This sausage stuffing is a warm, hearty dish that brings a smile to any holiday dinner. With savory sausage, fresh herbs, and delicious bread, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
You won’t believe how quickly it comes together! I love how the flavors blend, and it’s perfect alongside turkey or as a tasty side on its own. Who can resist a little extra stuffing? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the recipe! You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. For a healthier option, try turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Day-Old Bread: Stale bread is perfect for stuffing because it absorbs the flavors without getting mushy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven as you toast it. Any crusty bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, works great too!
Onions and Celery: These aromatics add essential flavor. If you’re short on fresh ingredients, you can use onion and garlic powders, but fresh gives the best taste. Leeks are a nice alternative to onion if you want a milder flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs provide great flavor, but if you only have dried herbs, that’s fine too! Remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs. I love using a mix of herbs for extra flavor!
How to Ensure Perfectly Moistened Stuffing?
The right moisture level is crucial for tasty stuffing! You want it to be moist but not soggy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After combining the bread with the sausage mix, drizzle in the broth-egg mixture gradually.
- Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring the bread soaks up the liquid evenly.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more broth until it feels just right. Aim for a nicely moistened consistency!
Lastly, press the mixture lightly into the baking dish, which helps achieve that golden, crispy top everyone loves! Enjoy making this stuffing with your personal twist! 🥳
Delicious Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 cups cubed day-old bread (about 1 loaf French or Italian bread), crusty
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory sausage stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 35-45 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite main courses and is sure to impress your family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a large baking dish, about 9×13 inches, to prepare for the stuffing.
2. Toasting the Bread:
Next, spread out the cubed day-old bread on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and toast for about 10 minutes, turning the cubes occasionally, until they’re dry and just lightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and celery—sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Browning the Sausage:
Now, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
5. Mixing in the Herbs:
Once the sausage is ready, stir in the chopped parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another minute to let all those wonderful flavors come together!
6. Combining Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture you just made. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and the beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage, gently tossing everything together until the bread is evenly moistened but not soggy. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to add a splash more broth!
7. Transferring to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer the stuffing mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down lightly.
8. Baking:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes. You want the top to be nice and golden brown and crisp.
9. Garnishing and Serving:
Once baked, optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and extra chopped parsley on top for a finishing touch. Serve your warm sausage stuffing and enjoy this hearty side dish at your next meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy this flavorful, classic sausage stuffing that’s crispy on top and tender inside!
Can I Use Leftover Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! Leftover bread is perfect for stuffing. Just make sure it’s at least a day old to ensure it’s dry enough to absorb the flavors without getting mushy. If your bread is fresh, toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
What If I Can’t Find Italian Sausage?
No worries! You can substitute the Italian sausage with any ground meat you prefer, such as chicken, turkey, or pork. You can also use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Just add some Italian seasoning or herbs for flavoring!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
To store leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing a day in advance. Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and then pop it in the oven until heated through and golden brown on top.
