This hearty sausage and herb stuffing is perfect for any gathering! With tasty sausage, fresh herbs, and crusty bread, it’s simply delightful.
I love how this stuffing adds a burst of flavor to my meals! It makes everything feel special, even just a regular dinner night. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a warm bowl of comfort? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great substitute that still gives good flavor!
Stale Bread: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover bread. French or Italian bread works beautifully, but you can also use bagels or even cornbread. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread cubes.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme bring amazing flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones will work too. Just use one-third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is a great substitute. It will still keep the stuffing moist and flavorful!
Eggs: The eggs help bind the stuffing together. You can replace them with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan alternative.
How Do I Avoid Soggy Stuffing?
A common issue with stuffing is getting it too soggy. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Use stale bread: Fresh bread can soak up too much liquid. If you use fresh bread, lightly toast it first to dry it out.
- Don’t overdo the broth: Add enough broth to moisten the bread, but it shouldn’t be swimming in liquid. Aim for a consistency that’s moist but not mushy.
- Mix gently: When combining the bread, sausage, and broth, fold them together gently to avoid crushing the bread cubes.
With these tips, your stuffing should be perfectly moist and flavorful!
Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 10 cups stale bread cubes (about 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sausage and herb stuffing will take around 15 minutes of prep time and about 40 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 55 minutes before you can dive into this savory goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch dish or one that’s similar in size to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If there’s a lot of fat, drain some off, but leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Once melted, throw in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté these together for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened. Don’t forget to add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful!
4. Incorporate the Herbs:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme into the mix. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, add the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for another minute to let those beautiful herb flavors mingle.
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to combine the stale bread cubes, cooked sausage, and the sautéed vegetables with herbs. Mix everything together well so that the bread gets coated.
6. Add the Eggs and Broth:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and beaten eggs until combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread mixture, tossing gently to ensure it coats everything evenly. The goal here is to have the bread moist but not soggy. Add a little more broth if you think it needs more moisture.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Once you have combined everything, transfer the stuffing mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes, or until you see a beautiful golden brown color on top and it becomes crispy.
9. Ready to Serve:
After baking, let the stuffing cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious sausage and herb stuffing alongside your favorite main dishes!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Stale Bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it’s best to lightly toast it first to dry it out a bit. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming too soggy when you add the liquid.
Can I Make This Stuffing Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can also increase the amount of vegetables or add different nuts and dried fruits to enhance texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffing?
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. If you’re reheating in the oven, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.