Our Favourite Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Cornbread
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This hearty sausage and cornbread stuffing is a high-protein take on a classic side dish, bringing together the savoury depth of pork sausage with the subtle sweetness of homemade cornbread. The combination of textures—the soft, herb-infused centre and the golden, crisp topping—makes it an essential accompaniment for a traditional roast turkey or chicken dinner. Using a mix of crusty country-style bread and cornbread ensures a complex flavour profile that is further elevated by fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Designed for stress-free entertaining, this versatile dish can be assembled a day in advance, allowing the flavours to develop beautifully overnight. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or looking for a comforting family side, this stuffing provides a satisfying, homemade touch to any meal. Serve it alongside seasonal roasted vegetables and a rich gravy for the ultimate balanced plate.
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Ingredients for Our Favourite Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Cornbread
110g (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
230g good-quality day-old crusty country-style or peasant bread, torn into 3/4" pieces (about 1200ml )
230g day-old cornbread, broken into 3/4" pieces (about 1200ml )
450g breakfast sausage links, casings removed, or ground breakfast sausage mix, broken up into 1/2" pieces
400g chopped onions (about 1 medium plus 1 large onion)
3 medium celery stalks, sliced
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped sage
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
A 13x9x2" or other 3-quart baking dish
How to make Our Favourite Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Cornbread
Preheat oven to 149°C. Butter baking dish; set aside. Arrange bread and cornbread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until completely dried out, 35–50 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet, then transfer to a very large bowl.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Break sausage into 1/2" pieces and cook, stirring and breaking up into smaller (about 1/4") pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with bread but do not stir.
Heat remaining 110g butter in same skillet over medium-high. Cook onions and celery, stirring often and scraping browned bits off bottom of pan, until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add to bowl with bread mixture and let cool.
Whisk eggs, broth, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add to bread mixture and fold gently until thoroughly combined.
Increase oven temperature to 177°C. Transfer mixture to prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake stuffing until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre registers 71°C, 40–45 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until set and top is browned and crisped, 45–50 minutes more.
Stuffing can be assembled, but not baked, 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature and bake according to recipe. Stuffing can be baked 1 day ahead. Let cool completely, then cover with foil and chill. Keep covered and bake in a 177°C oven until warmed through, 25–30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is crisped, 7–10 minutes more.
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.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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