Perfect Jimmy Dean Sausage Stuffing Recipe for Holidays

The best stuffing recipe with Jimmy Dean sausage combines 1 pound of Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage, 8 cups of cubed day-old bread, 1 cup of diced onions, 1 cup of diced celery, 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 eggs, and classic herbs. Cook sausage first, then mix with other ingredients and bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and set. This holiday stuffing recipe serves 8-10 people and pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.

Why Jimmy Dean Sausage Makes Perfect Holiday Stuffing

When preparing traditional holiday stuffing, incorporating Jimmy Dean sausage elevates the flavor profile with its perfect balance of herbs and savory pork. The pre-seasoned nature of Jimmy Dean sausage eliminates guesswork in seasoning, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. This stuffing recipe with Jimmy Dean sausage has become a Thanksgiving staple because it delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Sausage Stuffing

Using quality ingredients ensures your Jimmy Dean sausage dressing turns out moist and flavorful every time. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage	1 pound	Breakfast style, casings removed
Dry bread cubes	8 cups	Day-old French or sourdough bread works best
Yellow onion, diced	1 cup	Yellow onions provide the best flavor balance
Celery, diced	1 cup	Include some celery leaves for extra flavor
Chicken broth	2 cups	Low-sodium preferred for better control
Eggs, beaten	2 large	Binds ingredients together
Sage	1 tablespoon	Fresh preferred, dried works too
Thyme	1 teaspoon	Adds earthy notes
Butter	2 tablespoons	For sautéing vegetables

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing every holiday season:

1. Prepare bread cubes: Cut day-old bread into ½-inch cubes and spread on baking sheets. Let sit uncovered for several hours or overnight to dry slightly.
2. Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage, breaking into small pieces, until browned (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet with reserved sausage drippings, melt butter and cook onions and celery until softened (5-7 minutes).
4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add liquids: Whisk eggs and chicken broth together, then pour over bread mixture. Gently toss until evenly moistened but not soggy.
6. Bake: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-25 minutes until top is golden brown and center reaches 165°F.

Professional Cooking Tips for Best Results

These expert tips will elevate your Jimmy Dean sausage dressing from good to exceptional:

• Bread selection matters: Use a combination of bread types (like sourdough and French bread) for more complex texture in your easy stuffing recipe with Jimmy Dean sausage
• Don't skip the drying step: Properly dried bread cubes absorb liquid without becoming mushy - crucial for perfect sausage stuffing texture
• Temperature check: Insert a thermometer into the center; stuffing should reach 165°F for food safety
• Rest before serving: Let stuffing rest 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and better texture
• Moisture control: If stuffing seems dry before baking, add more broth ¼ cup at a time until properly moistened

Delicious Variations to Try

Customize this versatile Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Apple & Pecan: Add 1 cup diced apples and ½ cup toasted pecans for a sweet-savory twist on traditional sausage dressing
• Spicy Southwest: Use Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage and add 1 diced jalapeño, 1 cup corn, and 1 teaspoon cumin
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free bread and ensure broth is certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions
• Vegan Option: While not using Jimmy Dean sausage, create a plant-based version with mushrooms, lentils, and vegan sausage alternative
• Breakfast Stuffing: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup maple syrup for a brunch-friendly version of this sausage stuffing recipe

Serving and Storage Recommendations

Maximize your holiday meal experience with these serving suggestions and storage tips:

For the best presentation, serve your Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing in a decorative dish alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. The savory flavors complement traditional holiday dishes perfectly.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To restore freshness, add 1-2 tablespoons of broth per cup of stuffing before reheating. Cover and warm in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving large portions as it can make stuffing rubbery.

Common Questions About Sausage Stuffing

Can I make Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing up to one day in advance. Assemble the stuffing but don't bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a cold dish.

What's the best Jimmy Dean sausage for stuffing?

Jimmy Dean Original Pork Sausage works best for traditional stuffing due to its balanced seasoning. For more flavor, try Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage or Jimmy Dean Maple Sausage for a sweet variation. Avoid heavily smoked varieties that might overpower other holiday dishes.

Why is my sausage stuffing too dry?

Stuffing becomes dry when bread isn't properly hydrated or when overbaked. Ensure your bread cubes are moistened evenly with broth mixture before baking. If already dry, add additional warm broth or melted butter, cover, and return to oven for 10-15 minutes.

Can I cook stuffing inside the turkey with Jimmy Dean sausage?

Food safety experts recommend cooking stuffing separately from poultry. When cooked inside turkey, sausage stuffing may not reach safe temperatures (165°F) without overcooking the bird. Baking separately ensures proper food safety and better texture for your Jimmy Dean sausage dressing.

How do I fix soggy sausage stuffing?

If your stuffing is too moist, spread it in an even layer on a baking sheet and return to oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Stir once during baking to promote even drying. Next time, reduce broth by ¼ cup or use drier bread cubes for your Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing recipe.