Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Today, I’m so excited to share my Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe with you. This stuffing has become a staple in my holiday cooking because it’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to throw together. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie, I promise you’ll find this recipe approachable and downright delicious. So, let’s dive in — I can’t wait for you to try it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe lies in its balance: savory sausage, fragrant herbs, and that trusty, soft-yet-crisp texture from store-bought cubes. I always keep my eye out for fresh herbs at the market—they really elevate the dish.

• Stuffing Cubes: Opt for unseasoned cubes so you control the flavor; this makes sure the sausage and herbs shine through.
• Unsalted Butter: It gives richness without adding extra salt, letting you season precisely.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Celery: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness to the mix.
• Garlic: Finely chopped to infuse that irresistible aromatic layer.
• Bulk Sweet Italian Sausage: I prefer removing the casing myself so you get perfectly small crumbles; it’s worth the little effort.
• Chicken Broth: Low sodium is key to avoid an overly salty dish.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and creates a nice custardy feel inside the stuffing.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds a piney, earthy note that’s festive and warming.
• Fresh Sage: Classic herb for stuffing, brings a gentle peppery aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the whole dish with a hint of freshness.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course—always season with care.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to play around with it and make it your own.

• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms with the onions and celery for earthy depth — my family goes crazy for this twist!
• Spicy Kick: Swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy for a bit of heat; I discovered this trick when a friend brought it to Thanksgiving, and it was a game-changer.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based sausage and veggie broth for a crowd-pleasing meatless option.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts stirred in before baking add a delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your stuffing won’t stick and will come out golden and crispy. I never skip this step because the buttery edges are the best part!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat, then add diced onions and celery. Cook them gently for about 8 minutes until they soften and get slightly sweet. Garlic goes in last for 2 minutes—don’t rush this part, as it’s where the flavor builds beautifully. When adding to your bowl of stuffing cubes, scrape every little bit from the pan; the caramelized bits packed with flavor are gold!

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Using the same pan (no need to wash!), cook the bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it into small pieces about a quarter-inch in size for perfect texture and even cooking. This takes around 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Adding the sausage fat to the mix adds richness, so don’t discard it—incorporate all of it with the bread cubes and veggies.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Now, pour in your chicken broth, beaten egg, and fresh herbs — rosemary, sage, and parsley — along with salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly so those bread cubes soak up the moisture without getting mushy. Transfer the mixture into your buttered baking dish and bake uncovered for 65-75 minutes. You’re aiming for a stuffing that’s golden and crisp on top while staying moist inside. Keep an eye on it towards the end; that perfect crunch is worth the wait.

How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this stuffing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a few toasted pine nuts on top for a bit of crunch—it’s simple but makes such a difference visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, of course, but I also love it alongside green beans almondine or a crisp fall salad. Mashed potatoes with garlic butter complete the spread perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash or small pumpkins—your guests love the charming presentation, and it doubles as a serving vessel. Another fun idea is to serve individual stuffing cups baked in muffin tins for perfect portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, pack leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. I’ve found that this stuffing reheats beautifully and quickly in the oven the next day, tasting almost as fresh as when I first made it.

Freezing

If you want to make this in advance or have extra, freeze the stuffing after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until hot all the way through — usually about 25-30 minutes. This prevents it from drying out while keeping the tops crispy. I always check halfway and give it a gentle stir if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe has become a heartfelt tradition in my home, and I truly think it has the power to win over anyone who tries it. It’s approachable, flavorful, and forgiving—perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner. I’m so excited for you to make it your own and share it with your loved ones as I have with mine. Trust me, once you try this, stuffing will never be the same again!

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