This hearty sausage stuffing is a warm hug on a plate! Packed with savory sausage, fresh herbs, and soft bread, it’s perfect for any gathering. Your friends will be asking for seconds!
I love making this stuffing for holidays, or really anytime! Just mix and bake—no fuss and so flavorful! It’s my secret weapon for impressing guests! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the stuffing! You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage works well as a substitute.
Bread: Day-old bread adds the best texture. A mix of white and sourdough gives a nice flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or cornbread. Just ensure it’s a bit stale or toasted.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage bring lots of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs can be used—just use less (about a third of the amount).
Chicken Broth: This helps to moisten the stuffing. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works just as well.
How Can I Ensure My Stuffing Is the Right Consistency?
Getting the right texture is key for delicious sausage stuffing. It should be moist but not soggy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use day-old or toasted bread to absorb moisture without falling apart.
- When combining the broth and egg mixture with the bread, do it gradually and mix gently. Stop when it’s evenly moistened.
- If it seems dry, add more broth—a little at a time—to achieve the perfect moisture level.
How to Make Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (white or a mix of white and sourdough), toasted or dried
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sausage stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to have this cozy dish ready to serve. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the stuffing.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced celery and onion, sautéing until softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Once done, remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Brown the Sausage:
In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary, to keep it from being too greasy.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed celery and onion mixture, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top and gently mix everything together.
5. Add the Broth and Eggs:
In another bowl, whisk together 2 to 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and the beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread mixture, tossing gently until everything is evenly moistened. The stuffing should feel moist but not soggy, so adjust the broth amount if needed.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Bake the Stuffing:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the stuffing rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy every warm and savory bite of your delicious sausage stuffing!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any sausage you prefer—chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the stuffing mix.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Sausage Stuffing?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffing the day before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just be sure to add a little extra broth before baking if it seems dry. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture!