Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side to elevate any holiday meal or Sunday dinner, look no further than this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it blends savory sausage, fresh herbs, and buttery bread cubes into a golden, crispy delight everyone can’t get enough of. Whether you’re a stuffing pro or someone who’s only recently started trying it at home, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward, flexible, and incredibly satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe are simple but come together in a way that really sings. I always recommend using fresh herbs and good-quality sausage since they’re key players in the flavor department. When shopping, grab unseasoned stuffing cubes to control the seasoning perfectly yourself.

• Unseasoned stuffing cubes: Using plain cubes lets you add just the right amount of flavor; avoid pre-seasoned ones to keep control.
• Unsalted butter: This keeps the salt levels balanced and adds rich creaminess.
• Yellow onion: It brings a gentle sweetness when sautéed.
• Celery: Adds crunch and that classic stuffing flavor you crave.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic builds depth; I love using finely chopped to spread flavor evenly.
• Bulk sweet Italian sausage: This is my secret to juicy, flavorful stuffing; removing casings is easy and worth it.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps it moist without overwhelming saltiness.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything together perfectly.
• Fresh chopped rosemary: Adds piney, fragrant notes.
• Fresh chopped sage: The quintessential herb for stuffing’s earthy background.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens and balances the mix.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is. While I usually stick to the classic sausage and herbs, I encourage you to tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or what flavor twists you enjoy most.

• Swap the sausage: I’ve made it with spicy Italian sausage when we wanted a little extra kick – the family loved it!
• Add fruit and nuts: Dried cranberries and toasted pecans bring a nice sweet crunch if you prefer a festive touch.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage with mushrooms sautéed until golden for a savory, meaty texture without the meat.
• Use different herbs: Thyme or tarragon can be fun experiments to switch the flavor profile subtly.

How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Buttering your 9 x 13-inch baking dish not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle richness that enhances browning around the edges – I learned that the hard way the first time when my stuffing wanted to stick stubbornly to the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and celery and cook for about 8 minutes until they’re soft and aromatic – this slow softening is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add the garlic for 2 more minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn but releases all its flavorful goodness.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In the same pan, without washing it (that leftover fond is pure flavor gold), cook the bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula so the pieces are about ¼-inch or smaller. Let it cook thoroughly and brown nicely—that caramelization here is what takes your stuffing to the next level.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine your stuffing cubes with the sautéed veggies and browned sausage — including all those tasty bits and juices. Stir in the chicken broth, beaten egg, fresh rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but well until the bread cubes are moistened but not soggy. I always stop mixing when the cubes feel soft but still hold their shape, so the texture isn’t mushy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your buttered baking dish, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven and bake uncovered for 65 to 75 minutes. You want a deeply golden, crispy top with that classic stuffing crunch under your fork. If you see the edges getting too brown before the time is up, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.

How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this stuffing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a little herbaceous brightness that contrasts nicely with the richness. Sometimes I’ll add a few toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a festive look when guests come over.

Side Dishes

My family pairs this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe best with roast turkey or chicken, of course, but it’s also incredible alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness. Leftover mashed potatoes with gravy? Dream team.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I love serving this stuffing in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. It gives a rustic, cozy vibe and lets everyone enjoy their own perfectly crispy portion. Plus, it looks beautiful on the table when garnished with fresh herbs and cranberries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, you can store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I always cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it at its best. When reheating, the bread soaks up the flavors even more, making it just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is my go-to when I make a double batch. After baking, let the stuffing cool, then wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use, I defrost it in the fridge overnight — no rush, just slow and easy.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the stuffing loosely with foil to keep it from drying out and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 25-30 minutes depending on portion size. If you want the top crispy again, uncover for the last 5-10 minutes. Your leftovers will taste fresh and just as irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, not just because it’s easy to make, but because it brings everyone together around the table. It’s flavorful without being complicated, and trustworthy when you want a dish you can count on. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own, too—it’s one of those recipes that’s both nostalgic and exciting at the same time. Trust me, your family and friends will thank you!

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