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Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a comforting, flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. Combining savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley, with day-old bread cubes, onions, celery, garlic, and chicken broth, this classic stuffing boasts rich layers of flavor with a moist yet firm texture. Easy to prepare and customizable to dietary needs, it’s a nostalgic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or vegetarian mains.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Bread

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
  • 10 cups day-old bread cubes (1-inch pieces)

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Aromatics and Fat

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes – Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and allow them to dry overnight or place them in a low oven until slightly dried. This ensures the bread absorbs flavors nicely without becoming mushy.
  2. Step 2: Cook the Sausage – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Continue cooking until fully browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics – Add butter to the same skillet and sauté chopped onions, celery, and garlic until they are softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, celery, garlic, fresh herbs (sage, thyme, parsley), and bread cubes. Stir gently to mix evenly without mashing the bread.
  5. Step 5: Add Broth and Seasoning – Gradually pour in chicken broth while mixing until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Bake – Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Use stale or day-old bread to prevent soggy stuffing.
  • Add chicken broth gradually to maintain moist yet firm texture.
  • Fresh herbs provide a vibrant aroma and flavor unmatched by dried herbs.
  • Thoroughly brown sausage for a rich and smoky flavor.
  • Mix gently to preserve the texture of bread cubes.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, holiday side dish, baked stuffing, savory stuffing, gluten free stuffing option, comfort food stuffing