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    Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving

    Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe

    5 from 2 votes

    Published Nov 7, 2023 (updated Sep 4, 2024) by Chandice Probst · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe pin

    This old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe brings the heartwarming essence of Thanksgiving to the table. With wholesome sautéd vegetables, tender sausage, and slightly sweet apples, this recipe embodies the flavors of fall that leaves everyone reaching for seconds.

    Made in under 40 minutes it's easy yet impressive. So whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or having a cozy family dinner, this stuffing makes a nostalgic, yet easy, homely side dish.

    Traditional thanksgiving dressing recipe with apples and sausage in a casserole dish

    One of my favorite things about this recipe is its ability to bring that homemade, grandma's cooking, feel to the table. But, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Any easy, yet wholesome recipe, that cooks of all levels can chef up in no time.

    Dig into this stuffing recipe for a delightful combination of textures and tastes that pair well with almost any Thanksgiving main dish. The toasted bread has a satisfying crunch contrasted with tender sausage and vegetables. Pair with the classic roast turkey, Thanksgiving ham, homemade corn bread, mashed potatoes, and wash down with the best Thanksgiving punch.

    Although this easy side dish is perfect for the holiday season, it's not limited to just Thanksgiving. The just like this fall charcuterie board, the versatility extends beyond the Thanksgiving table by making a great side or main for potlucks, family dinners, or any special occasion.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It has a timeless flavor that brings the authentic taste of thanksgiving with every mouthful.
    • With easy steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to experienced cooks and beginners.
    • Whether a side dish or a main course, it's the star attraction at the Thanksgiving table.
    • There are tons of different ways to customize this recipe for your liking.

    What you'll need for this Thanksgiving stuffing

    • Sausage - This brings a savory depth to the dish while also adding a source of protein.
    • Bread - Bread provides the base to this recipe, absorbing all the juicy flavors. Day-old bread works best but you can use whatever type you like.
    • Chicken broth - This ensures the dressing turns our moist with a rich taste.
    • Apples - You can use dried apple chips or fresh diced apples. While Granny Smith and fuji varieties are my favorites, any will do.
    • Veggies - Fresh vegetables like onion, carrots, and Brussels sprouts not only are packed with a variety of nutrients, but they also add a pop of color and flavor.
    • Butter - Can swap for vegan butter, olive oil, or avocado oil.
    • Spices - My go-to's are onion powder, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary but feel free to throw in some of your favorite spices or fresh herbs.
    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage apple image

    What type of bread works best for traditional stuffing?

    For this classic stuffing recipe, there are many different types of bread that will work. I prefer to use sourdough bread, french bread, or white bread but you can use any kind of bread.

    It is important to note that stale bread will work best at absorbing moisture while maintaining texture so let your bread sit out for a day if you can. I do not recommend using bread crumbs in place of homemade dry bread cubes. 

    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage sliced bread

    Can I use a different type of sausage for this homemade stuffing recipe?

    Yes, you can experiment with spicy Italian sausage, sage-infused sausage, or plant-based sausage for different flavor profiles. Some sausages may have different fat contents so it's important to drain any excess grease.

    How to make old fashioned thanksgiving dressing

    Step 1: Fry

    In a large skillet, fry the sausage with seasoning. Then add butter, vegetables, and rosemary until veggies are softened and the sausage is cooked.

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    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage uncooked veggies with cooked sausage in large skillet

    Step 2: Bread

    Dice the bread into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage cubed bread on a baking sheet image

    Step 3: Bake

    Place bread and sausage mixture into a large casserole dish. Pour chicken broth over everything and bake for 35 minutes.

    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage ingredients in skillet image

    Pro tip: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and the flavors to meld together, for a more cohesive dish.

    Variations

    There are tons of different ways to customize this recipe to your liking. You can also easily cater to any dietary restrictions.

    • Gluten-free - Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. I think that gluten-free sourdough bread works best but any will do.
    • Dairy-free - For a dairy free stuffing recipe, swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil.
    • Vegetarian - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian stuffing. If you omit the sausage you won't need as much liquid. 
    • Additional ingredients - Shallots, celery, fresh sage, chestnuts, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, peppers, and diced potatoes make great additions to this easy dressing recipe. These ingredients are optional and up to personal preferences. 
    Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage

    Storage

    Storing - Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the dressing cool to room temperature before storing. Reheat in a skillet with butter and chicken stock or in the microwave.

    Freezing - You can freeze leftover dressing in a freezer bag or airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop when you're ready to serve.

    More recipes you'll love

    • This pumpkin feta dip is a fun fall recipe that everyone will love.
    • If you're looking for something unique, try one of our seafood Thanksgiving ideas.
    • This white chocolate Christmas crack is a Christmas favorite but makes a great Thanksgiving dessert idea as well!
    • What's a holiday dinner without fun sparkling non-alcoholic drinks that everyone can enjoy.
    Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe in white dish with sausage

    Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe

    Author: Chandice
    This old fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe brings the heartwarming essence of Thanksgiving to the table. With wholesome sautéd vegetables, tender sausage, and slightly sweet apples, this recipe embodies the flavors of fall that leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
    Made in under 40 minutes it's easy yet impressive. So whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or having a cozy family dinner, this stuffing makes a nostalgic, yet easy, homely side dish to any holiday meal.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 202 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound breakfast sausage
    • 7 slices bread (we love gluten free)
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 2/3 cup apple chips chopped
    • 1/4 cup onion diced
    • 1/2 cup carrots diced
    • 1/3 cup shaved or diced Brussels sprouts
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 sprig fresh rosemary chopped
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • dash cracked black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
    • Fry sausage in a pan with salt, onion and garlic powder and black pepper, making sure to crumble the sausage
    • Add butter then saute carrots, onion, apple, Brussels sprouts and chopped rosemary until vegetables are softened and sausage cooked through
      Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage uncooked veggies with cooked sausage in large skillet
    • Meanwhile, dice the bread into cubes and spread out onto a baking sheet
      Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage sliced bread
    • Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees
      Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage cubed bread on a baking sheet image
    • Place bread cubes, sausage mixture and apples into a baking dish
    • Pour 1 cup chicken broth over everything evenly
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes
      Old fashioned thanksgiving dressing with apples and sausage

    Notes

    Variations

    There are tons of different ways to customize this recipe to your liking. You can also easily cater to any dietary restrictions. 
    • Gluten-free - Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. I think that gluten-free sourdough bread works best but any will do. 
    • Dairy-free - For a dairy free stuffing recipe, swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. 
    • Vegetarian - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian stuffing. If you omit the sausage you won't need as much liquid. 
    • Additional ingredients - Shallots, celery, fresh sage, chestnuts, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, peppers, and diced potatoes make great additions to this easy dressing recipe. These ingredients are optional and up to personal preferences. 

    Storage

    Storing - Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the dressing cool to room temperature before storing. Reheat in a skillet with butter and chicken stock or in the microwave.
    Freezing - You can freeze leftover dressing in a freezer bag or airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop when you're ready to serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 518mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1026IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Pam says

      November 09, 2023 at 12:44 am

      5 stars
      After making dressing homemade I’m positive I will never go back to store bought. This turned out SO good. I’m excited to use this recipe again this year!

      Reply

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