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There’s something about the comforting aroma of bread, herbs, and sizzling sausage that instantly makes you feel at home. Sausage and chestnut stuffing is more than just a side dish it’s a nostalgic embrace of holiday gatherings, laughter around the table, and recipes passed down through generations. As you prepare this dish, you’re creating not only a flavorful stuffing but also a centerpiece of warmth for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Chestnut Stuffing
This recipe combines the savory richness of sweet Italian sausage with the earthy sweetness of chestnuts, balanced by aromatic herbs and the subtle sweetness of apple cider. It’s a perfect blend of textures crisp edges and a moist center that will complement roasted turkey, chicken, or even stand alone with a fresh green salad.
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The Best Sausage Chestnut Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A warm, savory holiday stuffing filled with sweet Italian sausage, earthy chestnuts, aromatic herbs, and apple cider-soaked bread cubes, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old cornbread
- 6 cups cubed country white bread
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup roasted or steamed chestnuts, peeled & quartered
- 1 cup sweet apple cider
- 2–2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken/turkey stock
- 2 large eggs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Toastbread cubes 50–65 minutes.
2. Raise oven to 375°F. Butter baking dish.
3. Cook sausage in butter until browned. Remove.
4. Add more butter, sauté celery & onions 8–10 minutes. Add herbs & seasonings.
5. Mix bread cubes with sausage, vegetables, parsley, chestnuts.
6. Add apple cider & 1 cup stock. Season.
7. Beat eggs with 1/2 cup stock. Add to mixture. Adjust moisture.
8. Transfer to dish. Dot with butter.
9. Cover & bake 30 minutes. Uncover & bake 15–20 minutes, until golden & 165°F.
10. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Dry bread for best texture.
Adjust stock gradually.
Use high-quality chestnuts.
Can be made ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Sausage Chestnut Stuffing
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed day-old cornbread | 6 cups (about 1 pound) | ½–¾ inch cubes |
| Cubed country white bread | 6 cups (about ⅔ pound) | ½–¾ inch cubes |
| Sweet Italian sausage | 1 pound | Casings removed |
| Unsalted butter | 8 tablespoons | Divided |
| Diced celery | 1 cup | ¼-inch dice |
| Diced yellow onion | 1 ½ cups | ¼-inch dice |
| Fresh sage | 2 tablespoons | Chopped |
| Fresh thyme | 2 teaspoons | Chopped |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 teaspoon | Chopped |
| Poultry seasoning | ¼ teaspoon | Bell’s recommended |
| Flat-leaf parsley | ¼ cup | Chopped |
| Roasted/steamed chestnuts | 1 cup | Peeled & quartered |
| Sweet apple cider | 1 cup | Adds depth of flavor |
| Low-sodium chicken/turkey stock | 2–2 ½ cups | Adjust for moisture level |
| Large eggs | 2 | Lightly beaten |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste | Diamond Crystal preferred |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & prepare bread cubes
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Spread cubed cornbread and white bread evenly on baking sheets. Bake 50–65 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely. - Increase oven temperature & prepare baking dish
Set oven to 375°F. Butter a 3-quart gratin dish or a 13×9 baking dish. - Cook the sausage
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage, breaking into crumbles. Remove with a slotted spoon; set aside. - Sauté vegetables & herbs
Add 4 tablespoons butter to skillet. Sauté celery and onions for 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir in sage, thyme, rosemary, poultry seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Cook 1 minute. - Combine bread, sausage, vegetables, and chestnuts
Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Add sausage, vegetable mixture, parsley, and chestnuts. Toss gently. - Add liquids
Pour apple cider and 1 cup stock over mixture. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb. Adjust seasoning. - Incorporate eggs
Beat eggs with ½ cup stock. Mix gently into stuffing. Assess moisture bread should be moist but not mushy. Add stock in ¼ cup increments if needed. - Bake stuffing
Transfer to prepared dish, dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15–20 minutes until golden and 165°F in center. - Rest & serve
Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Sausage Chestnut Stuffing
- Drying the bread: Dry bread ensures it absorbs liquids evenly and avoids a gummy texture.
- Moisture control: Adjust stock gradually; over-soaking leads to mushy stuffing.
- Chestnut choice: Pre-roasted or steamed chestnuts yield better flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to the final baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing with:
- Roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday setup.
- A side of cranberry relish for tart contrast.
- A crisp winter salad as a lighter balance.
FAQ – Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare up to step 8, refrigerate overnight, and bake before serving.
Can I use stale bread instead of toasting?
Toasting develops flavor and texture, but stale bread can be used in a pinch.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Mild chicken sausage or plant-based sausage works well for lighter variations.
Does this recipe work for stuffing a bird?
Yes, but ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F inside the bird for food safety.
Conclusion – A Holiday Table Essential
Sausage and chestnut stuffing isn’t just a recipe it’s a tradition. As you make it, you’re building memories, savoring aromas, and creating a dish that tells a story of togetherness. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this stuffing will be one of the highlights of your holiday meal.