Stovetop Sausage Stuffing is the best stuffing recipe for the holidays! It's made on the stove, so you don't have to worry about it taking up room in your oven. The browned sausage adds so much flavor and you won't believe that there are only FIVE ingredients in this easy stovetop sausage stuffing recipe!
November 2021 Update: This is one of my most popular holiday recipes, and I'm so glad you found it! I recently updated this post with step-by-step photos and new tips for making this recipe. I hope it will become a part of your Thanksgiving traditions, just as it is one of mine!
Does your family do a similar meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas? We always have.
Recently, my family switched Christmas Eve to a Mexican Christmas Dinner, but on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, it's all about roasted turkey and those Thanksgiving side dishes we all know and love.
The very first time I hosted Thanksgiving, my father-in-law offered to make his family's signature stovetop sausage stuffing recipe.
I'd never been much of a fan of stuffing or dressing before. I always found it was just a little bland or possibly dried out from being cooked in the turkey.
His family's version was neither bland nor dry, and I haven't made a different Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe since.
Stovetop Sausage Stuffing Recipe
This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe is a twist on the classic.
My stovetop sausage stuffing is made with just five ingredients:
- browned pork sausage
- chopped celery
- diced onions
- herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- chicken broth
It's fluffy, moist and absolutely packed with flavor.
Honestly, it's hard to believe how easy it is and that it only has just five ingredients!
This recipe will soon become one of your favorites too, I just know it!
Stovetop sausage dressing recipe
If you want to get very semantic about it, this is a stovetop sausage dressing recipe, but whatever!
Stuffing is defined as “a mixture used to stuff another food, traditionally poultry, before cooking.”
On the flip side, dressing is cooked in a pan outside of the turkey cavity. Dressing can be cooked on the stove or in a separate dish in the oven.
My recipe is not cooked IN the turkey in the oven and is cooked in a pan on the stove, away from the turkey.
So technically, the correct thing would be to call it stovetop sausage dressing.
But really... who cares? Whatever you want to call it, what's really important is that you enjoy it!
My family just loves this recipe for our Thanksgiving menu. It's a must, every single year.
Ingredients for stovetop stuffing with sausage
You only need a few ingredients to make this easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.
This stovetop sausage dressing recipe is made with browned pork sausage, chopped celery and onions, chicken broth and a herb-seasoned stuffing mix.
I use this Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing mix, but feel free to use any similar stuffing mix you can find.
The one I use has white and wheat bread with a mix of herbs, so something similar to that would work well.
However, cornbread stuffing or cubed stuffing will work just fine.
Tips for the best stovetop sausage stuffing
The key to making this stuffing is adding the broth slowly, even when you may be worried that there isn't enough liquid in the pot.
If you pour too much at a time it won't ruin the dish, it just won't be as airy and fluffy as it should be.
You can add the broth in a slow stream if you have the patience, but I prefer to add it ½ cup at a time.
Can stovetop stuffing be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this stovetop sausage stuffing recipe the day before. You can reheat it in the oven before serving your holiday dinner!
To reheat it, preheat the oven to 300°F. Cook for 15 minutes, until hot.
If the edges begin to crisp up and turn a darker color, cover the dish with foil.
Can you freeze stovetop stuffing?
Yes. Freezing leftover stuffing is a great way to have it ready for the next holiday, too!
Stuffing can be frozen for up to two months, so save your leftover Thanksgiving stuffing and use it for your Christmas dinner.
To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container after the stuffing has cooled to room temperature.
I love using these storage containers, but a freezer-safe ziptop bag will work too.
Can stovetop stuffing be baked in the oven?
Because the broth needs to be added slowly and not all at once, it really does need to be made on the stovetop instead of baking in the oven.
If you cannot make it on the stovetop on the day of, make it the day before and reheat in the oven.
Reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 15 minutes.
How to make Stovetop Sausage Stuffing
You can make my sausage stuffing recipe in just a few easy steps! Here's how to make it:
First, get out all your ingredients. Dice and chop the onions and celery. Set aside for later.
Then, brown the sausage in a large stovetop pan over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Remove the sausage from the pan and place it in a separate bowl. Do not drain the grease — it's what helps make this recipe taste so good! Trust me that you don't want to put your sausage on a paper towel-lined plate.
Now add the onions and the celery to your frying pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to stir frequently so they do not burn.
Add sausage back to the pan.
Then pour in the stuffing mix and carefully mix to combine. (You can also do this in a large bowl if your pan isn't big enough).
Add chicken broth about ½ cup at a time, pouring it over the whole mixture. Let simmer until the broth is absorbed.
(If you combined your stuffing mix, veggies and sausage in a large bowl, it should reduce enough for you to add it back to the pan.)
Repeat adding in broth. You do not need to stir the stuffing too much, to keep it light and fluffy. Just keep adding broth until you run out!
It will look like the photo above when it's ready.
Then place your stovetop dressing in oven-safe pan to keep warm or serve immediately.
If making ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Make stovetop sausage stuffing without the mix
If you would like to try this recipe without the pre-made stuffing mix, you can. It will take a bit of work and more ingredients.
- ½ loaf white bread
- ½ loaf wheat bread
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
Here's how to prepare the stuffing from bread.
- First, cut the bread into slices and dice it into 1-inch pieces. Leave it out overnight so that it dries out.
- Then toast the bread until browned and hard.
- Then, prepare the sausage, celery and onion as the recipe states below.
- Add the bread, salt, brown sugar and herbs.
- Stir to combine with the sausage, then slowly add the chicken broth as the recipe states.
What to serve with stovetop sausage stuffing
There are so many recipes that go perfectly with my stovetop sausage stuffing. Try topping your sausage stuffing with a homemade cranberry sauce. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is a wonderful combination.
To start your meal, any sausage lovers will adore snacking on skillet sausage dip while they watch the parade or some football.
You will, of course, need the perfect turkey recipe. I love this herb butter turkey breast whenever we have a smaller group to Thanksgiving.
For sides, try my garlic brown butter green beans, my favorite sweet potato casserole and Thanksgiving fruit salad.
For dessert, you'll want to make all your pies with my vodka pie crust! My grandma's pecan pie is a must at our house.
To drink, apple cider mimosas go perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal, too!
Whatever you choose to serve your stuffing with, let me know how it goes!
If you like this recipe, would you comment below and leave a rating to let me know? It helps my content continue to be seen by more people like YOU!
Stovetop Sausage Stuffing
Stovetop Sausage Stuffing is the best stuffing recipe for the holidays! It's made on the stove, so you don't have to worry about it taking up room in your oven. The browned sausage adds so much flavor and you won't believe that there are only FIVE ingredients in this easy stovetop sausage stuffing recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of onions, diced
- 12 ounce bag of herb seasoned stuffing
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 32 ounces of low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Dice and chop onions and celery. Set aside.
- Brown sausage in large stove top pan until fully cooked. Remove sausage from pan and place in separate bowl. Do not drain grease.
- Add onions and celery to frying pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes, using a wooden spoon to stir frequently so they do not burn.
- Add sausage back to pan. Then pour in stuffing mix and carefully mix to combine. (You can also do this in a large bowl if your pan isn't big enough).
- Add chicken broth about ½ cup at at time, pouring it over the whole mixture.
- Let simmer until broth runs out. Repeat adding in broth. Do not need to stir the stuffing.
- Place in oven-safe pan to keep warm or serve immediately.
Notes
CAN STOVETOP STUFFING BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, make this stovetop sausage stuffing recipe the day before and then reheat in the oven before serving your holiday dinner!
CAN YOU FREEZE STOVETOP STUFFING?
Yes. Freezing leftover stuffing is a great way to have it ready for the next holiday, too! Stuffing can be frozen for up to two months, so save your leftover Thanksgiving stuffing and use it for your Christmas dinner. To freeze, place in a freezer safe container after sausage has cooled to room temperature.
CAN STOVETOP STUFFING BE BAKED IN THE OVEN?
Because the broth needs to be added slowly and not all at once, it really does need to be made on the stovetop instead of baking in the oven. If you cannot make it on the stovetop on the day of, make it the day before and it can be reheated in the oven.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 274Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 122mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g
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Nichole says
Help… I made this this morning and it’s too watery. Will baking it dry it up? I had doubled the recipe
jennfier says
I was scrambling looking for an easy and yummy stuffing recipe, as I'm hosting Thanksgiving for the first time. Did yours as a trial run over the weekend and it was perfect - thanks!
Madison Wetherill says
So glad you enjoyed it!! It is always a hit for us too 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
Sharon says
First time making this recipe. Do you use all the 32 ounces of chicken broth?
Can’t wait to make this. Thank you:)
Madison Wetherill says
Yes, you do use the full 32 ounces of the broth but you will add it slowly. Hope you love this family favorite of ours ☺️
Julie says
I have a package of Hot sausage, would that be good or will it overpower the dressing?
Madison Wetherill says
I don’t think hot sausage would overpower the stuffing recipe if you like spicy sausage ☺️ but I haven’t personally tested it with that because I’m a wimp when it comes to spice 😉
Julie says
I used a 16oz Jimmy Dean Hot sausage packet and it was not overly spicy at all. I was actually surprised at how un-spicy it was. Perhaps because it was out of the freezer the spicy had toned down some. I may have over mixed/stirred during the slow broth adding, but it was still delicious. I made it in the late morning and reheated it in the oven just before dinner time. I will definitely make this again at Christmas. Thanks for the recipe!
Jhicel says
I made this Stovetop Sausage Stuffing for Thanksgiving last year, and it was a hit! The browned sausage adds amazing flavor, and it's so convenient to prepare on the stove. I appreciate the make-ahead option too.
Lily says
It just earned a permanent spot in my holiday recipe lineup! Loved how easy it was to make – only a few ingredients, but the flavor is out of this world! I'm excited to share this tasty dish with my loved ones.
Jess says
I can't believe how easy it was to make with just five ingredients. This is definitely going to be my new go-to Thanksgiving stuffing recipe!
Monica says
This stuffing was so easy to make and the flavor was incredible! This will definitely be going on our Thanksgiving spread this year1
Kima says
I made this for Thanksgiving last year and just loved it! I made it again yesterday just because I was in the mood after finding the recipe again for my Thanksgiving menu. 😆 It was fantastic! Thank you.
Pixsy says
I like recipes with just a few ingredients, and this stuffing was simple but packed full of flavor.
Lori says
I love stuffing so much I make it all year round with this stove top recipe. I love that I don't have to bake a whole turkey to enjoy delicious stuff. It's one of my favorite dinner sides. I make a big batch and just reheat the leftovers.
Patricia says
This was fantastic, I made a big batch so I can have some ready to go for our Thanksgiving feast this year. The tip about saving the grease was awesome, I never knew I was missing out on great robust flavours when I would skim the grease out with my previous stuffings.
Daisy says
This stuffing recipe is really delicious, and it's made with low-sodium chicken broth to keep the saltiness down. The sausage really gives it a rich taste that pairs well with the bread cubes in this dish.
Jayne Depew says
Hi!
I will be making this stuffing this year and need to make it a day ahead. Will reheating it dry it out? Thank you!
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
Hi Jayne! you can make this the day before. You can reheat it in the oven at 300°F. Cook for 15 minutes, until hot. If the edges begin to crisp up and turn a darker color, cover the dish with foil.
Zaina P says
I notice a lot of people on here are commenting that this sounds great meaning they haven’t actually tried it yet… well I am here to comment that I just made this now for a fall potluck and it is amazing!! Wow so glad I stumbled upon this!
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
Hey Zaina, thanks for your comment. I can’t confirm whether other commenters have made this recipe, but I can tell you it’s one of my most popular recipes in the months of November and December. Right now, it has a rating of 4.5/5 stars from 132 people who said they have tried it. On top of that, my family makes this recipe every year, and I can promise you it’s delicious! Let me know if you try it.
Don says
Worked out So v Well!! Thank You so much for making our dinner So family memorable!!
Everyone Loved it+!
KromHawk says
How about actual measurable amounts? A package of sausage? What does that mean? Worthless.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
Thanks for the note -- I've updated the recipe with more specific measurements!
Thankful for Commonsense says
You can't ask a question any better than that? Maybe you should stick to the Stove Top box! I appreciate the recipe, and unlike rudeass here, I can figure out how much sausage to use. Thanks for your time posting the recipe here.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
I appreciate the support 🙂 But I do recognize that adding specific measurements does help everyone successfully make the recipe!
Rosa Edwards says
Awesome dressing! Thank you.
Sue says
Perfect easy, love it 5 star
Jeffery Ledford says
Well done! Yum-yum.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
Thanks Jeffery! Glad you enjoyed it.
Liz says
Perfect holiday stuffing recipe! So yummy and simple to make!
Sherri says
I agree that sausage is awesome in stuffing! We made a sweet potato sausage one last Thanksgiving and it was so delicious! Love this idea of making a stove top stuffing! You never do have enough room in the oven during the holidays! This looks amazing! 🙂
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
Ooh sweet potato and sausage sounds amazing! Thanks so much for the comment!
Teresa | Simply Made Fun says
I love stuffing for Thanksgiving and Christmas! I love your recipe, I'll have to try it once we get back from CA and do our at-home Christmas celebration!
Gennene says
Hi
You didn't say if you put the packet of seasoning in that comes in the box. Also is one 6oz box enough? One more thing- you didn't say if you bake it and for how long ? Thanks!
Madison Wetherill says
Hi Gennene!
It's a stove top recipe, so no baking needed! You can throw it in the oven at the end if you need to keep it warm. This is the kind of stuffing I use and the crumbs are already seasoned. (Link: http://amzn.to/2g8pE1W) It's a 14 oz bag, so if you're using a 6 oz bag/box, you'll need double! Hope that helps!
Stacia says
This sounds wonderful! I've been on a search for a gluten free stuffing that I can make this year. if I find one, I may have to try this method. Thank you for sharing!
Madison says
You're not the only one so I'm sure there has to be a recipe out there!
Susannah Brinkley says
Sausage just belongs in stuffing, in my opinion. My dad has a version that includes a bunch of different kinds of meats, but I love this simpler version. Thank you for the great idea.
Madison says
Oh, that would be interesting, too!
Kate says
LOVE stuffing...seriously, I can eat it year round, and recipes involving sausage are always my favorite. Your beautiful recipe widget is making me want to switch to WordPress, haha!
Madison says
Ha! It was one of the reasons I wanted to switch!
Jill says
It's a lovely tribute to your husband's grandmother to make this recipe 🙂 Plus is just plain sounds/looks like a great stuffing!
Madison says
It sure it good! 🙂
Rachel Walker says
There is nothing better than a family recipe! Those are the ones that I look forward to the most, for sure! This looks so delicious...We don't usually do stuffing--we're more of a 'dressing' family! I may have to convince Andrew to make this with me this year! YUM!
Madison says
Exactly! They're always the best 🙂 I never knew that there was a stuffing versus a dressing, but someone explained it to me recently!
Gina Alyse says
Wow!! All of this looks delicious! I love stuffing at Thanksgiving. This is making me crave it all right now!
Madison says
Only two more days until you can enjoy all the Thanksgiving deliciousness!
Erin says
Oh my goodness, Madison! This sounds SO GOOD, and I love that you're carrying on your husband's family tradition with this recipe. Don't ya love being introduced to something SO good that you can't go back to whatever you knew before?
Madison says
Yes! It's the best way to discover new recipes 🙂
Becca says
I made a stuffing similar to this one last year and it was a hit! I'll have to try out your version next!
Madison says
Awesome! It's a great one 🙂
Meghan B. says
Ooooo this looks so delish! I LOVE sausage and putting it in stuffing?! GAH so good.
Madison says
I hope you can try it someday!! So tasty 🙂
Britney says
this looks so good! Stuffing is one of my favorite parts of thanksgiving! 🙂
Madison says
Me too! Even though I didn't like it for years.. I was so weird, what is there not to like!?
SFM says
Stuffing is THE BEST part of the Thanksgiving meal. You can't not have it. Period. That being said, this looks SO good! I'm loving all of these recipes--such great inspiration!
Madison says
I agree, it's definitely a must have! 🙂
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Family recipes are the best, especially for the holidays! This stuffing sounds really good. I love the addition of pork sausage. I'll have to try it!
Madison says
I love them, tried and true is always a weight off my shoulders when you have guests!
Cassie Lee says
I AM SO HUNGRY. I need to find a good gluten free stuffing!
Madison says
Yes you do!! 🙂
Nina B says
This looks so good. I love stuffing. And I love using family recipes.
Madison says
Me too!! 🙂
Hayley says
Totally agree that stovetop stuffing is much more moist! I do love stuffing, though! I have never heard of anyone using sausage, but adding breakfast sausage to pretty much anything just makes it more delicious! It adds so much flavor!
Madison says
Y'all should definitely try it! It is so so good! Or just come by my house this weekend and get some leftovers 😉
Katie says
YUM! Stuffing is my favorite part of Thanksgiving. 🙂 My mom and I are going to figure out a way to make GF stuffing so I can enjoy it too. Yours looks so tasty! Happy #blogsgivingdinner!
Madison says
I hope you can find a way to make it GF! I would hate for you to miss out on stuffing- so yummy!
Pamela Jackson says
It smells luscious! We'll see what it tastes like tomorrow.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
It's one of the best smells to fill the house 🙂 I hope you enjoyed it!