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Thanksgiving stuffing usually takes a backseat to the turkey and pie. Not this year. My Croissant Stuffing has entered the chat! It’s a buttery, flaky dish that’ll steal the spotlight on your holiday table this year!

For more holiday sides, make my old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese, cornbread pudding, and green beans and potatoes!

croissant stuffing in a circle pan.

This croissant stuffing combines the comfort of classic stuffing with a buttery flaky twist! It’s the perfect side dish to impress your family, wow your friends, and let’s be honest – leave you sneaking forkfuls straight from the baking dish.

It’s the ultimate mash-up of flaky croissants, savory sausage, and a vegetable mixture that’s anything but boring. Toss in a medley of fresh herbs like sage and thyme, then bake until golden brown and irresistibly crispy on top.

Whether you’re spicing up your Thanksgiving menu or planning Christmas dinner, this stuffing guarantees one thing: it’ll be the favorite part of your plate.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients to make croissant stuffing - croissants, onion, celery, garlic, chicken broth, eggs, butter, sausage, and fresh herbs.

Every ingredient in this croissant stuffing recipe has a purpose. (full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card) Let’s break it down:

  • Croissants: Large croissants torn into pieces give the stuffing its signature flaky texture and buttery flavor. You can also use small croissants, too. Just tear the small ones in half. Use leftover croissants to make my croissant breakfast casserole with bacon!
  • Breakfast Sausage: Adds savory depth of flavor and a little richness to balance the croissants. The sage flavors make this stuffing extra cozy! Try my classic sage and sausage stuffing next!
  • Onion, Celery, and Garlic: This classic vegetable mixture lays the foundation for the stuffing’s flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, and Parsley): These cozy herbs make the dish pop with fresh, earthy notes – essential for capturing that classic stuffing flavor. 
  • Chicken Broth: this makes for a moist stuffing without drowning it. Go for chicken stock if you want a richer taste. 
  • Eggs: Binds everything together for that perfect stuffing texture.
  • Butter: Enhances the croissants’ buttery goodness while adding golden-brown crispiness.
  • Walnuts (Optional): Adds crunch and a nutty twist to the dish. Pecans work well here too! 

Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this croissant stuffing your own? Here’s how to switch things up:

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
  • Add Cheese: Shredded parmesan or gruyère cheese can take this stuffing to the next level.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a little heat.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free croissants, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Croissant Stuffing

toasted croissants on a baking dish.

Step 1: Toast the Croissants: Tear the croissants into pieces and bake until golden brown. This keeps them from getting soggy in the stuffing mixture.

breakfast sausage, celery, onions, garlic, and herbs cooked together in a pan.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned, then toss in your onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Melt butter into the mixture for extra richness, then pour in the chicken broth.

custard whisked together in a bowl.

Step 3: Whisk together eggs.

croissant stuffing assembled in a pan.

Step 4: Transfer sausage mixture with eggs, chicken broth, and toasted croissants in a large mixing bowl and mix to combine. Spread the stuffing into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake, then uncover for a crispy, golden-brown finish.

Tips for the Perfect Croissant Sausage Stuffing

  • Dry the Croissants: Don’t skip toasting! It’s the key to avoiding soggy stuffing.
  • Let the Mixture Cool: Cool the sausage mixture before combining it with the eggs to avoid scrambling them.
  • Bake in Two Stages: Covering the dish first keeps it moist; uncovering it later ensures the top gets crispy.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs are a great way to take this dish to the next level!
croissant stuffing in a large pan assembled for baking.

How to Serve Croissant Stuffing

Croissant stuffing is the ultimate holiday side dish, perfect for any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.

Serve it alongside thanksgiving food classics like roasted turkey or roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry raspberry sauce to create a plate that’s packed with comfort and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make croissant stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffing the day before, cover the prepared casserole dish, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving for the best texture.

Can I use store-bought croissants?

Yes, store-bought croissants are what I used for this recipe. Just make sure they’re slightly stale or day-old croissants for easier tearing and better texture.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Remove the foil for a few minutes to crisp up the top.

What’s the difference between chicken stock and chicken broth?

Chicken stock is richer and made with bones, while broth is lighter and made with meat. Either works here, but stock adds a little extra depth.

More Holiday Side Dishes

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If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and comment below! You can also tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can celebrate your beautiful creations!

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5 from 2 votes

Croissant Stuffing

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Elevate your holiday table with croissant stuffing! Packed with savory herbs, veggies, and rich flavors for an unforgettable side dish.

Equipment

  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet OR 9×13 Baking Dish
  • Skillet
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Ingredients 

  • 12 Large Croissants, (or 20 small croissants)
  • 1 lb Breakfast Sausage
  • 1 Large Onion, (diced)
  • 3 Celery Stalks , (about 2 cups when diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, (diced)
  • 8 Sage Leaves, (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, (diced)
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, (diced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt, (more of less as desired)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Salted Butter
  • 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, (optional)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Tear each croissant into three pieces and place onto a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until they are a deep golden brown color. Remove and set aside. 12 Large Croissants
  • Add ground sausage to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes, then add onions and celery and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Add garlic, sage, rosemary, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, untril fragrant. 1 lb Breakfast Sausage 1 Large Onion 3 Celery Stalks 4 cloves Garlic 8 Sage Leaves 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary 1/4 cup Parsley 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme 2 tsp Kosher Salt 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Remove from heat and add chicken broth. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. 1/2 cup Salted Butter 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
  • In a large bowl whisk together eggs. Then pour in the sausage/chicken broth mixture. Toss together to coat. Fold in 1/3 of the toasted croissants. Once incorporated, add another third, and then the last bit. Add the walnuts (if using) 3 Large Eggs 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • Spray a 12-inch cast iron skillet OR 9×13 baking pan with oil. Add the croissant stuffing and cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 40 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the tops are crispy.

Notes

  • Dry the Croissants: Don’t skip toasting! It’s the key to avoiding soggy stuffing.
  • Let the Mixture Cool: Cool the sausage mixture before combining it with the eggs to avoid scrambling them.
  • Bake in Two Stages: Covering the dish first keeps it moist; uncovering it later ensures the top gets crispy.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs are a great way to take this dish to the next level!

Nutrition

Calories: 774kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 54g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 210mg, Sodium: 1722mg, Potassium: 392mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 1464IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @BritneyBreaksBread or tag #BritneyBreaksBread!

About Britney Chamberlain

Hello friends and welcome to my little (but delicious) corner of the internet! I'm Britney, the heart and soul behind Britney Breaks Bread. I'm a mom, wife, and lover of delicious wholesome food!

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5 from 2 votes

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3 Comments

  1. Tom Jeffords says:

    5 stars
    I made 2 pans of your croissant stuffing and both pans were the first thing gone, and everyone loved them and couldn’t wait to get a second helping! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!!!
    Tom

    1. Britney Chamberlain says:

      I’m so happy to hear this, thank you!

  2. Ashley says:

    5 stars
    I served this for our Thanksgiving dinner yesterday and it is the best dressing I have ever tasted! You must make it! I left out the walnuts due to allergies, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly as written. I wonder how it would taste with dried cranberries added? I think I need to make another pan and test that theory!