Sausage stuffing is a cozy side dish packed with flavor! It features tasty sausage mixed with bread, herbs, and a little onion and celery for crunch. Perfect for holidays!
Honestly, it’s hard not to love this dish. I mean, who can resist those crispy edges? I always make enough so there’s extra for breakfast the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the stuffing. Use either mild or spicy, depending on your flavor preference. For a lighter option, chicken or turkey sausage works great too, or even a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice!
Cubed Bread: Day-old bread is best for this recipe as it absorbs the flavors well. I love using sourdough for its extra tang, but French bread or even cornbread is a tasty substitute. Just make sure it’s stale and dry!
Herbs: Fresh herbs really bring this dish to life. If you don’t have fresh thyme or sage, dried herbs work too. Just use about a third of the amount. I sometimes add a pinch of rosemary for extra flavor!
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or use homemade stock if you have it on hand. If it feels too salty, go for low-sodium broth.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffing Is Moist but Not Soggy?
The key to perfect stuffing is balancing moisture. To keep it from getting soggy, add chicken broth gradually.
- First, add enough broth to moisten the bread; it should be wet but not swimming in liquid.
- Mix thoroughly but gently, so you don’t break up the bread too much.
- If it feels dry, add more broth, a bit at a time, until it’s just right.
- Finally, let it bake with foil covered for moisture retention and then uncover for that nice, crispy top.
This simple but delicious stuffing can become the star of the meal, making your holiday or dinner table a little more festive!
How to Make Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or sourdough), toasted
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 60 minutes to bake. In total, you will need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make this delicious stuffing from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the Bread
Spread the cubed bread evenly on a baking sheet. Place it in the oven and toast for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s dry and lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Cook the Sausage
Now, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Make sure it’s cooked thoroughly until it’s browned and no longer pink.
5. Combine Flavors
Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything well to combine all the flavorful herbs.
6. Mix Bread and Sausage
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes and the sausage-vegetable mixture. Make sure everything is well mixed together!
7. Prepare the Liquid Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and sausage mix. Gently toss everything together so the bread is moistened, adding more broth if needed to reach the right consistency.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
9. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take the stuffing out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm as a delightful side for your holiday meals or any comforting dinner!
This classic sausage stuffing is savory, herbaceous, and beautifully golden with crispy edges—perfect for any festive gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old French or sourdough works beautifully, you can also use Italian bread, cornbread, or even a mix of breads for added flavor. Just make sure the bread is stale and dry for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sausage stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the stuffing a day in advance! Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Sausage Stuffing?
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, chicken, or even pork. You can also serve it as a hearty side with festive dishes or alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal!