Ultimate Bacon Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Hearty Bacon Sausage Stuffing in a white baking dish, rich with bread, meats, and fresh herbs, ready to serve.

Prepare for the ultimate holiday side dish that combines all your favorite savory flavors into one incredible bite. This Bacon Sausage Stuffing recipe delivers a hearty, smoky, and unbelievably delicious addition to any meal. Perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting family dinner, it promises a savory experience every time. Get ready for a simple yet impressive dish everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Sausage Stuffing

This incredible Bacon Sausage Stuffing is a holiday game-changer, but you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it.

  • It offers perfect savory and smoky flavors from the hearty bacon and sausage.
  • This stuffing recipe is incredibly moist and tender, never dry or crumbly.
  • It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal you want to elevate.
  • Easily feed a crowd with this generous and satisfying slow cooker preparation.
  • The simple slow cooker method makes preparation effortless for busy home cooks.

Ingredients

Making this flavorful Bacon Sausage Stuffing begins with a selection of readily available ingredients that pack a punch. You’ll need:

  • 1 pound bulk sausage
  • 1 pound thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 celery ribs, sliced
  • 10-1/2 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 teaspoons dried sage leaves
  • 4 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1-1/4 cups chicken stock

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this hearty stuffing to your taste. For the sausage, choose mild, hot Italian, or sage varieties. Any thick-cut bacon works beautifully for a rich, smoky flavor. Feel free to use cornbread or artisanal bread stuffing cubes for a different texture. Canned sliced mushrooms are a convenient alternative to fresh. Adjust the amounts of sage and thyme to suit your personal preference. Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if you prefer. Finally, vegetable broth makes a great substitute for chicken stock.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you start ensures a smooth cooking process. You will need:

  • Large skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 6-qt. slow cooker
  • Meat thermometer

Instructions

Creating this delicious Bacon Sausage Stuffing is straightforward with these simple steps. This recipe makes holiday cooking a breeze, especially when using a slow cooker.

  1. Cook Sausage: Begin by browning your bulk sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook it for 6-8 minutes, or until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Set the cooked sausage aside.
  2. Cook Bacon: Add the chopped thick-sliced bacon strips to the same skillet. Cook them over medium heat until they become deliciously crisp. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain, then set it aside. Discard any remaining drippings from the pan, and carefully wipe out the skillet to prepare for the next step.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the now-clean skillet, melt the cubed butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced celery to the pan. Cook and stir these aromatics for 6-8 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly softened. Remove the skillet from the heat once finished.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unseasoned stuffing cubes. Add the cooked sausage, crisp bacon, and the sautéed onion and celery mixture to the bowl. Stir in the sliced fresh mushrooms, chopped fresh parsley, dried sage leaves, and dried thyme. Toss everything gently to mix well.
  5. Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk the 6 large eggs until well combined. Add both cans of undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup to the eggs. Pour in the 1-1/4 cups of chicken stock and mix well with the whisk until the liquid mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Moisten Stuffing: Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the dry stuffing ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the stuffing mixture is fully coated and moistened. Take care not to overmix, which can break down the bread cubes.
  7. Slow Cook: Transfer the entire moistened Bacon Sausage Stuffing mixture to a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the stuffing evenly in the slow cooker insert. Cook the stuffing, covered, on the low setting for 4-5 hours.

The USDA recommends cooking ground meats and sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.

Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a reliable meat thermometer for food safety.

  1. Rest and Serve: Once the stuffing is cooked through, remove the lid from the slow cooker. Let the Bacon Sausage Stuffing stand for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate savory side dish!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your Bacon Sausage Stuffing turns out perfect every time with these helpful tips.

  • Crispy Bacon/Sausage: Cook bacon and sausage in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures they crisp up nicely instead of steaming.
  • Flavor Boost: Don’t discard all the bacon or sausage drippings. Leave a tablespoon or two in the pan to sauté your vegetables for extra savory depth.
  • Prevent Soggy Stuffing: Measure liquids precisely. Too much liquid can lead to a dense, soggy texture.
  • Even Cooking: Spread your stuffing mixture evenly in the slow cooker. This promotes uniform cooking and prevents dry spots or undercooked areas.
  • Add Moisture: If your stuffing seems a bit dry after cooking, drizzle in a little extra warm chicken broth, stirring gently, to achieve your desired moisture level.
  • Prepping Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and cook the meats a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then combine the day of cooking.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the stuffing reaches 160°F. This is crucial for food safety.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Bacon Sausage Stuffing is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this savory stuffing as a star side dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken. Offer it alongside other holiday favorites like green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. A generous drizzle of homemade gravy elevates the flavors even further.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the cooked stuffing to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat baked or slow-cooked stuffing in the oven, covered, at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. For small portions, microwave until warm.

Variations

Get creative with your Bacon Sausage Stuffing using these ideas. Try cornbread or artisan bread for different bread types. Swap bulk sausage for Italian or chicken sausage to change the flavor profile. Add diced apples, dried cranberries, or toasted pecans for sweetness and crunch. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a spicy kick. Experiment with other herbs like fresh rosemary or marjoram. For a vegetarian option, omit the meats and use vegetable broth, adding extra mushrooms or other vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your food helps you make informed choices. This Bacon Sausage Stuffing offers a hearty profile.

Per serving (3/4 cup), you can expect:

  • Calories: 290 calories
  • Fat Content: 17g fat (6g saturated fat)
  • Cholesterol Content: 89mg cholesterol
  • Sodium Content: 823mg sodium
  • Carbohydrate Content: 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber)
  • Protein Content: 11g protein.

FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about making this fantastic Bacon Sausage Stuffing.

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble the stuffing mixture the day before. Cover and refrigerate it, then cook as directed when ready.

Can I bake this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.


How do I prevent my stuffing from becoming soggy?

Ensure you drain the cooked meats thoroughly and measure your liquids precisely. Overmixing can also contribute to sogginess, so toss gently.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stuffing cubes?

Yes, you can cube day-old bread and dry it out in the oven (at 250°F/120°C for 20-30 minutes) before using it. This will provide a similar texture to store-bought cubes.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this Bacon Sausage Stuffing freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Bacon Sausage Stuffing truly stands out as a delicious, savory, and incredibly easy side dish. Its rich combination of smoky bacon and savory sausage, combined with aromatic herbs, creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes holiday cooking simple and stress-free. We encourage you to try this ultimate savory stuffing for your next gathering or family meal. Share your comments and photos; we love seeing your culinary creations!

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Hearty Bacon Sausage Stuffing in a white baking dish, rich with bread, meats, and fresh herbs, ready to serve.

Ultimate Bacon Sausage Stuffing Recipe

This hearty slow cooker stuffing features savory bulk pork sausage, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful blend of herbs. Mixed with eggs, cream of chicken soup, and chicken stock, it’s cooked to perfection for an ultimate holiday side dish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Large bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Greased 6-qt slow cooker
  • Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound bulk sausage
  • 1 pound thick-sliced bacon strips chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter cubed
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 ribs celery sliced
  • 10-1/2 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
  • 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 teaspoons dried sage leaves
  • 4 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10-3/4 ounces each), undiluted
  • 1-1/4 cups chicken stock

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles, then remove and drain.
  • Cook bacon until crisp, drain, then wipe the pan. In the same pan, cook onion and celery in butter until tender.
  • Combine stuffing cubes, cooked meats, onion mixture, mushrooms, parsley, sage, and thyme in a large bowl. Whisk eggs, soup, and stock, then pour over the stuffing and toss to coat.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 6-qt slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until it reaches 160°F. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the stuffing reaches 160°F (71°C) internal temperature for food safety, and adjust seasoning to taste before slow cooking.

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