Thanksgiving Stuffing-Topped Hummus

Your New Favorite Holiday Party Trick: Thanksgiving Stuffing-Topped Hummus

Hey there, flavor friend! Isla here from BiteTide. Can we talk about that magical, sometimes chaotic, always delicious moment when the Thanksgiving platters hit the table? The turkey is golden, the potatoes are fluffy, and the stuffing… oh, the stuffing. It’s the undisputed MVP of my holiday plate. But what if I told you we could capture that entire cozy, savory, herby feeling in one spectacular, shareable dip? Enter my Thanksgiving Stuffing-Topped Hummus.

This isn’t just a dip; it’s a conversation starter. Imagine: a swoosh of the creamiest hummus you’ve ever had, piled high with a warm, fragrant topping that tastes just like your favorite holiday stuffing. We’re talking savory Italian sausage, sweet-tart apples, chewy cranberries, and all those cozy herbs. Then, because I believe every great dish needs a little crunch and sparkle, we finish it with maple-glazed pecans and a cheeky drizzle of balsamic. It’s the ultimate mash-up of comfort and cool, and I promise you, it will disappear faster than pie at a potluck.

I designed this recipe to be your secret weapon for the busy holiday season. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses a mix of store-bought shortcuts and fresh, vibrant ingredients, and is guaranteed to make you look like a kitchen rockstar. So, grab your favorite skillet, and let’s turn those holiday cravings into a dip you’ll want to make all season long.

A Holiday Epiphany in a Skillet

This recipe was born from a classic case of post-Thanksgiving fridge foraging. You know the scene: it’s the Friday after the big feast, and the fridge is a glorious landscape of Tupperware treasures. I was staring down a container of my grandma’s famous sage and sausage stuffing and another of plain hummus (my go-to snack). In a moment of hungry inspiration, I just… combined them. I warmed up the stuffing, plopped it on top of the hummus, and grabbed a pita chip.

The first bite was a revelation. The cool, creamy hummus was the perfect canvas for the warm, savory, and slightly crispy stuffing. It was like all the best parts of Thanksgiving in one effortless scoop. My friends, who were also deep in their own leftover adventures, gathered around the plate, and we polished it off in minutes. That’s when I knew I had to create a dedicated recipe—one that amplified those flavors from the start, making it not just a leftover hack, but a star appetizer in its own right. It’s a little nod to my grandma’s kitchen, a big hug of holiday flavor, and a whole lot of fun to make.

Thanksgiving Stuffing-Topped Hummus

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• Author: islamerrick
• Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

This is not your average hummus. This Thanksgiving twist layers rich, herby stuffing-inspired topping over creamy hummus for a warm, savory dip that’s holiday-party ready. We’ve doubled the batch and added a few festive touches like maple-glazed pecans and a hint of balsamic to balance the savory-sweet notes. Perfect with pita chips, veggie sticks, or warm naan slices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

20 ounces plain hummus (store-bought or homemade)

Stuffing Topping

⅔ pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

2 stalks celery, finely diced

2 small shallots, diced

1 tart apple, finely diced (like Granny Smith)

½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

2 teaspoons minced fresh sage

2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional twist)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes

¼ cup maple-glazed pecans, chopped (for crunch)

Fresh parsley or thyme leaves

Extra drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze

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Instructions

Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté celery, shallots, and apple for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add cranberries, herbs, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir in sausage and cook 2–3 more minutes. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Dip
Spread hummus onto a serving platter or shallow bowl. Spoon the warm stuffing mixture over the top.

Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle with maple-glazed pecans and herbs. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.

Serve Warm or at Room Temp
Pair with crackers, warm pita, or crunchy veggies.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Snack

Nutrition

• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 9g

Gathering Your Flavor Crew

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this wave of flavor. Don’t stress about having the *exact* ingredients—I’ve packed this list with substitutions so you can ride with what you’ve got!

• 20 ounces plain hummus (store-bought or homemade): This is our creamy, dreamy base. Using a good-quality store-bought hummus is a fantastic shortcut that saves you tons of time. If you’re feeling ambitious, my foolproof classic hummus recipe is always an option! Chef’s Insight: I prefer a classic, smooth hummus here rather than a flavored one (like roasted red pepper), as it lets the stuffing topping truly shine.
• ⅔ pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed: This brings a wonderful savory depth and a hint of heat. Substitution Tip: For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage. For a vegetarian twist, swap it out for about 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils or a plant-based sausage crumble. The key is getting that hearty, savory element.
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced: The classic crunch and subtle earthy flavor that’s essential to any good stuffing.
• 2 small shallots, diced: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor than onions, which is perfect here. Substitution Tip: No shallots? A small yellow or red onion will work just fine!
• 1 tart apple (like Granny Smith), finely diced: This is our secret weapon! The tart apple adds a bright, fresh sweetness that cuts through the richness of the sausage and hummus. Chef’s Insight: Don’t skip the apple! It provides little bursts of flavor that make the whole dish sing.
• ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped: For that essential sweet and chewy pop. Substitution Tip: Golden raisins or even chopped dried cherries would be delicious here too.
• 2 teaspoons each minced fresh sage and rosemary, plus 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves: This herby trifecta is the soul of the dish. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for that authentic holiday aroma and taste. Chef’s Hack: If you’re in a real pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon each of dried sage and rosemary, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, but fresh is always best!
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt & ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: To season everything perfectly. Remember, if you’re using table salt, use a little less as it’s saltier by volume.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional twist): My little “wow” factor. It adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances all the flavors beautifully. Highly recommend!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing our veggies to perfection.
• ¼ cup maple-glazed pecans, chopped (for crunch): The grand finale! This adds an incredible sweet, salty, crunchy texture. Chef’s Insight: You can find these pre-made, or easily make your own by tossing pecans in a tiny bit of maple syrup and toasting them in a pan for a few minutes.

Let’s Get Cooking: Building Your Flavor Masterpiece

Okay, now for the fun part! We’re going to build this dip layer by layer. Put on some good music, pour yourself a little something to sip on, and let’s get that skillet sizzling.

1. Cook the Sausage: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed) and cook, using your spoon to break it up into small crumbles, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Chef’s Hack: Don’t drain the fat! That rendered fat is pure flavor gold. We’ll use it to cook our veggies in the next step. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl, leaving the drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté the Veggies & Aromatics: Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the sausage drippings in the skillet. Toss in your diced celery, shallots, and apple. Sauté this fragrant mixture for 5-7 minutes, until the shallots are translucent and the celery and apple have started to soften. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells incredible. Chef’s Tip: We’re not looking for mush here—we want a little bit of texture left for that authentic stuffing feel.
3. Bloom the Herbs: Now, add the chopped cranberries, all of those gorgeous fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme), the salt, and the pepper. If you’re using the balsamic vinegar, add it now too. Stir everything together and cook for just one more minute. This quick cook “blooms” the herbs, releasing their essential oils and making their flavor more potent and aromatic.
4. Bring the Band Back Together: Return the cooked sausage crumbles to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it all heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat. Your topping is done! Taste it and do a little happy dance—it’s that good.
5. Assemble the Dip: Grab your serving platter or a wide, shallow bowl. Spread the hummus in an even layer across the bottom. I like to make a slight well in the center to hold more of that delicious topping. Then, while the sausage mixture is still warm, spoon it generously over the top of the hummus. Chef’s Insight: The contrast between the cool hummus and the warm topping is part of the magic, so try to assemble just before serving.
6. Add the Finishing Touches: This is where it gets pretty! Sprinkle the chopped maple-glazed pecans all over the top. Follow that with a scattering of fresh parsley or extra thyme leaves for a pop of green. For a final chef’s kiss, drizzle a tiny bit of extra olive oil or a balsamic glaze over everything. It adds shine and a burst of flavor.
7. Serve and Impress: Place your masterpiece in the center of the table alongside a basket of warm pita triangles, sturdy crackers, or a colorful array of veggie sticks (carrots, celery, and bell peppers are perfect). Watch as your friends and family gather around, their eyes wide with curiosity and delight.

How to Serve This Show-Stopping Dip

Presentation is part of the fun! I love using a rustic wooden board or a beautiful, colorful ceramic platter for this dip. Pile your dippers all around it for a bountiful, inviting look. For a cocktail party, you can even serve it in individual small cups or ramekins for easy mingling. The goal is to make it as easy and enjoyable to eat as it is to make. Remember, this dip is best served immediately while the topping is still warm and fragrant, creating that irresistible contrast with the cool, creamy hummus beneath.

Ride the Flavor Wave: 5 Tasty Twists

Feel like mixing it up? This recipe is a fantastic template for creativity! Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausage and use 1 ½ cups of cooked brown lentils or a plant-based ground “meat.” Sauté them with the veggies to soak up all the flavors.
• Thanksgiving Leftovers Remix: Got leftover stuffing? Crumble about 2 cups of it and warm it in a skillet with a little broth or butter until slightly crispy. Use this as your topping—it’s the ultimate next-day hack!
• Sweet & Smoky: Swap the Italian sausage for an equal amount of cooked and crumbled bacon or chorizo. The smoky flavor is a game-changer.
• Poultry Power: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option. Just be sure to season it well with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of poultry seasoning while it cooks.
• Cheesy Finish: For the cheese lovers, sprinkle a little crumbled goat cheese or feta over the top along with the pecans. The tangy creaminess is divine.

Isla’s Kitchen Notes & Stories

This recipe has become a permanent fixture in my holiday lineup, and it’s evolved in the funniest ways. One year, I was making it for a Friendsgiving and realized I’d completely forgotten the cranberries. In a panic, I used some chopped-up dried apricots I had in the pantry. Guess what? It was a hit! The apricots added a different kind of sweet tang that everyone loved. It was a great reminder that cooking is an adventure, not a test.

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. It’s forgiving. Don’t like rosemary? Use more thyme. Want it sweeter? Add a extra tablespoon of chopped cranberries. This is your kitchen, your rules. The core idea—creamy dip + savory, herby topping—is what makes it magic. So, have fun with it! I’ve even made a version with a black bean dip base for a friend who doesn’t like chickpeas. The goal is to create something that makes you and your people happy. That’s what BiteTide is all about.

Your Questions, Answered!

I love getting your comments and questions! Here are answers to a few common ones to help you feel confident.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the topping up to 2 days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it in a skillet or the microwave before assembling the dip. I recommend assembling the dip just before serving to maintain the best texture contrast.
• My topping seems a bit dry. What can I do? No worries! This can happen if your sausage was very lean. Simply stir in a tablespoon or two of chicken or vegetable broth (or even a splash of water) when you’re reheating the topping. It will bring back the moisture and make it perfect for scooping.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? While it’s best fresh, leftovers are still tasty! I recommend scooping the hummus and topping into separate containers. Reheat the topping separately, as microwaving the hummus can change its texture. Then, reassemble for round two!
• I’m gluten-free. Is this recipe safe? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to double-check that your sausage and any store-bought ingredients (like hummus or balsamic glaze) are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy. And of course, serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.

Nutritional Information*

*Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Servings: 12 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Per Serving (approximate): Calories: 240 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Sugar: 5g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 430mg