Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This sausage and herb stuffing is comfort food at its finest for home cooks looking to elevate any holiday meal or Sunday dinner. It combines savory sausage with fresh herbs and the sweetness of apples to create a stuffing that is moist on the inside and lightly crisp on top.

I first made this stuffing when I wanted something more exciting than plain bread stuffing. It quickly became a family favorite, especially because of the balance between savory sausage and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• One pound bulk sweet Italian sausage or sausage with casings removed: for even cooking and mixing
• Eight cups bread cubes: from a loaf cut into half to one-inch pieces for ideal texture using stale or slightly dried bread helps it soak up broth without getting mushy
• Half a cup unsalted butter: adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly
• One large onion diced: preferably brown or yellow for a sweeter aroma that caramelizes well
• Three celery stalks diced: for crunch and subtle earthiness
• Two medium apples peeled cored and diced: add a hint of natural sweetness and moisture
• Four garlic cloves finely chopped: for depth of flavor
• Half teaspoon poultry seasoning: for that classic stuffing taste
• Two and three quarters cups low-sodium chicken broth: to keep it moist and flavorful without overpowering
• One large egg beaten: to bind the mixture
• One tablespoon each fresh chopped rosemary and finely chopped sage: introduce fragrance and elevate the dish immensely
• Two tablespoons fresh chopped parsley: for a bright herbal finish
• Salt and pepper about half a teaspoon each: to enhance all the existing flavors

Instructions

Build The Flavor Base:

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Allow it to brown thoroughly until fully cooked. Transfer to a large mixing bowl leaving some drippings behind for extra flavor. This step ensures the meat is well browned enriching the stuffing with savory juices.

Add The Bread:

Place the bread cubes into the bowl over the cooked sausage. Using stale bread is key as it absorbs flavors without falling apart in the baking process.

Sauté The Veggies And Apples:

In the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions celery and apples and cook for six to seven minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is essential as it softens the vegetables and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples which balances the salty sausage beautifully.

Add Aromatics:

Stir in chopped garlic and poultry seasoning and cook for about one minute until aromatic. These small additions dramatically lift the dish’s flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Combine And Season:

Add the softened vegetables to the bowl with sausage and bread. Toss gently to mix. Pour in the chicken broth beaten egg rosemary sage parsley salt and pepper. Stir carefully until the bread is evenly moistened. This ensures that the stuffing is moist yet holds together once baked.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes or until the top becomes a beautiful golden brown. If it starts browning too fast tent it loosely with foil. Baking brings the dish together and creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

I remember one Thanksgiving when I accidentally used dried herbs thinking they were fresh and while good it just was not the same depth my family was used to.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat covered in the oven to keep it moist. If freezing is preferred portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner alternative. Try adding chopped mushrooms or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Use gluten-free bread or cornbread cubes for a gluten-free version that still holds together well.

Serving Ideas

Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Add a dollop of homemade gravy or cranberry sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage and serving advice can make all the difference for leftovers and meal planning. With a little prep and the right ingredients this stuffing can be a timeless staple in your cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread for this dish?

Yes, stale or dried bread cubes from white, sourdough, or whole wheat loaves work well, providing a sturdy base that absorbs moisture without becoming mushy.

→ Is it necessary to cook the sausage before mixing?

Cooking the sausage first ensures it’s fully browned and crumbled, rendering flavorful drippings that enhance the dish’s taste and texture.

→ What herbs can substitute rosemary and sage?

Thyme, marjoram, or oregano can be used as alternatives, offering similarly earthy and aromatic qualities to complement the sausage.

→ How do the apples affect the overall flavor?

Apples add a subtle sweetness and moisture that balance the savory spices and sausage, giving the dish a rich, layered taste.

→ Can I prepare the mixture ahead of baking?

Yes, the mix can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, then baked fresh to improve flavor melding and save time on serving day.