This sausage and herb stuffing is perfect for any family gathering! Packed with flavorful sausage, fresh herbs, and soft bread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I love how easy it is to make. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the tasty aroma filling your home. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Bread: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. If you don’t have white bread, feel free to substitute with whole grain or sourdough. Stale bread helps the stuffing hold its shape and absorb flavors better.
Italian Sausage: I love using sweet Italian sausage, but you can opt for spicy if you want a kick. For a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. If you need a vegetarian version, replace it with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really bring this dish to life! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too—just use about a third of the amount. My favorite combo is fresh parsley and thyme, but feel free to get creative with your favorites.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for more control over the saltiness, or substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Stock adds rich flavor, so it’s worth investing in good quality.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for the Stuffing?
The secret to great stuffing is balancing the moisture. After toasting the bread, ensure it’s slightly crisp, which helps prevent sogginess. When mixing in the broth and eggs, do it gradually. Gently fold until the bread is moist but not drowning in liquid.
- Toast the bread cubes for a crispy texture.
- Don’t rush the cooking on the sausage and vegetables; flavor develops better with patience.
- Remember that it will cook further in the oven, so a few dry spots are okay.
Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 cups cubed white bread, preferably slightly stale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 to 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sausage and herb stuffing recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re busy but craving something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the stuffing from sticking.
2. Toasting the Bread:
Next, spread the 10 cups of cubed white bread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly golden and crisp. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit.
3. Cooking the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the Italian sausage (make sure to break it apart with a spoon) and cook it for about 7-10 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.
4. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the leftover drippings in the skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
5. Mixing It All Together:
Grab a large bowl and transfer the toasted bread cubes into it. Then add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed.
6. Combining with Broth and Eggs:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread mix while gently tossing. Make sure everything is evenly moistened, but don’t let it get soggy—add more broth if needed.
7. Transferring to the Baking Dish:
Now, transfer the stuffing mixture to your buttered baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Baking and Browning:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy!
9. Serving It Up:
Once it’s baked to perfection, let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Sausage and Herb Stuffing—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While white bread is traditional, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as whole grain, sourdough, or even cornbread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffing up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven—may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to add extras like diced apples, cranberries, or nuts for some added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano to mix things up!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave in individual portions.
