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3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Stuffing

This simple 3-ingredient stuffing offers a festive twist on a classic side dish, combining savoury Italian-style sausage with the sweetness of cranberry and nut bread. By using high-quality shop-bought bread, you introduce complex flavours and textures without the need for a long list of herbs and spices. The sausage meat provides a rich, high-protein base that ensures every bite is deeply satisfying and full of moisture.

Perfect for a traditional Sunday roast or a festive gathering, this versatile recipe is incredibly easy to prepare in advance. The combination of crunchy celery and toasted nuts provides a lovely contrast to the softened bread. Serve it alongside roasted poultry or use it as a hearty filling for seasonal vegetables to create a comforting, homemade meal that saves you time in the kitchen.

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Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Stuffing

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for pan

  • 675g sweet Italian sausage, casing removed

  • 3 large celery stalks, sliced crosswise into 1/4" pieces (about 2 cups)

  • plus whole leaves for serving (optional)

  • 2 (1-pound) loaves cranberry-nut bread, cut into 1" cubes

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 177°C. Oil a 3-qt. baking dish. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Cook sausage, breaking up into pieces with the back of a spoon, until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add sliced celery and continue to cook, stirring often, until sausage is cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Transfer sausage mixture with drippings to a large bowl. Add bread and toss to combine.

Add 475ml water to hot skillet; heat over medium-high, scraping up brown bits with a spoon; season with salt and pepper. Pour over bread mixture, then toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.

Bake stuffing 40 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until top is lightly browned and crisp, 20–25 minutes more. Top with celery leaves, if desired.

Stuffing can be made 4 hours ahead; store at room temperature and rewarm before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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