Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe

This savory, comforting Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe is made with boxed stuffing mix and sweet Italian sausage, ready in 60 minutes. The crispy, golden crust gives way to a deeply seasoned, tender center that smells exactly like the holidays. I rely on this easy shortcut every single Thanksgiving.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to spend hours chopping and drying bread for stuffing until I realized how easily a boxed mix can be upgraded. By tossing in fresh celery, onions, and browned sausage, the dish tastes completely homemade without the hassle.

The first time I tried this shortcut, I actually poured in too much broth and ruined the texture. I learned to stick to exactly one and a half cups of liquid to get those irresistible crispy edges.

Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe Ingredients

• 1 box (5.5 oz) Trader Joe’s Stuffing Mix (Cornbread or Turkey)
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped sage
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

How To Make Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage, and cook for 8 minutes until browned and crumbled. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the onion and celery. Cook for about 6 minutes until softened, stirring in the fresh sage at the end.
4. Combine the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the boxed stuffing mix, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and toss gently until moistened.
5. Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crispy.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix: Tossing the bread cubes too aggressively will break them down into a mushy paste.
• Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh sage or thyme cuts through the richness of the sausage and butter.
• Watch the salt: The boxed mix and sausage both contain sodium, so avoid adding extra salt until you taste it.

What To Serve With Stuffing

This rich side dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or a glazed baked ham. I also like serving it alongside bright green beans or a tart cranberry sauce to balance the savory flavors.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this cooked stuffing for up to 2 months, reheating it in the oven to restore the crispy top.

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it right before serving.
• Do I have to use sausage? Not at all. You can swap the sausage for mushrooms or simply leave it out for a vegetarian version.
• Why is my stuffing too dry? Dry stuffing usually happens if you overbake it or skimp on the broth. Drizzle a little extra broth over the top before reheating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
• Protein: 12 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
• Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Holiday Hash Recipe

Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Trader Joes Stuffing Recipe features savory sweet Italian sausage and tender boxed stuffing, ready in 60 minutes. This easy holiday shortcut delivers crispy golden edges and a deeply flavorful center for a comforting side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 box (5.5 oz) Trader Joe’s Stuffing Mix (Cornbread or Turkey)

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup diced yellow onion

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1 tbsp fresh chopped sage

• 1.5 cups chicken broth

Directions

• 1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter.
• 2. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage, and cook for 8 minutes until browned and crumbled. Remove and set aside.
• 3. Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the onion and celery. Cook for about 6 minutes until softened, stirring in the fresh sage at the end.
• 4. Combine the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the boxed stuffing mix, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and toss gently until moistened.
• 5. Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crispy.