World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a stuffing recipe that will steal the show at your holiday table, you’ve come to the right place with this World’s Best Stuffing Recipe. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining soft textures inside with crispy edges that everyone loves. What makes this stuffing special is the delightful mix of savory beef sausage and fresh vegetables, all brought together with rich broth. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this stuffing will quickly become a beloved staple in your home!

Not only is it perfect for festive gatherings, but it’s also an easy option for busy weeknights. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, allowing you to adapt it to what you have on hand. Plus, it’s always a hit with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip this up without stress.
• Family favorite: The combination of flavors and textures makes it appealing to all ages.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—perfect for busy holiday cooking!
• Versatile dish: Enjoy it not just during holidays but any time of year as a comforting side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful stuffing! Each element plays a vital role in creating that rich flavor and comforting texture.

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

This World’s Best Stuffing Recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you want to keep it vegetarian.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Herb up: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor profiles.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread options instead of traditional bread to make this accessible for everyone.

How to Make World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onion, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Cook these until they’re soft and golden—this step brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your stuffing.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

Next, add the beef sausage to the 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 infuse your stuffing with savory goodness!

Step 3: Prepare Bread

In a large bowl, combine your thawed bread dumplings or cubed French bread. This is where all those delicious flavors will come together!

Step 4: Combine Mixture

Gently fold the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture into the bowl of bread cubes. Be careful not to crush the bread; we want those lovely textures intact.

Step 5: Add Liquids

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and broth until well combined. Pour this over your bread mixture and stir until every piece is coated evenly—this ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. That crispy surface is what we’re after!

Step 7: Rest

Once baked, let your stuffing rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps set everything beautifully—and trust me; that little wait will be worth it when you dig in!

Pro Tips for Making World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Creating the perfect stuffing is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve that ideal balance of flavors and textures.

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs more liquid without becoming mushy, giving your stuffing a better texture. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
• Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or sage add a burst of flavor that elevates your stuffing from good to unforgettable. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite mix!
• Let It Rest: Allowing the stuffing to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier. This resting period also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or different types of vegetables. This versatility allows you to make the recipe your own and cater to your family’s tastes.
• Check for Moisture: Before baking, ensure your mixture is moist but not overly soggy. You want it to be flavorful without becoming too wet during cooking.

How to Serve World’s Best Stuffing Recipe

Presenting this delicious stuffing can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sage on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cranberry Sauce: A side of homemade cranberry sauce adds a sweet tang that complements the savory stuffing beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs provides a colorful and healthy contrast that pairs perfectly with stuffing.
• Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish brings together creamy mushrooms and tender green beans for a comforting combination that everyone loves.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite, providing a smooth texture that balances well with the crispy edges of the stuffing.
• Gravy: A rich vegetarian gravy drizzled over the stuffing adds moisture and enhances its flavor profile, making every bite even more satisfying.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress your guests with what truly is the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe! Enjoy every moment of cooking and sharing this delightful dish with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This stuffing recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, ensuring that your holiday dinner goes off without a hitch. Here’s how to store and make the most of your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place in a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this stuffing recipe:

How can I make the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this stuffing vegetarian by replacing the beef breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth as well!

Can I use stale bread for the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, stale bread works wonderfully in stuffing recipes because it absorbs liquids better. Just be sure to cube it into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I serve with the World’s Best Stuffing Recipe?

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile side that complements many main dishes.

How do I add more flavor to my World’s Best Stuffing Recipe?

Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices! Adding fresh herbs like sage or thyme can elevate the flavor profile. You can also include diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this World’s Best Stuffing Recipe as much as I do! It brings warmth and joy to any gathering, creating cherished memories around the table. Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know how it turned out—happy cooking!