This Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing is like a cozy hug on your plate! With juicy sausage, fresh herbs, and tasty bread, it adds a wonderful flavor to any meal.
I love how simple it is to throw together! Perfect for holidays or a comforting family dinner. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the warm goodness. Who doesn’t love a little stuffing magic? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The star of this dish! You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you’re vegetarian.
Bread: Stale bread works best for texture. I recommend a mix of white and sourdough for flavor. If you don’t have bread, you could use stuffing mix as a shortcut, but adjust the broth accordingly as it might absorb differently.
Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor boost! If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried ones work well—just remember they’re more potent, so use less (about a third of the amount). My personal favorite is using fresh sage when I can find it!
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option. If you like your stuffing a bit drier, use less broth to start with.
How Do You Ensure Your Stuffing is Moist but Not Soggy?
The key to perfectly moist stuffing is the right amount of broth. Start by adding about 2 cups of broth to your bread mixture and stir gently, ensuring every piece of bread gets coated. It should feel moist but not puddly.
- If it seems too dry, add more broth in small increments. Remember, it’s easier to add than to take out!
- Another tip is to let the stuffing sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the bread soak up the flavors and moisture.
- Baking covered initially helps retain moisture, then uncovering it gives you a nice crispy top!
These tips should help you create a delicious stuffing that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 cups cubed bread (preferably slightly stale, white or a mix like sourdough and white)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or extra fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stuffing recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter, so your stuffing doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it turns brown and is no longer pink inside (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, take it out of the skillet using a slotted spoon and leave any fat rendered in the pan for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the butter to the same skillet. When it’s melted, toss in the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies until they are soft and translucent, which should take around 5-7 minutes. This step makes everything smell amazing!
4. Add the Herbs:
Next, mix in the dried sage, thyme, and rosemary. Stir them around for about a minute until you can smell the lovely aromas wafting from the pan.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the cooked sausage and the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture. Gently stir everything together to mix well.
6. Moisten the Mixture:
Now, slowly pour the chicken broth into the bread mixture, starting with about 2 cups. Carefully stir the bread until it’s moistened. It should feel damp but not drenched. If it’s looking a bit dry, add a little more broth until it’s just right.
7. Season and Transfer:
Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Then, transfer the stuffing into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Stuffing:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and crispy!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. If desired, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top as a garnish. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors in every bite!
Enjoy your flavorful, comforting Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing! It’s sure to be a hit at your meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Stuffing?
Absolutely! While slightly stale white or sourdough bread is ideal, you can also use other bread types like whole wheat or even gluten-free bread. Just ensure the bread is dry enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute fresh herbs with dried ones. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more potent. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Stuffing?
You can store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions.
Can I Make This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add a little more broth if the mixture seems dry, then transfer to your baking dish and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for holiday meals!