Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole

If you’ve been craving something warm, cozy, and wildly satisfying, this Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole might just be the hug your kitchen needs right now.

Life gets busy—between work, kids, errands, and that never-ending laundry pile—and sometimes you want a recipe that feels special without demanding chef-level energy. That’s exactly where this dish shines. It’s hearty, slightly sweet, savory in all the right ways, and simple enough for a sleepy weekend morning or a make-ahead holiday brunch.

At Chicken Magic Recipes, I’m always looking for meals that bring people together without stressing the cook. This one? It checks all the boxes. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or sneaking leftovers straight from the fridge (no judgment here), this casserole delivers comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole

Let me tell you why this recipe keeps earning a permanent spot in my rotation:

  • One dish, big payoff – minimal cleanup (my favorite kind of recipe)
  • Sweet meets savory – cranberries balance the richness of sausage perfectly
  • Flexible – brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or holiday side
  • Crowd-pleasing – even picky eaters tend to come back for seconds

And if you’ve ever found yourself staring at leftover stuffing after the holidays wondering what now?—this casserole is your answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: simple, familiar ingredients that work magic together.

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (chicken sausage works beautifully)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 (6 oz) box herb-seasoned stuffing mix
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Quick note from my kitchen: Swiss cheese gives this a slightly fancy brunch feel, while cheddar makes it more comforting and familiar. Go with your mood.

How to Make Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Don’t worry—this is a no-fuss, 9th-grade-friendly kind of recipe. If you can stir and pour, you’ve got this.

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. This is not the time to skimp—no one likes stuck casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

  • cooked sausage
  • dry stuffing mix
  • dried cranberries

Give it a quick toss so the cranberries don’t all clump together.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Nothing fancy—just smooth and combined.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and stuffing. Stir gently, then fold in the cheese. This is where everything starts to feel real.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
  • Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden on top and set in the center

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let it rest for about 5 minutes, sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm.

Cooking Tips from My Real-Life Kitchen

  • Make it ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
  • Too dry? Add a splash of milk before baking—stuffing can vary by brand.
  • Too wet? Uncover for a few extra minutes and let the top crisp up.
  • Cheese swap: Gruyère or mozzarella also work if that’s what you’ve got.

And don’t stress if it looks a little rustic. Casseroles are supposed to look like comfort, not perfection.

A Little Story from My Table

I first made this casserole during a holiday weekend when I needed something that felt festive but didn’t require juggling ten pans. My kids were skeptical—cranberries in breakfast?—but after one bite, they were sold. Now it’s requested every year, even when it’s not the holidays. That’s how you know a recipe’s a keeper.

Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole baked golden with crispy stuffing cubes, savory sausage, melted cheese, and juicy cranberries in a white baking dish.
This Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole is perfectly baked with crispy stuffing, savory sausage, melty cheese, and bright cranberries for the ultimate cozy brunch dish.

Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole FAQs

Can I make this a Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. Just bake when ready.

Can I substitute the sausage?

Yes! Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage both work well.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze baked portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until warm.

Is this sweet?

It’s balanced—not dessert sweet. The cranberries add little pops of brightness that pair beautifully with the savory base.

A Cozy Dish Worth Sharing

This Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole is one of those recipes that quietly becomes part of your family’s story. It’s warm, filling, and forgiving—perfect for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or when you just want something comforting without overthinking dinner.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Add a veggie, switch the cheese, or serve it with a simple salad on the side. However you enjoy it, I hope this casserole brings a little extra warmth to your table—because that’s the real magic of cooking.

Happy cooking,

If You Loved This Casserole, You’ll Love These Too

Before you close the oven and call it a day, here are a few cozy, reader-favorite recipes that pair perfectly with this Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole. Whether you’re planning a relaxed brunch, a holiday spread, or just craving more comforting dishes, these are wonderful next stops:

These recipes were chosen to keep things warm, welcoming, and stress-free—just like cooking should be.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to know what you think! Please take a moment to leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a quick review—your feedback helps other readers and truly makes my day.

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Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole baked until golden with savory sausage, toasted stuffing cubes, melted cheese, and sweet cranberries in a cozy casserole dish.

Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Casserole is a cozy, savory-sweet dish made with juicy sausage, herb stuffing, eggs, melty cheese, and pops of cranberry. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead mornings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (chicken sausage preferred)

  • 1 cup dried cranberries

  • 1 (6 oz) box herb-seasoned stuffing mix

  • 6 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese

  • 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.

  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, dry stuffing mix, and dried cranberries.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

  5. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture and stir until well combined. Fold in the cheese.

  6. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

  7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  8. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and set.

  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.

If the mixture looks dry before baking, add a splash of milk.

Swiss cheese adds a mild, brunch-style flavor; cheddar makes it extra comforting.

Great for holidays, meal prep, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast , Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg

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