This hearty sausage and herb stuffing is the perfect side dish for any meal! Loaded with tasty sausage and fresh herbs, it adds cozy flavors to your table.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, let it bake, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. It’s comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: I recommend using Italian sausage for its flavor, but breakfast sausage works too. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great substitute!
Bread: Day-old white bread gives the best texture. If you want, you can use whole wheat or sourdough for a different taste, just make sure it’s a bit dry to absorb the flavors.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning, but you can use olive oil for a lighter version or if you’re dairy-free. Just adjust the measurements slightly to your taste.
Poultry Seasoning: This mix is fantastic for flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use dried sage, thyme, or rosemary separately! Fresh herbs are also a lovely option if available.
How Do You Make Sure Your Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
Getting the right moisture level in stuffing is key. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right:
- Start with slightly dried bread. This helps it soak up the broth without becoming mushy.
- When mixing, add just enough broth to moisten all the ingredients. The stuffing should feel wet but not swimming in liquid.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking down the bread cubes. You want some texture in each bite!
- If uncertain, check the consistency before baking. You can always add a bit more broth if it seems dry.
Following these tips will give you a well-balanced, delicious stuffing that everyone will love!
How to Make Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound (450g) of sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage, casing removed)
- 10 cups of cubed day-old white bread (about 1 loaf), preferably slightly dried
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning or a mix of dried sage, thyme, and rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ½ to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or as needed for moistening)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Optional: fresh thyme or sage for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour total to bake, making it a quick and satisfying addition to your meal. You’ll have a delicious stuffing ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and celery and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—or until you can smell that delicious aroma!
4. Mix the Stuffing Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, poultry seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a nice mix to incorporate everything evenly.
5. Prepare the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs until mixed well.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure all the bread is moistened but not too soggy. If it seems a bit dry, feel free to add a little more broth!
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer your stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the dish.
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
9. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your stuffing rest for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme or sage for a lovely touch before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Sausage and Herb Stuffing, a comforting and savory side dish perfect for holiday meals or any gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for the Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old white bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread for a unique twist. Just ensure it’s slightly dried to absorb the moisture effectively.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Just wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. If it looks dry, add a bit of broth before baking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the eggs, relying on the moisture from the broth to bind everything together.
