This sausage stuffing is a warm and tasty blend of savory sausage, bread, and herbs. It’s perfect for holiday meals or family dinners, making every bite feel like a hug!
I love how this stuffing fills the house with a wonderful smell while it cooks. It pairs well with turkey or is great on its own—definitely a cozy comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage works great as a substitute.
Day-Old Bread: While French or Italian bread is classic, any bread works! Try sourdough for added flavor or even cornbread for a twist. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage and thyme are best for flavor. However, if you don’t have them, dried versions can do. Just remember to use less since they’re more potent—about a third of the amount.
Chicken Broth: If you need a low-sodium option, use vegetable broth instead. Homemade broth can also add a lovely depth to the dish!
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for Stuffing?
Getting the stuffing’s moisture level just right is key! You want it moist but not soggy, so here’s how:
- After mixing the bread with other ingredients, pour in the chicken broth and eggs mixture slowly.
- Stir gently while adding, ensuring every piece of bread gets some moisture.
- If it looks too dry, add a little more broth, but avoid over-soaking. The bread should hold its shape but feel slightly damp.
Checking the consistency before baking helps ensure your stuffing has that perfect texture you want! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy depending on preference)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes (such as French or Italian bread)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (may need a little more or less)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sausage stuffing will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy dish to add to your meal. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to enjoy this delicious stuffing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large casserole dish so your stuffing won’t stick!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it into small crumbles. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but leave the yummy sausage fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the butter to the skillet with the sausage fat. Once it melts, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the day-old bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed onion, celery, and garlic mixture. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Add Herbs and Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to add in the chopped sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. This will add lots of delicious flavors!
6. Moisten the Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture. Gently stir to moisten the bread cubes—it should be moist but not soggy! Feel free to add more broth if needed.
7. Prepare to Bake:
Transfer the stuffing mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and gently press it down to pack it in.
8. Bake It Up:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for added flavor before serving. Enjoy your warm, savory stuffing as a delightful side alongside your favorite main course!
This sausage stuffing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser—perfect for holidays or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well as a substitution. Just make sure to dry it out a bit before using it to help achieve the right texture in the stuffing.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth as a great alternative. You can also make your own broth or even use water in a pinch, though it may result in a less flavorful stuffing.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the stuffing ahead of time, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just remember to bake it for a bit longer if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Stuffing?
Definitely! Simply skip the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage for similar texture and flavor. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance it further!
