World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious addition to your holiday table, you’ve come to the right place! This World’s Best Stuffing Recipe is one that my family looks forward to every year. The combination of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich broth creates a dish that is soft on the inside, crispy on the edges, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones or simply enjoying a family dinner, this stuffing is sure to be a hit!

I love how easy it is to prepare this stuffing. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Plus, it’s always nice to have a recipe that pleases everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Experience the savory goodness of sausage mixed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can have this dish ready without breaking a sweat.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves stuffing! It’s a dish that brings people together around the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stuffing in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays or as a comforting side for any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this stuffing truly special, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these items for your World’s Best Stuffing Recipe:

For the Stuffing

• 1 16-ounce package beef breakfast sausage
• 2 cups celery (diced)
• 2 cups onion (diced)
• 2 cups mushrooms (diced) (optional)
• 1 stick butter
• 2 boxes bread dumplings (thawed and cubed or 6–8 cups French bread, cubed)
• 1 32-ounce carton chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• Poultry seasoning (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: fresh parsley (sage, celery seed, or celery salt)

Variations

One of the best things about this stuffing recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative.
• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes for a safe option.
• Spice it up: Add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes if you like your stuffing with a kick!

How to Make World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the diced celery, onion, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Cook for 8–10 minutes until they soften and become golden brown. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your stuffing.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

Now it’s time to add the beef breakfast sausage to your skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until browned. Season generously with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a savory base that you’ll mix into your bread later.

Step 3: Prepare Bread

While your sausage is cooking away, grab a large bowl and combine your thawed bread dumplings or French bread cubes. This will be the fluffy foundation of your stuffing!

Step 4: Combine Mixture

Once your sausage and vegetable mixture is ready, pour it over the bowl of bread cubes. Gently toss everything together until well combined. This step ensures each piece of bread gets coated in those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add Liquids

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated. The liquids will help bind everything together as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden color on top; that’s what you’re aiming for!

Step 7: Rest

Once baked to perfection, let your stuffing rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This little pause allows flavors to meld beautifully — trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Now you’re ready to enjoy one of life’s greatest comfort foods! This World’s Best Stuffing Recipe will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite at every gathering you host!

Pro Tips for Making World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Making the perfect stuffing doesn’t have to be daunting! With these helpful tips, you’ll create a delicious side dish that everyone will rave about.

• Use Day-Old Bread: Using stale bread helps absorb the liquid better, leading to a heartier texture. Fresh bread may become mushy, while day-old bread maintains its structure and flavor.
• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs beyond poultry seasoning. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a unique twist and elevate the overall flavor profile of your stuffing.
• Adjust Liquid Levels: Depending on how dry your bread is, you might need to adjust the amount of broth or milk. Start with less and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency—moist but not soggy!
• Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to include other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. This not only enhances flavors but also gives your stuffing a beautiful presentation.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the stuffing to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive dish.

How to Serve World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Presenting your stuffing in an appealing way can make all the difference at your holiday table. Here are some fun ideas for showcasing this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich stuffing.
• Chopped Nuts: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans on top provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings vibrant colors and flavors that pair perfectly with stuffing.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the stuffing, providing a refreshing contrast that balances out your meal.
• Green Bean Casserole: This classic side dish adds creamy comfort alongside your savory stuffing, making for a satisfying holiday feast.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit. They provide an excellent base for gravy, which complements both the stuffing and any other main dishes you serve.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re ready to delight your guests with the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe! Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This World’s Best Stuffing Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with loved ones during the holidays.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for about 3-4 days.
• Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• You can add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use a different type of sausage in the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage if you prefer. Both options will give a delicious flavor while keeping it meat-free.

What bread works best for the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe?

Any sturdy bread will work well, but French bread or sourdough is recommended for its texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s cubed before using!

Can I make this stuffing recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the beef breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.

How do I make my stuffing crispier?

To achieve a crispier topping, bake uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes. This allows the top to brown beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this World’s Best Stuffing Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a special dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoy every flavorful bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!