This sausage and herb stuffing is a warm, tasty dish perfect for any gathering. The juicy sausage combined with fresh herbs gives it a delightful flavor that’s sure to please!
Whenever I make this, the kitchen smells amazing! It’s super easy to whip up and pairs great as a side with turkey or chicken. Plus, who can resist the yummy crispy bits?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: I recommend using sturdy white or sourdough bread for the best texture. If you’re in a pinch, any bread is fine, but avoid super soft ones like sandwich bread which can get soggy.
Sausage: Mild or spicy Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option or even use a plant-based sausage if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme give a wonderful flavor. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried can work too, just use less (1/3 of the suggested amount) since they’re more potent.
Chicken Broth: Using low sodium broth helps control the saltiness of the dish. Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you want a vegetarian version.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Bread for Stuffing?
For delicious stuffing, the bread must be properly dried to absorb liquid without getting soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes for even drying.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and put them in a low oven (250°F or 120°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Let the cubes cool completely before adding to the stuffing mixture.
This step helps create a nice, crunchy texture in your final dish!
How to Make Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stuffing:
- 1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably a sturdy white or sourdough bread)
- 1 pound sausage (mild or spicy Italian sausage, casing removed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ½ to 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sausage and herb stuffing can be made in about 1 hour, which includes 20 minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes of cooking and baking time. It’s quick, easy, and a fantastic addition to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread Cubes:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the bread cubes out evenly on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re dry and slightly toasted. Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool.
2. Cooking the Sausage Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, keeping the flavorful fat in the skillet.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until they’re soft and translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This will really enhance the flavor of your stuffing!
4. Adding Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped herbs: rosemary, sage, and thyme. Let this cook together for an additional minute until the herbs become fragrant.
5. Combining the Stuffing Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed vegetable mixture with the herbs. This is where all the deliciousness comes together!
6. Mixing in the Liquid:
Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and gently mix the ingredients together. Add the beaten eggs and stir until everything is well combined. If it seems too dry, add more broth a little at a time until the bread is moist but not swimming in liquid.
7. Seasoning the Stuffing:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently but thoroughly so all flavors are distributed evenly.
8. Transferring to a Baking Dish:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches). It’s ready for the oven!
9. Baking the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Finishing Touches:
When the stuffing is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprig of rosemary if you like. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this warm as a savory side dish with your favorite main course. Your guests will love the delicious flavors!
Enjoy your comforting sausage and herb stuffing, and happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for The Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old sturdy bread like sourdough or white is recommended for the best texture, you can use any type you have on hand. Just avoid very soft breads that can get mushy.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the sausage with a meat alternative or your favorite plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and leave out the eggs, if desired, for a lighter stuffing.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance! Assemble it up until the baking step, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
