Cranberry Sausage Stuffing – Easy Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Cranberry sausage stuffing is the perfect blend of savory and sweet! Juicy sausage, tart cranberries, and fresh herbs come together with bread cubes for a hearty, flavorful stuffing. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast, this recipe adds a festive twist to a classic side dish.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9x13)
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cut into cubes and toasted
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 apple, diced (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 2–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Toast Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast bread cubes until golden and crisp.
- Cook Sausage & Vegetables: In a skillet, brown sausage. Add onion and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in cranberries, apple, nuts, and herbs. Cook briefly.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with sausage mixture. Add melted butter and broth gradually until bread is moist but not soggy.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes for a crisp top.
- Rest & Serve: Let stuffing rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Toast bread cubes for best texture.
- Add apples or nuts for extra crunch and depth.
- Use gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake fresh before serving.
- Reheat covered to retain moisture.