If you’re on the hunt for a homey, crowd-pleasing side dish that delivers comfort in every bite, look no further than the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe. This recipe boasts a perfect harmony of savory Italian sausage, fresh garden herbs, and tender bread cubes, all soaked in a rich broth that keeps each forkful moist and flavorful. Whether it’s a festive holiday table or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing brings warmth and satisfaction that make every gathering feel just a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this stuffing to life. From fragrant fresh herbs to hearty bread cubes and robust sausage, every element plays a starring role.
- Bread cubes (10-12 cups): Using slightly dry bread ensures the perfect texture that absorbs all those delicious flavors without turning mushy.
- Large sweet onion (finely diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed to softness.
- Celery stalks (3, finely diced): Provide a fresh crunch and classic stuffing flavor base.
- Butter (4 tablespoons) or oil: Used for sautéing to create a luscious, golden aroma and taste.
- Garlic cloves (4, crushed): Imparts a fragrant, savory kick that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Ground sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy Italian): Brings richness and a delicious meaty heartiness.
- Fresh herbs (1 tablespoon each rosemary, sage, thyme): These fragrant herbs elevate the stuffing with bright, earthy notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together while adding a bit of silkiness.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a touch of color.
- Chicken broth (3–4 cups): The magic liquid that keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle piquant finish that balances the dish.
How to Make Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Bread Cubes
Start by cutting your bread into ½-inch cubes with a serrated knife for clean edges that toast evenly. Drying the bread is key—it helps the cubes soak up flavorful broth later without turning soggy. You can air-dry them by letting them sit out for 24 to 48 hours or speed things up by roasting them in a 275°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes on a large sheet pan. This step creates the perfect sturdy bread base for your stuffing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With your bread cubes drying, it’s time to infuse flavor. Melt butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add diced onion, celery, crushed garlic, and half a teaspoon of salt. Sauté everything until the vegetables are tender and golden, about 7 to 8 minutes. The sweet onion softens perfectly, the celery adds a little snap, and the garlic’s aroma will start to fill your kitchen with that irresistible home-cooked scent.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Push your sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan and add your ground sausage. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a potato masher or spatula so no large chunks remain. The sausage brings richness and those hearty Italian flavors that elevate this stuffing from simple to spectacular. Cooking it in the same pan keeps all those delicious browned bits mingling with the veggies.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients Together
Next, whisk together eggs, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, paprika, one cup of chicken broth, the remaining salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl to create that luscious binding mixture. Transfer your dried bread cubes into a large bowl and toss them with the egg and herb blend. Pour in the sausage and sautéed veggies, and gently mix everything until it’s well combined and spellbindingly fragrant.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and transfer your stuffing mixture inside. Pour two more cups of chicken broth evenly over the top to infuse moisture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and check if it needs more broth—if so, drizzle another ½ to 1 cup over the stuffing. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes to develop a beautifully golden, slightly crispy crust on top. Your anticipation is about to be rewarded!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked to golden perfection, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top and serve warm. The marriage of tender bread, savory sausage, and fresh herbs creates a stuffing so satisfyingly flavorful you’ll want to make it again and again. This is truly the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe you’ll treasure forever.
How to Serve Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal pop that contrasts the rich sausage beautifully. For an extra festive touch, consider a few toasted pecans or a drizzle of melted butter on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty beef roast. Round out the meal with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce for a truly comforting and festive feast everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, try serving this stuffing in individual mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out acorn squashes for charming, rustic portions. You can also stuff it inside roasted bell peppers or chicken breasts for a stunning presentation with all the flavors in one dish. The versatility of the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe makes it a fantastic showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This dish will keep well for 3 to 4 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated for an easy, flavorful second meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely and transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, spread stuffing evenly on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but baking helps maintain the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this stuffing?
Absolutely! While a rustic white or sourdough loaf works best to soak up the broth without becoming mushy, you can experiment with whole wheat or multigrain breads for added texture and flavor. Just be sure the bread is dry to absorb moisture well.
What kind of sausage is best for this stuffing recipe?
The recipe calls for mild or spicy Italian sausage, but you can customize it depending on your taste. Sweet sausage delivers a milder flavor, while spicy sausage adds a bit of heat. Make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it in.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe, simply omit the sausage and increase the butter or oil slightly for richness. You can add sautéed mushrooms or walnuts as a savory substitute for texture and flavor.
How important are the fresh herbs in this stuffing?
The fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme make a significant impact by giving this stuffing its signature aromatic and earthy character. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried can be used at about one-third of the quantity, but fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free bread cubes, and ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well. This way, you can still enjoy the full-flavored, comforting experience of the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe without worry.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is like inviting a cozy hug to your dinner table. The balance of savory sausage, fresh herbs, tender bread, and rich broth creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s a special holiday or a casual family night, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, and let its comforting flavors become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Sausage & Herb Stuffing recipe combines savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables with perfectly dried bread cubes to create a deliciously moist and flavorful side dish. Ideal for holiday meals or comforting family dinners, this stuffing offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, baked to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 1 pound bread (10–12 cups bread cubes)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 3 – 4 cups chicken broth (regular sodium)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Vegetables
- 1 large sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 stalks celery (finely diced)
Meat and Herbs
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy Italian sausage)
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (fresh)
- 1 tablespoon sage (fresh)
- 1 tablespoon thyme (fresh)
Instructions
- Dry Bread Cubes: Cut the bread into ½-inch cubes using a serrated knife. To ensure the bread cubes are dry and ideal for stuffing, either leave them out at room temperature for 24-48 hours or bake them in a 275°F oven on a large sheet pan for 40-45 minutes until dry and slightly crisp.
- Saute the Veggies: Preheat the oven to 375°F after drying the bread cubes. In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or warm the oil. Add the finely diced onion, celery, crushed garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté the mixture for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add the Meat: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground sausage to the empty side and cook for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Use a potato masher or spatula to crumble the sausage into small pieces, ensuring there are no large clumps.
- Coat Breadcrumbs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, paprika, 1 cup of chicken broth, remaining salt, and black pepper. Transfer the dried bread cubes to an extra-large bowl and toss them well with this egg and herb mixture. Pour in the sautéed vegetables and sausage, mixing everything thoroughly to combine all flavors and coat the bread evenly.
- Bake in the Oven: Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour 2 additional cups of chicken broth over the mixture, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil and check the stuffing’s moisture; if it seems dry, add ½ to 1 cup more broth as desired. Continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and the stuffing is cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for added color and flavor. Serve warm as a hearty side dish perfect for holiday feasts or comforting dinners.
Notes
- You can dry the bread cubes ahead of time and store them for later use, making the recipe quicker to assemble when needed.
- If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs may be substituted but use about one-third the quantity to avoid overpowering the stuffing.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before baking as sausage and broth can vary in saltiness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftover stuffing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
