This warm sausage and herb stuffing is a cozy dish packed with flavor! It features zesty sausage, savory herbs, and soft bread, all baked to golden perfection.
Whenever I make it, my kitchen smells amazing! I love serving it as a side for special dinners, and honestly, I can’t resist snacking on leftovers straight from the fridge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A crusty loaf is perfect for this recipe. You can use sourdough, French bread, or even whole wheat. If you’re gluten-free, go for a gluten-free bread that has a firm texture.
Sausage: Ground pork sausage is classic, but you can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option or even vegetarian sausage if you want to skip meat altogether.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley add great flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried versions can work too, although you’ll need less. For a twist, try rosemary or oregano!
Broth: Chicken broth gives great flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well if you need a vegetarian option.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Isn’t Soggy?
The key to perfect stuffing is achieving the right moisture balance! Here’s how:
- Make sure your bread is thoroughly toasted. The drier, the better, as it helps absorb the liquids without getting mushy.
- Mix the egg and broth gently into the bread mixture. It should feel crowded but not swimming in liquid. If it’s too dry, add more broth gradually.
- During baking, covering it with foil helps retain moisture at first. Remove it towards the end to let the top crisp up.
Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (about 10 cups cubed)
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 2 large eggs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour in total: approximately 40 minutes for preparation and baking, and about 15-20 minutes for toasting the bread. It’s quite straightforward, so you’ll have a delicious stuffing ready to go with your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Cut the crusty bread into 1-inch cubes and spread the cubes out on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are dried and crisp, but not browned. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
2. Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic, then sauté everything until the veggies are softened and translucent. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Next, add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Now stir in the sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper before removing the skillet from the heat.
3. Combining the Stuffing:
In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage, tossing gently to combine until everything is well mixed. The stuffing should feel moist but not soggy, so if it seems too dry, just add a bit more broth.
4. Baking:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased casserole dish. Cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
5. Serving:
Once the stuffing is baked, feel free to garnish it with extra herbs if you’d like. Serve it warm as a hearty side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting family dinners. Enjoy!
There you have it! A classic savory sausage and herb stuffing that will make your home smell wonderful!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! You can use any sturdy bread, such as sourdough, French, or whole wheat. Just avoid soft breads, as they can become mushy when mixed. If you want a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free bread that has a firm texture.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the ground sausage with a plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and nuts for added texture. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The fresh herbs will still give it that delightful flavor!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead. Just complete steps 1-3, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven, and then bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it until hot. You might want to add a splash of broth to help moisten it during reheating!
