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Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This Sausage and Herb Stuffing recipe combines savory browned sausage, fresh fragrant herbs, and perfectly toasted bread cubes to deliver a moist yet crumbly texture. Ideal for holiday meals or comfort side dishes, it offers a delightful balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures that complement turkey, chicken, or pork, making it a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)

Bread

  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Liquids and Binders

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in a 350°F oven until golden and slightly crisp, ensuring the bread absorbs moisture without becoming soggy.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the stuffing.
  3. Mix Herbs and Seasonings: Finely chop fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Stir the herbs into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the flavors perfectly.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and chicken broth. Gently fold in the toasted bread cubes and then add the sausage and herb mixture. Stir carefully to ensure all bread pieces absorb moisture without breaking down too much.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to crisp the top to a golden brown.

Notes

  • Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can make the stuffing too wet; stale bread is ideal for texture.
  • Don’t Skip Sautéing Veggies: Cooking onions and celery beforehand adds sweetness and deepens flavor.
  • Control Moisture: Add broth gradually to maintain the perfect balance between moist and crumbly.
  • Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and vibrant taste; dried herbs won’t provide the same quality.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the stuffing to rest briefly after baking to set and make serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, holiday stuffing, comfort food, side dish, savory stuffing, Thanksgiving side, baked stuffing