This sausage and herb stuffing is a warm and cozy side dish that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s packed with tasty sausage, fresh herbs, and bread for a lovely mix of flavors!
I love how the herbs and sausage make the kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. It’s like a hug in a dish during holidays, and I may just eat it straight from the bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crusty Bread: Use any hearty bread like sourdough or French bread. If you’re gluten-free, gluten-free bread works just as well! Just make sure it’s a bit stale for better texture.
Sausage: I like using Italian sausage for added flavor. You can also try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian sausage can be a good substitute too if you prefer plant-based.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs really bring this dish to life, but if you don’t have them on hand, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium broth or vegetable broth. This adds great flavor without too much salt.
How Do I Get My Stuffing to Be the Perfect Texture?
The key to great stuffing is moisture without sogginess! To achieve this, gently toss in the broth-egg mixture a little at a time. You want the bread to soak up the liquid but not be swimming in it.
- Start with 2 cups of broth, adding more if needed.
- Check the texture; it should feel moist but still hold its shape when placed in the baking dish.
- Don’t forget to let the bread toast before combining it with the other ingredients. This gives you that delightful crispy layer on top!
Happy cooking!
Sausage And Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (about 10 cups cubed)
- 1 lb (450g) sausage, removed from casing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (adjust as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sausage and herb stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 40 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at about an hour total. It’s the perfect amount of time to focus on creating this deliciously comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for getting that lovely golden crust on top of your stuffing!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Cut the crusty bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and dry. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the veggies are soft and fragrant, around 5 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Stir in Herbs:
Next, stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Combine Mixtures:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Toss them gently to combine.
7. Make the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Gradually pour this mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently to combine. Make sure the bread is moist but not soggy; adjust the broth as needed.
8. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer the fully combined stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, if you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This sausage and herb stuffing makes for a delightful complement to any holiday meal or family gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While a crusty bread works best for texture, you can use any hearty bread like sourdough or French bread. For gluten-free options, a gluten-free bread will work too. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for optimal results!
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
You can easily make this stuffing vegetarian by replacing the sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain great flavor!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate it without baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking as instructed.
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 in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
