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Savory Spelt Stuffing Recipe with Sausage and Sage

savory spelt stuffing - featured image

This hearty holiday stuffing features nutty spelt bread, savory sausage, and aromatic sage for a comforting side dish with a wholesome twist. Perfect for festive gatherings, it’s easy to customize and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz spelt bread (about 8 cups), cut into 3/4-inch cubes, day-old or lightly toasted
  • 14 oz pork sausage, casing removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried sage)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped chestnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut spelt bread into 3/4-inch cubes. If fresh, spread on a baking tray and toast at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 6-7 minutes until veggies soften and onions turn translucent. Add garlic, sage, and thyme; stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted spelt cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and parsley. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold in chestnuts, cranberries, or Parmesan if using.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together broth and eggs. Pour over stuffing ingredients and gently toss until bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. If mixture feels dry, add up to 1/2 cup more broth.
  6. Transfer stuffing to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavor and moisture.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until top is golden and slightly crisp. For extra crispy edges, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
  8. Let stuffing cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or toasted bread for best texture. Vegetarian and gluten-free adaptations are easy—swap sausage for mushrooms and use GF bread. Letting the mixture rest before baking ensures moist, flavorful stuffing. Add-ins like chestnuts, cranberries, or Parmesan are optional for extra holiday flair.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, spelt bread, sausage, sage, holiday side, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy stuffing, savory stuffing, comfort food