Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a cozy dish that fills your home with amazing smells. With tasty sausage, fresh herbs, and soft bread, it’s a perfect side for any meal.
I love serving this stuffing with turkey at dinner, but it’s good enough to eat on its own! Trust me, it will have everyone asking for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its flavor. You can opt for either mild or spicy based on your taste. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Day-Old Bread: Sturdy breads like sourdough or French bread hold up best. If you don’t have these, white or whole grain bread can also work. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for better texture!
Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, and parsley add depth to the stuffing. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried versions are fine—just use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute to maintain the flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture in Stuffing?
Getting the right texture is all about balancing moisture and toasting. Here’s how to do it:
- Toast the bread cubes before mixing. This helps them absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- When mixing the bread with the broth and sausage, be gentle. You want to moisten the bread, not turn it into mush.
- Don’t hesitate to adjust the broth. If the mixture feels dry, add a little extra broth to help it hold together.
- Press the mixture lightly in the baking dish. This helps it cook evenly and develop a crispy top when you bake it.
Following these tips will help you serve stuffing that’s crispy on top and fluffy on the inside! Enjoy! 😊
Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Extra fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to cook, making a total of about 1 hour for a delicious stuffing that’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with some butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the cubed bread out on a baking sheet. Place it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s golden and dry but not burnt. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a bit.
3. Cook the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Brown the Sausage:
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, which will take about 7-10 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, feel free to drain some off.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, the cooked sausage mixture, and the chopped saged, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together.
6. Mix the Liquid:
In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the bread is moistened. If it feels a bit dry, add a little more broth until it’s just right.
8. Pack and Bake:
Transfer the stuffing mixture to your greased baking dish. Press it lightly to pack it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
9. Serve It Up:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Feel free to garnish with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your savory Sausage and Herb Stuffing as a hearty side that everyone will love!
Can I Use Low-Carb Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a low-carb version, feel free to substitute traditional bread with low-carb bread alternatives. Just toast them as you would regular bread to help maintain the right texture.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and ensure that your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing the Day Before?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead! Assemble the mixture and cover it tightly in the baking dish, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What Should I Do with Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it moist and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
