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Best Homemade Stuffing Recipe - Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish

This ultimate stuffing recipe combines savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes for a holiday side dish with golden-crispy edges and a tender, flavorful interior. A true Thanksgiving classic made better with smart techniques and flexible substitutions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Holiday Recipes, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 282
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essential Base:
  • 8 cups bread dumplings or French bread cubes slightly stale
  • 1 stick 8 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage Italian or sage-flavored
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 –4 stalks celery chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced (optional)
Flavor Enhancers:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter. Add onion, celery, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté 10 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. Add sausage to skillet, breaking apart and cooking 8–10 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Tear bread by hand for best texture.
  6. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and broth. Pour over bread.
  7. Add sausage and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until bread absorbs liquid.
  8. Transfer to prepared dish. Bake 45 minutes until top is golden and crispy.
  9. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead up to 24 hours, refrigerate, and add 5–10 minutes to bake time. For extra crispy top, uncover dish during last 10 minutes of baking.