This sausage stuffing is a cozy side dish packed with flavor! It’s made with juicy sausage, bread, onions, and herbs that create a tasty mix everyone loves.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking bites while it cooks—it’s just that good! I usually serve it with turkey, but it’s fantastic on its own too. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey sausage is a yummy alternative and works well, too.
Bread Cubes: Day-old bread is best for texture. Use any kind you like, like white, whole wheat, or sourdough. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread or cornbread.
Onion and Celery: These add flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can swap for shallots or leeks, and you can leave out celery or replace it with bell peppers.
Herbs: Fresh herbs offer the best flavor, but dried versions can also work. If you’re missing one, feel free to adjust or leave it out. Thyme or oregano can be good substitutes.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage is a key step that adds rich flavor to the stuffing. Here’s how to do it right!
- First, heat your skillet over medium heat before adding the sausage. This helps it cook evenly.
- Break apart the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon while it cooks. This promotes even browning and prevents big clumps.
- Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure there are no pink spots, and drain any excess fat if it seems too greasy.
- Adding the herbs at the end of cooking the sausage will really enhance their flavor. Just cook for a minute so the aromas can lift.
These steps will ensure your sausage is flavorful and contributes perfectly to the stuffing’s overall yumminess! Enjoy making your sausage stuffing!
How to Make Delicious Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy based on preference), casings removed
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (white, sourdough, or a mix), toasted or dried
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Herbs & Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (adjust as needed for moistness)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful sausage stuffing recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to bake. So, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes total to create this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar casserole dish) and butter it up to keep your stuffing from sticking later.
2. Sautéing Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté these veggies until they’re softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
3. Cooking the Sausage:
Next, add the sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep your stuffing from being greasy.
4. Mixing in Herbs and Seasonings:
Once the sausage is nicely cooked, stir in the fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it sit on the heat for an additional minute to let those amazing aromas fill your kitchen!
5. Combining Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the toasted bread cubes and the delicious sausage-vegetable mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage, tossing gently until everything is evenly moistened. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to add more broth!
6. Baking the Stuffing:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Yum!
7. Serving Your Sausage Stuffing:
Once it’s done, you can garnish it with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like, and then serve it warm. Enjoy this hearty sausage stuffing as a perfect side for your holiday dinners or any comforting meal!
Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of this delicious dish—good luck not sneaking bites before it hits the table!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can switch things up by using turkey sausage for a lighter option or even chicken sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage alternatives.
What Can I Do With Leftover Stuffing?
Leftover sausage stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (about 15-20 minutes until warmed through), or microwave it in individual portions.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and then refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking, and you may want to add an extra splash of broth to keep it moist.
How Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and substitute with mushrooms or additional vegetables, like diced bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to enhance the flavor.
