauté another 5 minutes until apples are tender.
  4. Stir in walnuts, fresh parsley, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool 10 minutes.
Process shots for stuffing recipe, 1. browning sausage and onions, 2. adding apples, 3. adding celery and garlic. 4. Adding walnuts and herbs.
  1. Place bread cubes in a large bowl (I have this gigantic one) and add sausage and veggie mixture, folding together. Pour chicken stock and continue to fold until well blended.
  2. Spoon into well buttered 3 quart or 9×13 inch baking dish (these clean up so easily!).
  3. Brush the top with melted butter, generously.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until top is brown and crusty. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired.
Process shots for stuffing. 5. Pouring chicken stock over cubed bread. 6. Placing mixed stuffing in buttered baking dish. 7. Brushing tops with butter. 8. baked and ready stuffing

MAKE AHEAD & FREEZING STUFFING INSTRUCTIONS

You have a couple of options to make this dressing ahead of time.

  1. Cook your sausage, onions, celery, apples and all of the herbs ahead of time and place in fridge overnight, assembling the next day.
  2. Assemble the entire stuffing and bake it, cooling completely. Store in fridge up to 3 days covered, when ready to reheat, place in 325 degree oven covered for about 15-20 minutes, removing the foil the last few minutes.
  3. Assemble the entire stuffing, cool and freeze in smaller portions (especially if you are going to stuff your turkey with it). Allow enough time for the stuffing to come to room temperature before stuffing a turkey or placing in casserole dish.
  4. You can actually freeze baked stuffing! YES! Make it a few weeks ahead, wrap well with buttered foil and freeze (once completely cooled). To reheat place in 325 degree F oven covered for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil the last 5 minutes.

SUBSTITUTIONS & TIPS

  • Instead of breakfast sausage, swap out with chorizo, Italian sausage or turkey or chicken sausage.
  • Omit or replace the walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts or even chestnuts
  • Use different fresh herbs, I am not a huge sage fan, so I left that out, but add it in if you’d like (1-2 tablespoons chopped)
  • GLUTEN FREE? I think so! Swap out equal amounts of cubed gluten free bread
  • Add a splash of maple syrup to the sausage mixture just before tossing, maybe 2 tablespoons

Pair this fabulous stuffing with this simple Cheesy Asparagus Bake and Wild Rice Bake.

Happy Thanksgiving or Christmas prep to you! I hope you enjoy this amazing recipe, you may want to peruse all of these Thanksgiving Sides, most of them make ahead-able!

Monday Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

  • Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles by House of Nash Eats
  • Balsamic Glazed Baby Onions by Savory Experiments
  • Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe by The Fresh Cooky
  • Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Stuffing by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes with Sausage Crumbles by Food Lust People Love
  • Cauliflower Gratin by Lemon Blossoms
  • Cheese Herb Potato Gratin by Shockingly Delicious
  • Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole by Blogghetti
  • Cranberry Fluff by An Affair from the Heart
  • Easy Chorizo Cornbread Dressing by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
  • Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries & Pecans by Sweet Beginnings
  • Holiday Side Salad by Our Good Life
  • Honey Roasted Carrots by Devour Dinner
  • No Knead Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
  • Roasted Buttercup Squash by Palatable Pastime
  • Roasted fingerling potatoes with Parmesan by The Foodie Affair
  • Sauteed Spinach with Bacon by Kate’s Recipe Box
  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Vegetables by Cheese Curd in Paradise
  • Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans by West Via Midwest
  • Sweet Potato Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Traditional Cranberry Sauce by Family Around the Table
  • Twiced Baked Sweet Potatoes by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Best Make Ahead Thanksgiving Sides
  • A complete Thanksgiving with Table Decor ideas

PIN TO YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY SIDES BOARD!

Pinterest Image for Best Ever Sausage Stuffing with image of stuffing in casserole dish

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Flat lay image of thanksgiving stuffing with napkin in back ground and fresh herbs

The Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

5 from 4 readers
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 -10 servings
Print Pin SaveSaved!
An easy Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe that is the best, savory sausage, apple, walnut stuffing made with fresh pumpernickel, sourdough and brown bread, a new holiday tradition!

Equipment

  • Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board Mats Set of 4 
  • STAUB Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish, 13×9-inch, White

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage bulk
  • 1 medium sweet onion diced
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples diced
  • 1 cup celery about 2-3 stalks, diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup walnuts toasted if desired (325 degrees for 10 minutes)
  • ยผ cup parsley fresh, I used Italian flat leaf, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary fresh, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sage fresh (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • pepper fresh ground
  • 12 cups bread cubes assorted
  • 2 ยฝ cups turkey broth
  • ยผ cup butter melted
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cube or tear bread into smaller pieces, set aside on a cookie sheet to dry out a bit while you assemble the rest of the stuffing. And if desired, toast walnuts; 325 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Sauté sausage and onion in a large skillet (my most favorite skillet!) over medium heat, until sausage is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Toss in apples, celery and garlic, sauté another 5 minutes until apples are tender.
  • Stir in walnuts, fresh parsley, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool 10 minutes.
  • Place bread cubes in a large bowl (I have this gigantic one) and add sausage and veggie mixture, folding together. Pour chicken stock and continue to fold until well blended.
  • Spoon into well buttered 3 quart or 9×13 inch baking dish (these clean up so easily!). Brush the top with melted butter, generously. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until top is brown and crusty. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
  1. Cook your sausage, onions, celery, apples and all of the herbs ahead of time and place in fridge overnight, assembling the next day.
  2. Assemble the entire stuffing and bake it, cooling completely. Store in fridge up to 3 days covered, when ready to reheat, place in 325 degree oven covered for about 15-20 minutes, removing the foil the last few minutes.
  3. Assemble the entire stuffing, cool and freeze in smaller portions (especially if you are going to stuff your turkey with it). Allow enough time for the stuffing to come to room temperature before stuffing a turkey or placing in casserole dish.
  4. You can actually freeze baked stuffing! YES! Make it a few weeks ahead, wrap well with buttered foil and freeze (once completely cooled). To reheat place in 325 degree F oven covered for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil the last 5 minutes.
SUBSTITUTIONS & TIPS
  • Instead of breakfast sausage, swap out with chorizo, Italian sausage or turkey or chicken sausage.
  • Omit or replace the walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts or even chestnuts
  • Use different fresh herbs, I am not a huge sage fan, so I left that out, but add it in if you’d like (1-2 tablespoons chopped)
  • GLUTEN FREE? I think so! Swap out equal amounts of cubed gluten free bread
  • Add a splash of maple syrup to the sausage mixture just before tossing, maybe 2 tablespoons

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1382mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 5mg
Flat lay image of thanksgiving stuffing with napkin in back ground and fresh herbs
Did you make my The Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe?Show it off! Share on Instagram, tag @thefreshcooky, and use the hashtag #thefreshcooky!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

Share This!

265 shares
  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email
  • SMS

My Signature Recipes!

The recipes everyone asks for (plus a few I can't stop making)

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Have a question, comment, or suggestions about this recipe? If you had any trouble, I would love a chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be respectful. Rude or inappropriate comments will not be approved. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Lynn Spencer

    Sun, Nov 15, 2020 at 4:17 am

    We have made the same stuffing every year for my entire life. While I”m not sure I go do a wholesale switch on the fam, I will be making 2 stuffings this year so that I can enjoy this Pumpernickel stuffing! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Nov 16, 2020 at 11:15 am

      I understand completely the traditions that we all hold dear!!

      Reply
  2. Michele

    Mon, Nov 9, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    5 stars
    I couldn’t wait until thanksgiving and made this last night with our Roast Chicken dinner… The stuffing paired beautifully and we simply loved the pumpernickel flavor! Making this again on our Family Thanksgiving! Thank you!

    Reply
  3. MICHAELA KENKEL

    Mon, Nov 9, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Stuffing is my MOST favorite part of the meal! I always add stuffing to mine, but I am loving the apples you have in here, too!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Thanks Michaela, it’s my most favorite part too!!

      Reply
  4. Debi

    Mon, Nov 9, 2020 at 12:07 am

    5 stars
    The stuffing is my favorite part of the meal. Before I made this for Thanksgiving, I wanted to make sure it was great, and it totally is. I’ll be making it again on the big day.

    Reply
  5. Christie

    Sun, Nov 8, 2020 at 10:07 am

    I’m digging the hearty breads in this stuffing! And that it’s maintains is texture. It looks perfectly delicious and packed with flavors I love.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sun, Nov 8, 2020 at 5:03 pm

      Thanks Christie, the variety is what makes this stuffing so great!

      Reply
  6. Julie Menghini

    Sat, Nov 7, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always looking for side dish recipes for Thanksgiving and there are some amazing ones here. That stuffing looks amazing!

    Reply
  7. Kathryn Donangelo

    Fri, Nov 6, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    5 stars
    I wanted to try this recipe before.I serve it on Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Loved all of the traditional flavors plus the breakfast sausage links that make it extra hearty! Will be making soon again for the holidays!

    Reply
  8. Wendy Klik

    Mon, Nov 2, 2020 at 10:14 am

    That is one hearty looking stuffing. Love the add ins.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Tue, Nov 3, 2020 at 11:03 am

      Thank you so much Wendy! It’s a keeper for sure!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

Read More

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

My Signature Recipes!

The recipes everyone asks for (plus a few I can't stop making)

Trending Now

  • Crumbl cookie with milk chocolate chips.Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Square image of whole easy key lime pie with dollops of whipped cream and decorated with wedges of key limes.Award Winning Recipe for Key Lime Pie
  • Easy and Quick Pizza Dough Recipe with dough on floured surface square.Easy No Rise Pizza Dough Recipe
  • Best shaved steak recipes, round up picture with Philly cheesesteak, steak bomb, steak fajitas and stuffed peppers.39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes (Easy Steak Meals)
  • Philly cheese steak sandwich on a tray with french fries surrounding it.Best Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
  • Classic Carol chicken salad in bowl and scooped onto lettuce on plates with crackers and dill pickle spears.Chicken Salad Chick Classic Carol
The Fresh Cooky
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter / X
  • Mastadon

Subscribe Now

by Course

  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Breads
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads & Dressings
  • Sauces & Condiments
  • Side Dishes
  • Sweets

Holidays

  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday Appetizers
  • Holiday Breakfast
  • Holiday Drinks
  • Holiday Main Dish
  • Holiday Side Dish
  • Holiday Sweets
  • Game Day Recipes

By Cuisine

  • Asian
  • German
  • Italian
  • Mexican

By Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegetarian

By Meal Type

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Freezer Meals
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Make Ahead

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Crockpot
  • Grilled
  • Instant Pot
  • One Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Stovetop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2025 ยท The Fresh Cooky ยท Privacy & Disclosure Policy

265 shares
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required