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Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing
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Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a warm, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It blends seasoned Italian sausage with fresh herbs and toasted bread cubes, creating a comforting, aromatic, and texturally pleasing dish that complements turkey, chicken, or roasts. This versatile, easy-to-make recipe delivers crispy edges with a soft, fluffy interior and can be prepared ahead to ease holiday meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Bread

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fat

  • 2 cups chicken broth, warmed
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until just crisp but still tender inside, ensuring perfect stuffing texture.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. The sausage fat will add flavor to the next step.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs: Add diced onion and celery to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in fresh chopped sage, thyme, and parsley to release herbal aroma.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the toasted bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour in warmed chicken broth gradually, stirring to moisten the bread evenly but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, sealing in the flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess—fresh bread absorbs too much moisture.
  • Add chicken broth gradually to moisten stuffing without making it mushy.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor; reduce quantity if using dried herbs.
  • Brown sausage and vegetables well for deeper, caramelized flavors.
  • Let the stuffing rest a few minutes after baking to enhance flavor melding and ease serving.
  • This recipe can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating unbaked stuffing overnight, then baking fresh.
  • Leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave, adding broth to restore moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, Italian sausage stuffing, savory stuffing recipe

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/sausage-and-herb-stuffing/