The holiday season simply wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of stuffing. As the festive months approach, I’m thrilled to share a stuffing recipe that has quickly become a standout favorite. While many cherish traditional stuffing recipes, others delight in a creative twist on a classic. This particular Butternut Squash Stuffing strikes the perfect balance, offering familiar comfort with an exciting burst of seasonal flavor.

This isn’t just any stuffing; it’s truly the ideal Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory goodness, deep flavors, and the inherent sweetness of fall’s star vegetable. It makes a fantastic, flavorful side dish for any autumn gathering, seamlessly complementing your main course. Imagine it nestled alongside a perfectly Herb Roasted Turkey, a creamy Green Bean Casserole, tangy cranberry sauce, and a fresh Waldorf Salad. It’s an essential component for a memorable holiday spread.

Why Butternut Squash is a Game-Changer for Your Holiday Stuffing

Butternut squash is undeniably one of my favorite ingredients to incorporate during the fall season. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture become even more delightful when roasted, caramelizing beautifully and developing a richer taste. Adding roasted butternut squash to your stuffing introduces a fantastic depth of flavor, a tender chewiness, and a vibrant color that brightens up the entire dish. It’s a versatile ingredient that shines in so many culinary creations, transforming a classic side into something truly special.

If you’re as big a fan of butternut squash as I am, you’ll love exploring other ways to enjoy it. Some of my go-to squash recipes include this comforting Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo, the sweet and savory Butternut Squash Apple Bake, the exotic Butternut Squash Chickpea Coconut Curry, a warming Curried Butternut Squash Soup, and this indulgent Butternut Squash Pasta. Each recipe highlights the incredible versatility and deliciousness of this beloved autumn vegetable.

There’s an unparalleled joy in homemade stuffing. The careful combination of fresh, seasonal vegetables, aromatic warm spices, fragrant fresh herbs, hearty crusty bread, and of course, the star — tender butternut squash — creates a symphony of flavors that simply cannot be replicated by store-bought alternatives. This homemade butternut squash stuffing is a dish made with love, perfect for sharing with family and friends during those special holiday moments, adding warmth and gourmet appeal to any meal.

Key Ingredients for the Best Butternut Squash Stuffing

Crafting truly exceptional stuffing begins with high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this amazing butternut squash and sausage stuffing, along with tips for each component. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check the printable recipe card below!

• Butternut Squash: The star of our show! You’ll need one medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Peeling can be a bit tricky, but microwaving the whole squash for 3-5 minutes before peeling can soften the skin, making it much easier. To save precious time during busy holiday prep, you can often find pre-cubed butternut squash in the produce section of your grocery store.
• Italian Sausage: This provides a wonderful savory depth and a touch of richness to the stuffing. Feel free to choose between mild Italian sausage for a subtle flavor, or spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. You could even experiment with a different ground meat like chorizo for a unique twist. Ensure it’s fully cooked and any excess grease is thoroughly drained before combining with other ingredients.
• Aromatic Vegetables: Essential for building a robust flavor base, we use classic stuffing vegetables: yellow onion and celery. Dicing them to a similar, small size ensures they cook evenly and integrate perfectly into the stuffing mixture. Sautéing them until softened releases their sweet and savory notes, forming the backbone of the stuffing’s aroma.
• Italian Bread: The foundation of any great stuffing! Day-old or dried Italian bread is absolutely crucial here. Using fresh, soft bread can result in a soggy, undesirable stuffing texture, so make sure your bread cubes are sufficiently dried. You can leave them out uncovered overnight to air dry or quickly toast them in the oven (see tips below for detailed instructions). One large loaf typically yields about 8 cups of cubed bread.
• Butter: Butter adds incredible richness and helps bind the stuffing together, keeping it moist and intensely flavorful as it bakes. We incorporate it both in the sautéing process and to moisten the bread cubes, ensuring a golden, crispy crust and tender interior.
• Warm Spices: A thoughtful blend of nutmeg and allspice infuses this butternut squash stuffing with that quintessential warm, comforting aroma and flavor that truly defines holiday cooking. These spices beautifully complement the natural sweetness of the squash and the savory notes of the sausage.
• Fresh Herbs: Sage and Thyme: Fresh sage and fresh thyme are non-negotiable for elevating this dish. Their earthy, aromatic qualities are far superior to dried herbs in stuffing, adding a vibrant, herbaceous layer. If fresh isn’t an option, you can use dried (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh), but always prioritize fresh when possible for their classic holiday profile.
• Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): Chicken or vegetable broth is used to moisten the bread cubes, preventing the stuffing from being too dry and adding another layer of savory flavor. It’s important to add broth gradually; start with about half the amount and add more slowly until the bread is just moistened, not saturated, as different types of bread absorb liquid differently.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as an essential binder, helping the stuffing hold its shape and creating a wonderfully savory, cohesive texture. They contribute to the overall richness and ensure the stuffing doesn’t crumble apart.
• Pecans: A delightful finishing touch! Toasted chopped pecans add a fantastic crunch and a subtle, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the butternut squash and warm spices. They’re typically sprinkled on top before baking for maximum texture and appeal.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your stuffing bakes beautifully and doesn’t stick, making for easy serving.

Preparing the Butternut Squash

Step 1: Peel and Soften Squash. Begin by carefully peeling the butternut squash using a sturdy vegetable peeler. For easier peeling and cutting, place the whole peeled squash on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly softened. This step makes handling the squash much safer and less strenuous. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 2: Cut Squash. Once the squash is cool enough to handle comfortably, use a large, sharp knife to carefully cut it in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out all the seeds and any stringy bits from the center. Then, proceed to cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. Maintaining consistent cube sizes is important for ensuring the squash cooks evenly in the oven.

Step 3: Bake Squash. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Spread the oiled squash cubes in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender when poked with a fork. It should be slightly caramelized on the edges but still hold its shape, not turn mushy.

As mentioned, you can easily poke the squash with a fork to check for tenderness – it should yield with a little pressure but still retain its form.

Cooking the Sausage and Aromatics

Step 4: Cook Sausage and Vegetables. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This ensures the sausage is cooked through and flavorful. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the stuffing from becoming oily or heavy. Then, add the diced onion and celery to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas that will form the flavor base of your stuffing.

The onion and celery should be tender and slightly translucent, adding a sweet and savory base to your stuffing that will permeate every bite.

Combining and Moisting the Stuffing

Step 5: Assemble the Main Mixture. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture with 1/4 cup of the melted butter, the two beaten eggs, allspice, nutmeg, chopped fresh thyme, fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Stir these foundational flavors well to ensure they are thoroughly combined. Add the roasted butternut squash to this bowl and gently mix. The goal is to distribute all ingredients evenly without mashing the tender squash.

Step 6: Add Bread Cubes and Remaining Butter. Carefully add the dried Italian bread cubes to the large bowl with the squash and sausage mixture. Gently fold them into the mixture. It’s important for the bread cubes to retain their shape, so avoid over-mixing. Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and pour it over the bread mixture, stirring again just until everything is lightly coated and evenly distributed. This adds crucial moisture and flavor.

Step 7: Add Broth for Moisture. Gradually pour about half of the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture. Stir gently, ensuring the bread cubes are completely moistened but not soggy. The goal is a tender, cohesive, but not mushy, stuffing. If needed, slowly add more broth, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Different types of bread absorb liquid differently, so always adjust this step as necessary to prevent a dry or overly wet stuffing.

Step 8: Pour into Casserole Dish & Bake to Golden Perfection. Transfer the entire stuffing mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer for consistent baking. Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the top – these will toast beautifully and add a wonderful crunch. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the stuffing is heated through and bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven, garnish with a few fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary for a beautiful, aromatic presentation, and serve warm for your holiday meals. This step brings all the delicious flavors together for a truly satisfying dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Butternut Squash Stuffing

Enhance your stuffing with these useful tips and creative variations to perfectly tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. These insights will help you achieve the best possible results and impress your guests during any holiday gathering.

• Vegetarian Adaptation: It’s incredibly easy to transform this into a delightful vegetarian stuffing. Simply omit the Italian sausage entirely and ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added flavor and substance, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Nutty Additions: While pecans are fantastic for their buttery crunch and sweetness, feel free to experiment with other nuts. Toasted walnuts offer a similar earthy flavor and satisfying texture. For a different profile, try slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts. Lightly toasting any nuts before adding them will significantly enhance their flavor and aroma.
• The Power of Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs truly make a significant difference in the flavor profile of your stuffing. Their vibrant aromatics elevate the dish from simply good to truly extraordinary. If fresh sage and thyme aren’t readily available, you can use dried herbs (typically, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs for dried), but always prioritize fresh when possible for their superior taste and classic holiday essence. Other fresh herbs like rosemary or flat-leaf parsley can also be lovely additions.
• Perfecting Your Bread Base: The secret to great stuffing is using dry bread. Never use fresh, soft bread, as it will absorb too much liquid and result in a soggy, heavy stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can easily dry it yourself. Cut a sturdy loaf (such as Italian, sourdough, or French bread) into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out, stirring occasionally to ensure even drying. Alternatively, an air fryer works wonders for quickly drying bread cubes: place them in the basket at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, checking and tossing every 2 minutes.
• Gluten-Free or Grain-Free Options: For a delightful twist or to accommodate dietary restrictions, you could replace the traditional bread with cooked wild rice or quinoa, creating a flavorful “wild rice butternut squash stuffing.” This offers a different texture, a nutty flavor, and a naturally gluten-free option. When doing so, ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are also certified gluten-free.
• Adding a Touch of Sweetness: For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their savory stuffing, consider incorporating dried fruits. Dried cranberries, apricots, or golden raisins can add a lovely burst of tartness or sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the butternut squash and warm spices beautifully. Add about half a cup of your chosen dried fruit along with the bread cubes.
• Boosted Nutrition and Flavor: For an extra layer of depth and nutritional benefits, swap out regular chicken or vegetable broth for bone broth. Bone broth adds a richer, more complex savory note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the stuffing.
• Exploring Bread Variety: Don’t limit yourself to just Italian bread! Sourdough bread offers a tangy complexity that pairs wonderfully with savory flavors. Challah provides a slightly sweeter, richer, and more tender base. Wheat bread or multigrain bread can add more texture and a heartier feel. Experiment with different types of day-old bread to find your personal favorite, always ensuring it is dried out sufficiently.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: To significantly ease holiday stress, you can prepare the stuffing mixture (combining all ingredients except the broth) a day or even two days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply add the broth, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, and bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold mixture.
• Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover butternut squash stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For reheating, cover and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through (approximately 20-30 minutes), or microwave individual portions until hot. This stuffing also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Stuffing

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your butternut squash stuffing turns out perfectly every time.

Can I prepare this butternut squash stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare all the components – roast the squash, cook the sausage and aromatics, dice and dry the bread – and even combine them (excluding the broth) a day or two in advance. Store the dry mixture covered in the refrigerator. On baking day, simply add the broth, transfer to a baking dish, and bake as directed. This is a fantastic time-saver for busy holidays.

What’s the best way to get dry bread cubes for stuffing?

Using dry, slightly stale bread is essential to prevent soggy stuffing. You can cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and leave them out on a baking sheet uncovered overnight to air dry. For a quicker method, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring once, until they are dried out but not heavily browned. An air fryer also works quickly at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, tossing every couple of minutes.

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen cubed butternut squash to save on prep time. However, it’s crucial to thaw it completely before use and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Too much water can make the stuffing watery. Roasting the thawed, dried squash is still recommended to develop its rich flavor and tender texture.

How do I know when the stuffing is fully cooked and ready to serve?

The stuffing is cooked through when it’s heated evenly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the top should be beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the edges should be slightly caramelized. If it appears to be getting too dry on top during baking, you can lightly tent it with foil.

What main dishes pair wonderfully with this butternut squash stuffing?

This versatile Butternut Squash Stuffing pairs exceptionally well with a variety of holiday mains. It’s a classic and irresistible complement to roasted turkey or chicken. Its robust and sweet-savory flavors also beautifully complement baked ham, pork loin, or even a savory prime rib. Its rich profile makes it a perfect match for hearty meat dishes.

Is it better to stuff a turkey or bake stuffing in a separate casserole dish?

For optimal food safety and often for a better overall texture, it is generally recommended to bake stuffing in a separate casserole dish. When stuffing inside a turkey, the stuffing needs to reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe, which can sometimes lead to an overcooked turkey or an undercooked, unsafe stuffing. Baking it separately allows for a crispier top, more even cooking, and easier temperature control.