This recipe is my nod to the Pacific Northwest with a heartfelt twist. Growing up in Seattle, I developed a deep appreciation for the flavors of the Northwest—like the tangy sweetness of Granny Smith apples, earthy Cremini mushrooms, and tart dried cranberries. When I married my husband, a Southerner, I wanted to honor his roots too. Thus, this stuffing was born, blending iconic Southern ingredients like cornbread and pecans with Northwestern flair.

Not only is this dish perfect for the holidays, but it’s also a great way to explore the cozy comfort of a well-equipped kitchen. At Home Outlet, we believe a dream kitchen can bring families together. Whether you’re preparing meals like this or gathering to make memories, we’ve got the products—like cabinets, floors, and more—to set the stage for your next masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions

This Pacific Northwest Stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday mains, making it the perfect addition to your Christmas or New Year's celebrations.

• For Christmas: Serve alongside a honey-glazed ham, herb-crusted prime rib, or a classic roast turkey. Add roasted Brussels sprouts or a winter citrus salad for a vibrant, festive spread.
• For New Year’s: Pair it with a roasted chicken or pork loin for a cozier celebration. For a lighter twist, complement it with a crisp arugula salad or sautéed green beans with almonds.

No matter the occasion, this stuffing is sure to delight your guests and tie your holiday meal together.

Ingredients

(Serves 8-10)

Southern Flair:

• 4 Sweet Italian Sausage links (oven-roasted*, cooled, and sliced)
• 1 package of Dried Bread Cubes
• 2 packages of Cornbread (prepared, cubed, and toasted)
• 1 bag of Pecan halves

Pacific Northwest Favorites:

• 1 (8 oz) package of Cremini Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 large Granny Smith apple (diced)
• 1 (6 oz) package of Dried Cranberries
• ¼ cup Dry White Wine (e.g., Chateau Ste. Michelle, if available)

Aromatics and Additions:

• 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
• 3 Celery Stalks (sliced)
• 3 large Carrots (sliced)
• 6 cloves cloves of Garlic (divided for sautéing the mushrooms and the aromatics)
• 1 sprig fresh Rosemary (chopped)
• 1 sprig fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 4-5 fresh Sage leaves (chopped)
• 5-6 tablespoons Olive Oil (divided for sautéing the mushrooms and the aromatics)
• 6-8 tablespoons Butter (divided for sautéing the mushrooms and the aromatics)
• 2 (16 oz) containers of Chicken Stock(optional, for moisture)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions

Step 1: Roast the Sausage

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and place the sausages (*in casing) on the sheet.
3. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside to cool, then slice.I recommend using a serrated knife, my bread knife works great for this.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add 2-3 cloves of garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper (to taste), and sauté for 10-15 minutes, until caramelized.

Step 3: Build the Base

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat with 3-4 tablespoons olive oil and 3-4 tablespoons butter.
2. Sauté 2-3 cloves garlic for 2-3 minutes, then add the celery, carrots, and onion.
3. Incorporate the fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) and deglaze with ¼ cup white wine.
4. Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Stir in the apple, cranberries, pecans, and sautéed mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper (to taste)
2. Gently fold in the bread cubes and toasted cornbread, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

1. For a moist stuffing, gradually mix in chicken stock to your preferred texture.
2. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Hosting in Style

Cooking holiday favorites like this Pacific Northwest Holiday Stuffing is easier when your kitchen is designed for efficiency and comfort. Whether you're prepping on beautiful countertops or cleaning up in a farmhouse sink, your space should inspire creativity.

At Home Outlet, we provide everything you need to create your dream kitchen—from durable flooring to elegant cabinetry. Elevate your cooking experience with chef-worthy upgrades like pot-fillers (available through Spend Less Express) and versatile workstation sinks.

Final Thoughts

This stuffing is more than a side dish; it’s a reflection of the love and heritage that make holiday meals truly special. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or sharing an intimate meal, the combination of Southern comfort and Pacific Northwest charm is sure to delight.

About the Author

With over a decade of experience in both the home improvement industry and marketing, Christie M. specializes in developing insightful and targeted blog content that prioritizes homeowner and pro project challenges. As a multidisciplinary designer, Christie brings a unique, visually-driven perspective to her work, crafting content that resonates with homeowners and professionals alike. Leveraging advanced AI, consumer, and other research tools, along with a deep understanding of home improvement, Christie creates content that provides customers with practical solutions and benefits. Additionally, her extensive experience in the mortgage industry further enriches her understanding of the financial aspects of homeownership, adding a well-rounded perspective to her writing.