This Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a cozy dish filled with tasty sausage and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for family gatherings or festive meals!
The smell of this stuffing cooking makes you feel right at home. Trust me, you’ll want to save some for second helpings—it’s that good! 😄
I love to serve it alongside roast chicken or turkey. It’s an easy way to add flavor to your dinner table without all the fuss. Enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: You can choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. For a healthier option, turkey sausage works great too. I often prefer Italian sausage for its flavor, but you can use any kind!
Bread: Day-old bread is best for this stuffing. Sturdier types like sourdough or baguette hold up well. If you don’t have those, any bread will do! Just let it dry out a bit.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary bring freshness. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs work too—just use one-third the amount. I find fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor!
Broth: Low sodium chicken broth keeps the flavor balanced. Vegetable broth can be used to make it vegetarian. I find that really flavorful broths can enhance the dish.
How Do You Ensure Your Stuffing is Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture is key. When mixing your egg and broth mixture, pour it gradually over the stuffing, tossing gently to combine. Stop adding broth once the bread is well-moistened but not soggy. It’s better to start with less broth; you can always add more if needed!
- Mix gently so the bread doesn’t break apart.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so the bread absorbs some liquid before baking.
Following these tips will help you achieve a flavorful and well-textured stuffing that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
How to Make Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (mild or spicy, broken into small pieces)
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably a sturdy bread like sourdough or baguette)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped (optional, for added texture and sweetness)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Sausage and Herb Stuffing in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish to prepare for your stuffing.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrot (if you’re using it). Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to your skillet and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. The smell is going to be amazing!
4. Cook the Sausage:
Next, add the sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and continue to cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, and all your lovely chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary). Stir this together well to combine everything evenly.
6. Mix the Liquid Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread and sausage combination. Toss gently until all the bread is moistened but not soggy—just enough so it holds together without being mushy!
7. Season:
Now, season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Give it one last gentle toss.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer your stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down lightly to compact it a bit.
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown and crispy top!
10. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve warm as a perfect side dish for your festive dinners or comforting meals. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for the Stuffing?
Absolutely! While day-old sourdough or baguette is ideal, you can use any type of sturdy bread. Just make sure it’s well-dried out, or toast it lightly to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Sausage if I Need a Vegetarian Option?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. You could also add more veggies and nuts for added texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Can I Prepare the Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance! Just mix the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
