Savory Herb Sausage Stuffing

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish to steal the show at your next gathering, this Savory Herb Sausage Stuffing is it. Packed with aromatic herbs and hearty Italian sausage, it's an irresistible side that's perfect for any season, but especially during the holidays.

Ingredients for Savory Herb Sausage Stuffing

The star of this stuffing is the Italian sausage, which adds a rich, savory depth. Using rustic bread provides the perfect texture, soaking up all the flavors while holding its structure. Onion and celery form the aromatic base, sautéed to sweet perfection. Fresh herbs—sage, rosemary, and thyme—bring an earthy, fragrant quality, elevating the dish from ordinary to exceptional. Chicken broth keeps everything moist, and melted butter adds richness. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all these wonderful flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
  • Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot Italian sausage instead of mild.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. It also makes a fantastic holiday side dish, complementing traditional favorites like mashed potatoes and gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the stuffing, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving for best results.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Savory Herb Sausage Stuffing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a beautifully baked stuffing. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it's browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside for now.

In the same skillet, with all those delicious sausage drippings, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavors really start to build.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cubed bread. Sprinkle in the chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme. These fresh herbs are what make this stuffing sing, so don't skimp!

Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, followed by the melted butter. Gently stir everything together; you want the bread to soak up all the liquid without falling apart. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get a nice, golden-brown crust on top.

Once it's out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the wafting aroma and the promise of a delicious meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold and aromatic flavors from fresh herbs.
  • Perfect balance of crispy and tender textures.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary needs.
  • Simple preparation with just ten ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage
8 cups cubed rustic bread
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the onion and celery, sautéing until they are tender.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
6. Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve warm.

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