Recipes

The Ultimate Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing Recipe for Your Holiday Feast

Inspired by our ever-popular (but meat-free) Simple Is Best Stuffing, we crafted our ultimate sausage stuffing recipe for folks who crave a little pork in the Thanksgiving dinner favorite. This savory, custardy version gets its extra-savory oomph from sagy breakfast sausage and a generous amount of fresh garlic.

Contents

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe - Cafe Delites

Start with country-style white bread (sourdough or French bread will also work) and tear it into pieces. Craggy edges, as opposed to the squared-off dice you’ll find in most store-bought stuffing mixes, create a textured surface with ideal crispy peaks and chewy valleys. Breakfast-style pork sausage has the right amount of sweetness and seasoning to complement the stuffing, but sweet Italian sausage is a worthy swap; if you avoid pork, a dark meat turkey version will work well. We load this classic sausage stuffing with the requisite fresh herbs (sage, thyme, and parsley), but we’ve also added whole fennel seeds for an extra herbal kick.

Streamlined Preparation

To cut down on prep time (and cleanup time), you’ll cook the sausage and aromatics in a large pot with plenty of melted butter, then toss the lot with toasted bread cubes in the same pot before transferring it to a casserole dish, no ginormous bowl necessary.

Perfect for Your Holiday Table

This festive side dish will be right at home next to Ultra-Creamy Mashed Potatoes, crisp roasted veggies, jiggly cranberry sauce, and our favorite roast turkey at your next holiday meal.

Recipe Variations

Looking for more Thanksgiving stuffing recipe riffs? Try our easy Make-Ahead Stuffing, cornbread stuffing with crunchy corn nuts, and more.

Ingredient List

  • 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided, plus more for dish
  • 1 1–1¼-lb. loaf country-style white bread, torn into 1"
  • 1 lb. breakfast sausage, casings removed if needed
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 6 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, divided
  • ½ cup (packed) coarsely chopped parsley

Baking Instructions

  1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven; preheat to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 13×9" baking dish with unsalted butter.
  3. Arrange one 1–1¼-lb. loaf country-style white bread, torn into 1" pieces, in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake until dried out and golden around the edges, 30–40 minutes. Let cool.

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Conclusion

Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing is a delectable addition to your holiday table. With the right ingredients and a streamlined preparation process, you can enjoy the perfect balance of savory flavors and crispy textures. Whether you’re a fan of classic pork sausage or prefer a turkey version, this stuffing will be a delightful companion to your favorite holiday dishes.

Give it a try, and explore other stuffing variations for a Thanksgiving feast that’s sure to impress your guests.

Exploring the Versatility of Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing: Beyond the Basics

How to Make Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing?

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oven to 275°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 275°F.

  2. Tear the bread into small pieces.

  3. Bake the bread until dried out and golden around the edges.

  4. Prepare the aromatics and herbs.

  5. Sauté the aromatics in a pot.

  6. Toss the bread, herbs, and sautéed aromatics together.

  7. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.

  8. Brown the sausage.

What Are the Best Sausage Variations for Stuffing?

Best Sausage Variations for Stuffing:

  • Mild Italian Sausage: Mild Italian sausage is a popular choice for its balanced flavor.

  • Turkey or Pork-Based Sausage: You can opt for turkey or pork-based sausage. Turkey is often preferred for its lower grease content.

  • Spicy Sausage: If you prefer a touch of heat, spicy sausage is an excellent option.

Choose the sausage variation that suits your taste and enjoy the rich flavors in your stuffing.

Are There Vegetarian Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing Options?

Vegetarian Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing Options:

  • Mushroom Substitution: Create a delightful vegetarian stuffing by substituting sausage with a variety of chopped mushrooms like portobello, shiitake, oyster, and cremini. These mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to your dish.

  • Herb Selection: For a burst of flavor, consider using a combination of rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. Fresh herbs are highly recommended to enhance the stuffing’s aromatic and savory profile.

Explore these vegetarian alternatives to savor the deliciousness of Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing, with a meat-free twist.

What Herbs Complement Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing?

Complementary Herbs for Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing:

In crafting the perfect Sausage-and-Herb Stuffing, we load this classic with a blend of essential fresh herbs:

  • Sage: Known for its earthy and slightly peppery flavor, sage adds depth and richness to the stuffing.

  • Thyme: With its subtle, savory notes, thyme enhances the overall aromatic profile.

  • Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright and herbaceous quality, balancing the other flavors.

In addition to these essentials, we’ve also introduced whole fennel seeds, providing an extra herbal kick. The combination of these herbs creates a harmonious symphony of flavors in your stuffing.

What is sausage stuffing made of?

Ingredients in Sausage Stuffing:

Sausage stuffing is a delightful combination of key ingredients:

  • Ground Sausage: Ground sausage provides a savory and meaty component, adding depth of flavor to the stuffing.

  • Bread Cubes: Bread cubes, often made from white or sourdough bread, create the stuffing’s base. They absorb the flavors and moisture, resulting in a satisfying texture.

  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, and parsley bring a burst of herbal aroma and taste, enhancing the overall profile.

  • Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to moisten the mixture, ensuring a delectably moist and flavorful stuffing.

This versatile dish can be served alongside Thanksgiving dinner, used as a turkey stuffing, or baked for a delightful weeknight meal.

How does Gordon Ramsay make stuffing?

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