Name: Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups (400g) cubed bread (any bread works; whole wheat recommended); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or leaves from about 3 stalks fresh thyme); 1 teaspoon dried sage (or about 2 Tbsp chopped fresh); 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or about 2 Tbsp chopped fresh); 2/3 cup (80g) dried cranberries (optional); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced (about 150g); 1 cup (about 100g) roughly chopped mushrooms; 2 cups (240g) diced apples (about 2 medium apples); 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter; 1 pound (454g) uncooked mild Italian sausage; 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) low-sodium chicken broth

If you want a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and just a little bit savory with those comforting herb notes, you’re going to love this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that not only fills the house with the most amazing aromas but also has everyone coming back for seconds. I first made this recipe a few years back during the holidays, and it quickly became a family staple. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through everything you’ll need and share some tips to nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavors: The combination of sausage, fresh herbs, and apples gives this stuffing an incredible savory-sweet balance.
Texture Perfection: Toasting the bread cubes before mixing ensures your stuffing is delightfully crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Versatile Serving: Whether you bake it alongside your turkey or serve it in a separate dish, this recipe fits any holiday setup.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare parts ahead, making your holiday stress-free and your stuffing even more flavorful.

This image shows a close-up of a warm dish in a white ceramic baking dish filled with stuffing. The stuffing has several layers made of golden-brown toasted bread cubes, light beige sausage chunks, light yellow diced apples, dark brown mushrooms, and small green celery pieces. There are also some bright red dried cranberries spread on top adding color. The texture looks slightly crumbly with a mix of soft and crunchy bits. A silver spoon with a decorative handle scoops some stuffing from the dish. The background surface is white marble. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage & Herb Stuffing, savory holiday stuffing, herb and sausage stuffing, flavorful bread stuffing, easy stuffing recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with choosing fresh, quality ingredients. The blend of herbs in this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe brings a bright, earthy aroma that balances the richness of the sausage. When shopping, choose bread that’s a bit dense so it holds up well once toasted and mixed with the broth.

Flat lay of golden toasted whole wheat bread cubes, plump mild Italian sausage links, diced crisp green celery stalks, chopped sweet yellow onion, fresh bright green thyme, sage, and parsley leaves, juicy diced red apples, earthy brown mushrooms, and a small pile of dried cranberries, all beautifully arranged in clusters with natural spacing, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sausage & Herb Stuffing, savory holiday stuffing, herb and sausage stuffing, flavorful bread stuffing, easy stuffing recipe

Bread cubes: I like whole wheat for texture and flavor, but any sturdy bread works well.
Unsalted butter: This helps gently sauté the veggies without overpowering them.
Onion: Adds a natural sweetness when cooked down.
Celery: Its crunch balances the softness of the bread.
Salt & Black pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip or skimp!
Mushrooms: They soak up the flavors beautifully and add umami depth.
Dried thyme, sage, parsley: These classic herbs make the stuffing taste like a Thanksgiving dream.
Italian sausage: Mild works best to keep flavors balanced.
Apples: Adds that lovely hint of sweetness and freshness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without being overly salty.
Dried cranberries (optional): I toss these in when I want a pop of tartness and color.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is! Depending on the season or who’s coming to dinner, I like to tweak it a bit to keep things interesting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Vegetarian Version: I swapped the sausage for extra mushrooms and a handful of diced butternut squash once—and honestly, it was fantastic! Using vegetable broth keeps it hearty and full of flavor.
Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or switching to spicy Italian sausage turns up the heat if that’s your thing.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunchy contrast.
Fruit Swap: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, try dried cherries or apricots to mix up that sweet note.

How to Make Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes for Perfect Texture

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread your cubed bread across two large baking sheets to ensure they toast evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes until they’re lightly browned and crisp, but not browned too much or dried out. This step is a game changer—I learned that toasting the bread first keeps the stuffing from turning mushy later. Once toasted, toss the bread cubes into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Cook the Sausage

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until everything starts to soften. Next, stir in mushrooms, thyme, sage, and parsley and cook for another 3 minutes to let those aromas really develop. Now, squeeze out the sausage from its casing into the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon. Add the diced apples too and cook for about 4 more minutes until the sausage is just cooked through. This mixture smells incredible—I always sneak a taste here and there!

Step 3: Combine and Bake to Golden Perfection

Once the sausage mixture is ready, remove the skillet from the heat and stir it into the toasted bread. Pour in the chicken broth and, if you’re using dried cranberries, sprinkle those on top. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine everything well. If you want to stuff your turkey, let the stuffing cool completely before stuffing it. Otherwise, transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40-45 minutes. The top gets beautifully golden and crisp—exactly what you want in stuffing!

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Pro Tips for Making Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Bread Choice is Key: I used to grab whatever bread was lying around until I realized that breads with a tighter crumb (like sourdough or whole wheat) give better texture after baking.
Don’t Skip Toasting: This simple step prevents soggy stuffing and adds that welcomed crunch in every bite.
Fresh Herbs Over Dried: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs—they really brighten the dish, though the dried work fine too if you’re in a pinch.
Flavor Boost Make-Ahead: I discovered that making the sausage-vegetable mixture a day ahead and keeping the bread cubes separate actually enhances the flavor depth.

How to Serve Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of chopped sage right before serving make a beautiful garnish and add a pop of green color that livens up the plate. Sometimes I like adding a few whole cranberries on top for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

This sausage & herb stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey (of course), glazed carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crisp green salad. For a slightly different twist, try it with grilled or roasted chicken—the flavors marry beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this stuffing in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for show-stopping presentation. It makes serving easier and feels extra festive—trust me, your guests will be wowed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually place it in a glass container and cover tightly with a lid or foil—this keeps moisture in but keeps it from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I’ve found it freezes beautifully, and thawing it overnight in the fridge before reheating helps it keep its texture and flavor.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20-25 minutes to revive that crisp top. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but you might lose a bit of that desirable crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The best way is to prepare the sausage-vegetable mixture and toast the bread cubes separately a day before. Store the sausage mixture in the refrigerator and keep bread at room temperature. Then assemble and bake when you’re ready. This method actually deepens the flavor.
Can I use gluten-free bread for this stuffing?

Yes, gluten-free bread works just fine. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up when toasted and mixed with broth. You might want to toast it a little longer to avoid sogginess.
How do I make this stuffing vegetarian?

Simply replace the sausage with extra mushrooms or diced butternut squash and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The steps remain exactly the same, and you’ll still get a deeply flavorful stuffing.
Can I stuff my turkey with this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to let the stuffing completely cool before placing it inside the bird to avoid food safety issues. Also, keep in mind that stuffing inside the turkey often takes longer to cook thoroughly, so use a thermometer to check.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe has been a joy to make and share. I love that it brings an unbeatable balance of savory sausage, fresh herbs, sweet apples, and a touch of tartness—the perfect way to elevate your holiday table or any cozy dinner. Give it a try and I promise, once you taste it, this stuffing will become just as special to you as it is to me.