Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing side that hits all the right notes — savory, herbaceous, and with just the right bit of sausage-packed flavor — then this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, comforting yet fresh, perfect for holiday feasts or anytime you want that classic stuffing magic without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together beautifully because each one plays its part — the sausage adds rich savoriness, the herbs give freshness, and the veggies bring that gentle sweetness and texture we love in stuffing. When shopping, try to get fresh herbs whenever possible; trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.

• Unseasoned stuffing cubes: The base of your stuffing — I like to use store-bought to save time, but you can cube your own bread if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Unsalted butter: For sautéing and adding richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened; one large onion works perfectly.
• Celery stalks: Gives that classic crunch and fresh flavor contrast to the soft bread.
• Garlic cloves: A little punch of flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
• Bulk sweet Italian sausage: This is where the magic happens — the sausage should be sweet and juicy, adding great texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the bread without being too salty, so you can control seasoning yourself.
• Large egg: Binds everything together so your stuffing holds up nicely when baked.
• Fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley: These herbs make it taste truly homemade; dried just isn’t the same.
• Salt & pepper: To taste — don’t skip fresh ground pepper for that final little kick.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or what you have on hand. I’ve tried a bunch of variations and honestly, they all turn out so tasty.

• Switch up the sausage: I once made this with spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet, and my family loved the extra kick — it’s a fun twist if you like heat.
• Go vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or chopped walnuts for texture and umami flavor.
• Add fruit or nuts: Toss in dried cranberries or toasted pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch, especially during the holidays.
• Use different herbs: Thyme or marjoram can work beautifully if you want to mix up the flavor profile.

How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Soft and Fragrant

Start by melting the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat — I like to let it bubble gently so it doesn’t brown too fast. Then add the diced onions and celery, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes. You’ll notice the house start to smell amazing as those veggies soften and get a little sweet. Toss in the finely chopped garlic last and cook for another 2 minutes just until fragrant. The key here is patience — don’t rush this step because soft veggies add so much flavor and moisture to your stuffing.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage Beautifully

Using the same pan (don’t wash it — you want to keep all those delicious browned bits), cook your bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces, no bigger than a quarter-inch. The golden-brown bits on the pan add richness, so scrape them up as you go along to mix with the meat. Once cooked through and nicely browned, it’s time to bring all this savory goodness together with the bread cubes and veggies.

Step 3: Mix Everything and Bake to Perfection

In a big bowl, toss the stuffing cubes with the sautéed vegetables and browned sausage. Add chicken broth, beaten egg, fresh rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper, then mix gently until the bread is softened but not soggy — this is your chance to get the texture just right. Pour the whole mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 65 to 75 minutes. The top should turn a gorgeous deep golden brown with crispy edges, while the inside stays moist and flavorful. Resist the urge to cover it, as that crisp top is part of the magic.

How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or some chopped sage on top right before serving — it brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herb hit to each forkful. For a festive touch, a few toasted pecans on top add a wonderful crunch that my family goes crazy for!

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, obviously, but I also enjoy it alongside simple green beans almondine or glazed carrots. A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I baked this stuffing in small individual ramekins for each guest — not only did it look adorable, but everyone got that perfect crispy top without fighting over the best spot. It’s also great stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or hollowed-out acorn squash for an impressive presentation when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffing reheats really well. I usually let mine cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I add a sprinkle of chicken broth on top to refresh the moisture and bake it at 325°F covered with foil to keep it tender.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked stuffing many times without any loss of flavor. Just make sure it’s cooled fully before wrapping tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 3 months, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating is key to maintaining great texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover stuffing covered with foil at 325°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. This prevents drying out and keeps that crispy top from getting soggy. I sometimes finish by uncovering for the last 5 minutes to revive some crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe turns out every single time — it’s that perfect blend of comfort and freshness that always earns compliments, whether it’s on a holiday table or a cozy weeknight dinner. When I first tried making stuffing from scratch, I used to struggle with soggy or bland results; this recipe changed all that for me. So, if you want to impress your family (or just treat yourself) with a stuffing that’s easy, flavorful, and a little bit special, give this one a try. You’ll be so glad you did!

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