What is stuffing?
Sausage and herb stuffing is a cornerstone of British Sunday Roasts and Christmas dinners in the UK and consequently it is a popular addition to the Thanksgiving table for many British Expats living in the USA. Stuffing is a savoury side dish traditionally made from bread crumbs (or cubes) combined with herbs, pork sausage meat, onions and vegetables. It can be cooked inside poultry (hence the name "stuffing") or prepared separately in a baking dish or as individual stuffing balls.
How do I make traditional British stuffing?
The quintessential sage and onion stuffing is the nation's favourite in the UK. Although you might be more familiar with the famous packet mix, making an authentic homemade British sausage and herb stuffing from scratch is simpler than you think. Use our Lincolnshire sausages and British style breads for a true taste of home and follow the recipe closely for perfect results.
Remember: if you don’t use proper British sausages, then your stuffing won’t taste like home!
What makes British stuffing different from American stuffing?
British stuffing differs from American stuffing (also called “dressing”) in both texture and taste. Most notably, British stuffing includes the meat from traditional British pork sausages as well as distinctly British seasonings like sage and onion, making it richer and more substantial.
Sage and onion is the most popular flavour of British style stuffing although British families have treasured stuffing recipes passed down through generations. British stuffing tends to be more densely packed and with a stronger herb presence than its American counterpart. British stuffing is typically more savoury, using plain white breadcrumbs rather than cubes of cornbread or sugary American-style breads. Another difference is that British stuffing is commonly formed into balls while American stuffing is often baked as a casserole.
Our tried-and-tested recipe for festive stuffing combines the best of both worlds to create an American casserole-style dish that’s full of the rich, sagey and savoury flavour that you remember from the Christmases of your childhood.
Can I make British stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, this stuffing is ideal for making ahead of time, which is why it's a staple of well-organized Christmas dinners across the UK. Fully cook the stuffing, cool it completely, then refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until piping hot throughout. The flavors often develop and improve when made ahead, making this traditional British side dish perfect for stress-free holiday meal preparation.
