Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

Introduction

This Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a flavorful and hearty addition to any holiday meal. Combining savory Italian sausage with fragrant herbs and tender bread cubes, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and baked until golden, it makes the perfect side dish for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 10 cups cubed stale bread
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery until they become soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and celery, cubed stale bread, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the chicken broth to the mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread without making it soggy.
6. Step 6: Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

Tips & Variations

• Use slightly stale bread or toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to prevent the stuffing from becoming mushy.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a bright, fresh flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Include chopped apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.

Storage

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffing a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can substitute with ground pork seasoned with fennel, garlic, and paprika or use any flavorful sausage you prefer.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

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4.4 from 137 reviews

A classic Sausage and Herb Stuffing recipe featuring savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and a crispy golden crust, perfect as a flavorful side dish for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Meat

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped

Bread and Seasonings

• 10 cups cubed stale bread
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Liquids

• 3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffing.
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onions and celery, cubed stale bread, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while gently stirring the mixture to moisten the bread without making it soggy. The mixture should be damp but hold its shape.
6. Transfer and Bake: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh parsley or sage.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
• Using stale bread helps the stuffing absorb more broth without becoming mushy.
• Cover the stuffing with foil during the first half of baking for a moister texture, then remove foil to crisp the top.
• Leftover stuffing can be reheated covered in the oven or used as filling for stuffed vegetables.

Keywords: Sausage Stuffing, Herb Stuffing, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving Stuffing, Italian Sausage Recipe, Bread Stuffing, Oven Baked Stuffing