Best Turkey Stuffing Recipe with Sausage and Chestnuts

Looking for the ultimate turkey stuffing recipe? This cherished family favorite is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner! Thanks to one secret ingredient, Italian sausage, it strikes a delightful balance between savory and sweet. Paired with aromatic chestnuts and fresh herbs, this dish will become your new holiday tradition.

As a mom, one thing I can always count on during Thanksgiving is my kids asking, “Are you making your stuffing?” I know I must make at least two batches—one for the big Thanksgiving dinner and another for the next day because there are never any leftovers! It’s always

Ingredients for the Best Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Bread and Sausage Base:

• Sourdough Bread Cubes: The foundation of any great turkey stuffing recipe! Sourdough provides a hearty, rustic texture that absorbs all the delicious flavors while adding substance.
• Italian Sausage (No Casing): This is my secret ingredient! The sausage infuses savory, slightly spicy notes throughout the stuffing, creating that irresistible flavor everyone loves.

Vegetables and Herbs:

• Leek: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that brings wonderful depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Celery: Provides that classic stuffing crunch and a slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and butter.
• Fennel: This might surprise you, but fennel brings a subtle sweetness with hints of anise that complements the savory elements beautifully.
• Steamed Chestnuts: These add a nutty, earthy essence that makes this stuffing truly special. They’re what sets this recipe apart!
• Italian Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens everything up with its herbaceous flavor and adds a lovely pop of color.

Liquid and Seasonings:

• Turkey or Chicken Broth: This keeps your stuffing moist and flavorful—the key to avoiding dry stuffing!
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together with a silky, luxurious texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and ensuring perfect seasoning.
• Caraway Seeds: A hint of earthy, aromatic complexity that adds an unexpected layer of flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage (Chopped): The holy trinity of Thanksgiving herbs! These provide that classic holiday aroma and flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Stuffing

Choosing and Preparing Your Bread:

• Use stale, dried bread for maximum flavor absorption. I air-dry my homemade bread for at least two days before using it. French, Italian, sourdough, or brioche all work beautifully and add wonderful flavor.
• The drier, the better! Dry bread soaks up all that delicious broth and sausage flavor without getting mushy.

Working with Italian Sausage:

• Choose mild Italian sausage to keep the flavors balanced. You want it to enhance, not overpower, the other ingredients.
• Easy casing removal trick: Slice off the ends, make a small incision along the length, then use a paper towel to grip and peel away the casing effortlessly. Game-changer!

The Secret to Perfect Moisture:

• Add the broth gradually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures every piece of bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
• Look for this texture: The bread should be moist and flavorful but not soggy, with no liquid pooling at the bottom of your bowl.

Make-Ahead Magic:

• Save yourself stress on Thanksgiving Day! Mix all ingredients up to three days before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
• Bake from cold: Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, or add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Customization Ideas:

• Add sweetness: Diced apples or dried cranberries bring a lovely sweet contrast.
• Add crunch: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans add texture and nutty depth.
• Make it yours: This recipe is forgiving; feel free to adjust herbs and add-ins to suit your family’s tastes!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes Made Easy

Let’s create a delectable Thanksgiving feast! Start with a succulent oven-roasted herb turkey, beautifully seasoned and roasted to golden perfection. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans topped with crispy shallots, and a generous serving of classic mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. For dessert, indulge in a velvety Pumpkin Tart that embodies the essence of autumn, or savor a slice of deep-dish Apple Pie filled with cinnamon-kissed apples. Don’t forget to include a dish of roasted Brussels sprouts to add wholesome goodness to your holiday spread.

Gather your loved ones this Thanksgiving and enjoy a memorable feast with delicious flavors and cherished traditions.