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Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Classic Sausage and Herb Stuffing combines browned sausage, fresh aromatic herbs, and toasted bread cubes to create a moist, flavorful holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family meal. This savory stuffing balances rich, hearty flavors with fresh herbal notes and a perfect texture that’s never soggy, making it a beloved crowd-pleaser.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 8 cups stale bread cubes (day-old white, French, or sourdough bread)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 cups warm chicken broth
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Swap sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for vegetarian version
  • Use gluten-free bread cubes for gluten-free option
  • Incorporate ½ cup chopped apples or dried cranberries for sweetness
  • Add ¼ to ½ tsp red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for heat
  • Include ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts for nutty crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Toast in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly crunchy but not browned. Remove and let cool to ensure perfect stuffing texture.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage after removing casings. Break into small crumbles as it cooks. When fully cooked and browned, transfer sausage to a bowl and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add butter to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Toss in diced onions and celery and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, allowing the butter to flavor the vegetables and carry the aroma of the herbs.
  4. Combine Herbs and Broth: Stir in chopped parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for another minute to release their fragrant oils. Then pour in warm chicken broth to moisten the mixture and keep the stuffing tender.
  5. Toss Together and Bake: In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and vegetable-herb-broth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Notes

  • Use day-old stale bread to prevent sogginess and ensure optimal texture.
  • Properly brown sausage for added caramelized flavor.
  • Add broth gradually to maintain moisture without making the stuffing watery.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the stuffing’s savory profile.
  • Let the stuffing rest 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas stuffing, savory stuffing