Description
A rich and flavorful Holiday Sausage Stuffing combining savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and hearty rustic bread cubes. This classic side dish features perfectly balanced flavors with crispy edges and moist, tender centers. Easy to prepare and versatile, it pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or can be adapted for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Ideal for festive meals and make-ahead cooking to reduce holiday stress.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Bread
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 cups rustic bread cubes (day-old or lightly toasted)
Aromatics and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Fat
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the bread into cubes and lightly toast if fresh to help hold shape. Finely chop the onion, celery, and fresh herbs so they are ready to be sautéed.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the Italian sausage until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed. Transfer sausage to a bowl, leaving some flavorful bits in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same pan. Add onion, celery, and chopped herbs, cooking gently until softened and fragrant to infuse flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed aromatics, salt, and pepper. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
- Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use day-old or stale bread for best texture as it absorbs moisture without becoming mushy.
- Add broth gradually to control the stuffing’s moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Ensure sausage is well browned to enhance flavor and reduce greasiness.
- Fresh herbs significantly elevate the flavor, so use them whenever possible.
- Allow the stuffing to rest slightly after baking to let flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg