Sausage Stuffing with Fresh Herbs recipe

Nothing says comfort like a heaping dish of sausage and herb stuffing. This savory side dish brings together the best of holiday flavors in one warm and satisfying recipe. Combining chunks of crusty bread, rich Italian sausage, and fresh herbs, it strikes the perfect balance of hearty and aromatic. Whether you are preparing a classic Thanksgiving meal or looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, sausage and herb stuffing is a crowd-pleaser that always delivers.

The key to this delicious stuffing lies in its blend of textures and flavors. Sweet or spicy Italian sausage adds depth, while Granny Smith apples provide a touch of tartness that complements the savoriness of the dish. A mix of tender onions, celery, and fresh herbs, alongside dried cranberries, ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of crunchy bread cubes with a juicy, well-seasoned filling is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or an adventurous beginner, this stuffing is easy to master with just a bit of time and attention. With its delightful mix of ingredients and enticing aroma, sausage and herb stuffing is the ultimate comfort food that can transform any meal into a special occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Sausage and Herb Stuffing

  • Bread Cubes – The foundation of the stuffing, choose white or sourdough bread for a slightly tangy flavor and ideal texture.
  • Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and ensures a moist stuffing, perfect for sautéing vegetables and binding ingredients.
  • Yellow Onion – Provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
  • Celery – Offers a subtle crunch and fresh undertone that balances the richness.
  • Granny Smith Apples – Unpeeled for added color and texture; they introduce a hint of tartness that brightens the dish.
  • Flat-Leaf Parsley – Brings a fresh, herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
  • Italian Sausage – Choose between sweet or spicy, depending on your preference; it adds a savory richness to the stuffing.
  • Chicken Stock – Helps moisten the bread and infuses the stuffing with a deeper flavor.
  • Dried Cranberries – Contributes a touch of sweetness and chewiness, contrasting beautifully with the savory elements.

Steps to Create Your Perfect Stuffing

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan and toast for 7 minutes to help them achieve the perfect crunch. Remove from the oven, increase the temperature to 350°F, and transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, apples, parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add this mixture to the bread cubes.
  3. Using the same pan, cook the sausage over medium heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a fork as it browns. Once cooked through and crumbled, add the sausage to the bread and vegetable mix.
  4. Pour the chicken stock and dried cranberries over the mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Transfer the stuffing to a 9×12-inch baking dish.
  5. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sausage and Herb Stuffing

  • For extra flavor, toast the bread cubes until they are lightly browned before combining them with the other ingredients.
  • Adjust the seasoning based on the sausage you choose. Spicy sausage may require less pepper.
  • Adding a splash of apple cider or white wine to the vegetable sauté can enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a moister stuffing, increase the amount of chicken stock by a quarter cup.

Recipe Variations to Try

If you’d like to switch things up, try using cornbread instead of white or sourdough for a Southern twist on this classic dish. Swap the cranberries for dried cherries or golden raisins for a different flavor contrast. For a more earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or chestnuts to the mix. You can also experiment with different herbs, like sage or thyme, to customize the stuffing to your taste.

Storing Your Sausage and Herb Stuffing

To store leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from becoming too crispy.

Enjoy this delicious sausage and herb stuffing as the perfect accompaniment to your next meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner!

Sausage Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe

A savory and comforting stuffing made with Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness from cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delicious side dish.

  • 3/4 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 16 cups 1-inch bread cubes (white or sourdough, from a 1 1/2-pound loaf)
  • 2 cups yellow onion (medium-diced (about 2 onions))
  • 1 cup celery (medium-diced (about 2 stalks))
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 Granny Smith apples (cored, unpeeled, and large-diced)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake for 7 minutes until slightly crisp. Remove from the oven, transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl, and increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, celery, apples, parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the bread cubes.
  3. Using the same sauté pan, cook the sausage over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, breaking it up with a fork, until it is browned and thoroughly cooked. Add the sausage to the bread and vegetable mixture.
  4. Pour the chicken stock over the bread mixture, then add the dried cranberries. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Transfer the stuffing mixture into a 9×12-inch baking dish.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, until the stuffing is golden brown on top and heated through in the center. Serve warm.

For a more flavorful stuffing, use a mix of both sweet and spicy Italian sausages.

This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Side Dish
American
Sausage Stuffing with Fresh Herbs Recipe

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