This sausage and herb stuffing is a hearty dish perfect for holidays or family gatherings. It’s packed with delicious sausage, fresh herbs, and soft bread for a comforting treat!
I love how the rich flavors come together, making it hard to resist stealing a spoonful while it’s still hot! Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser at every meal. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Day-old bread is key for a great stuffing. You can use white, sourdough, or even whole wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free bread or cornbread works well too!
Sausage: I usually go with Italian sausage for its flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, turkey or chicken sausage is a great alternative. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really elevate this dish. If fresh ones aren’t available, dried herbs work too—just use about a third of the amount. My favorite is sage, but feel free to mix and match!
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth is a good substitute for a vegetarian dish. You can even use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
How Do You Ensure Your Stuffing is Perfectly Moist but Not Soggy?
Achieving the right moisture level requires some attention. You want the stuffing to hold together but not be swimming in broth. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with 2 cups of broth and mix it in gradually.
- Gently fold the mixture to ensure the bread absorbs the broth evenly without breaking apart.
- Check the texture; it should be damp but not wet. If it feels dry, add a bit more broth.
- If you’re using an egg, add it after mixing in some broth for better binding.
Remember, you can always add but can’t take away, so go slow with that broth!
How to Make Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 10 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old or slightly dried, white or sourdough bread)
- 1 pound sausage (pork or Italian sausage), casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg (optional, for binding)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sausage and herb stuffing takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking time. So, you’ll be ready to serve this tasty side dish in less than an hour—perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it warm and ready for your delicious stuffing. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the Bread:
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Let them toast for about 10-15 minutes until they’re slightly golden and dry. This helps them soak up the flavors later. Once done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
3. Cook the Veggies:
Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery, stirring now and then until they become soft and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and aromatic.
4. Add the Sausage:
Now, crumble the sausage into the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked—this should take about 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat when it’s done, drain some off.
5. Mix in the Herbs:
Stir in the fresh herbs: parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper to make those flavors pop!
6. Combine with Bread:
Transfer this tasty sausage mixture to the bowl with your toasted bread cubes. Toss everything together gently so the bread gets coated in the sausage and herbs.
7. Add Broth Gradually:
Pour the broth in gradually, a little at a time, while gently stirring. You want the stuffing to be moist but not soggy, so start with 2 cups and add more if needed. It should feel moist and ready to hold together.
8. Optional Egg for Binding:
If you want a little extra binding, beat the egg and stir it into the mixture. It adds a nice richness!
9. Bake:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
10. Serve:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This sausage and herb stuffing is fantastic alongside roast turkey, chicken, or pork, and will surely impress your guests!
Enjoy your mouthwatering stuffing! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old white or sourdough bread are traditional, you can use any bread you like. Whole wheat, rye, or even cornbread can add unique flavors. Just make sure it’s slightly dried out for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make this stuffing vegetarian, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture. You can also skip the egg if you prefer. Just ensure to use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing In Advance?
Yes, you can prep the stuffing a day ahead! Assemble it all in the baking dish without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth to keep it moist while reheating!