I know many of you are looking for delicious side dishes that bring comfort and flavor to the table. Stuffing is a real crowd-pleaser, and I often get asked for my best stuffing recipes. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic options that are simple to make and always a hit.
Whether you like a traditional herb mix or prefer a little fruit with your meat, I’ve got you covered. These sausage stuffing recipes are perfect for your next family dinner or a festive gathering. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe
This classic sausage and herb stuffing is a staple for a reason. It’s packed with delicious sausage, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, making it a truly satisfying side dish for any meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Herb Stuffing
- Bread Choice: Using slightly stale bread is best. It absorbs the liquids without getting mushy, giving you a better texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley, sage, and thyme bring bright flavors to this dish. Dried herbs work, but fresh makes a real difference.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your stuffing room in the baking dish for the top to get nice and crispy.
What You Need for Sausage Herb Stuffing
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
⏱️ Time: 60 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make This Herb Stuffing
Step 1: Prep and Cook Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables & Combine
Add the butter to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir in the chopped onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the stale bread cubes, fresh herbs, and chicken broth. Gently mix everything together until the bread is moist. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake the Stuffing
Spoon the stuffing mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a softer stuffing, you can cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
📝 Final Note
You can prepare this stuffing a day ahead. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Simple Sausage Apple Sage Stuffing Recipe
This sausage apple sage stuffing offers a wonderful balance of sweet and good flavors. The apples add a subtle sweetness and tender texture that pairs beautifully with the earthy sage and hearty sausage.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Stuffing
- Apple Variety: I like using a slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the richness of the sausage.
- Fresh Sage: Fresh sage is a must for this recipe. Its distinct flavor brings everything together.
- Moisture Check: Make sure your bread cubes are evenly moistened but not swimming in liquid. You might need a little more or less broth depending on your bread.
What You Need for Sausage Apple Sage Stuffing
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 8 cups stale bread cubes
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped (peeled or unpeeled, your choice)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
⏱️ Time: 70 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make This Apple Sage Stuffing
Step 1: Cook Sausage and Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped apple to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies and Mix Stuffing
Add the butter to the skillet with the sausage and apples. Stir in the chopped onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the stale bread cubes, fresh sage, fresh thyme, and chicken broth. Mix gently until everything is combined and the bread is moist. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through. If you prefer a moister stuffing, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time.
📝 Final Note
This stuffing is a wonderful partner to roasted chicken, pork loin, or even a simple weeknight meatloaf. The leftovers are also amazing!
