Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a beloved dish that perfectly complements any festive spread. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, its savory combination of sausage, herbs, apples, and mushrooms is undeniably comforting.
The secret to this stuffing’s depth of flavor is its harmonious blend of fresh herbs, hearty bread, and aromatic vegetables. With a touch of sausage and apples, each bite offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
Make this stuffing ahead of time to save yourself time on the big day. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that can be baked separately or used to stuff a turkey, ensuring it’s as versatile as it is delicious.Sausage & Herb Stuffing Ingredients
Sausage brings a rich, savory depth to this stuffing, infusing every bite with its juicy, flavorful goodness. The earthy mushrooms complement the sausage perfectly, adding a tender texture and a robust, umami-filled layer.
Herbs like thyme, sage, and parsley create a fragrant foundation, enhancing the stuffing with a timeless, aromatic warmth. The crisp bread cubes soak up all the flavors, creating a satisfying base that holds everything together.
Sweet apples balance the savory elements, offering a subtle freshness and hint of natural sweetness. Together, these ingredients combine to form the perfect harmony of flavors in this comforting holiday classic.
Sausage & Herb Stuffing Ingredients
Sausage brings a rich, savory depth to this stuffing, infusing every bite with its juicy, flavorful goodness. The earthy mushrooms complement the sausage perfectly, adding a tender texture and a robust, umami-filled layer.
Herbs like thyme, sage, and parsley create a fragrant foundation, enhancing the stuffing with a timeless, aromatic warmth. The crisp bread cubes soak up all the flavors, creating a satisfying base that holds everything together.
Sweet apples balance the savory elements, offering a subtle freshness and hint of natural sweetness. Together, these ingredients combine to form the perfect harmony of flavors in this comforting holiday classic.
Recipe Tips
- Use Stale Bread for Better Texture
For the best stuffing texture, use day-old bread or even slightly stale bread. Stale bread holds up better to the broth and doesn’t become mushy as easily. If you only have fresh bread, simply cube it and toast it in the oven for 15 minutes to dry it out. - Customize Your Sausage
While mild Italian sausage is the classic choice for this stuffing, feel free to experiment with other types of sausage. Try spicy sausage for an added kick or even a blend of sausage types for more flavor depth. Just make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the bread mixture. - Prepare Ahead for Maximum Flavor
This stuffing actually tastes better when made ahead of time. Prepare the stuffing up to step 2 and store the cooked veggies, sausage, and apples in the fridge. The next day, combine with the toasted bread and continue with the rest of the recipe. This method allows the flavors to meld overnight.
What to Serve with Sausage & Herb Stuffing
- Roast Turkey
A classic pairing for sausage and herb stuffing is roast turkey. The savory stuffing complements the juicy, tender turkey, and the combination creates the perfect holiday plate. Add a drizzle of turkey gravy over the stuffing to enhance its flavors. - Crispy Roasted Vegetables
Serve this stuffing alongside a medley of crispy roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges of the veggies add a subtle sweetness and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the stuffing. - Cranberry Sauce
A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a refreshing tartness that cuts through the savory flavors of the stuffing. The bright color and flavor of the cranberries provide a festive touch, balancing the richness of the dish.
FAQ
1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can! For the best flavor, prepare the recipe through step 2 and store the sausage, vegetables, and apples in the fridge overnight. Toast the bread the day of, then combine everything before baking. You can also freeze the fully baked stuffing for up to 3 months.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with additional mushrooms or roasted butternut squash for a hearty, meatless version. Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it entirely vegetarian.
3. Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffing. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 20–25 minutes.
4. Can I stuff a turkey with this?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to stuff a turkey with this recipe, be sure to allow the stuffing to cool completely before using it as a turkey filling. This ensures safe cooking and prevents soggy stuffing.
Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread any type, but whole wheat is preferred
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 stalks of celery thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or equivalent fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage or approximately 2 tablespoons fresh sage
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage uncooked
- 2 cups diced apples approximately 2 medium apples
- 2 and 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: 2/3 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread the cubed bread in a single layer across two large baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes or until the bread becomes lightly golden and crisp. Once done, transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for around 4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Next, incorporate the mushrooms, thyme, sage, and parsley, continuing to cook for an additional 3 minutes. Crumble the sausage out of its casing into the skillet, using a spoon to break it apart. Stir in the diced apples and cook for approximately 4 minutes, until the sausage is nearly cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat, then mix the sausage and apple combination into the toasted bread cubes. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, followed by the optional dried cranberries. Stir the entire mixture until thoroughly combined.
- If you plan to use the stuffing for a turkey, let it cool completely before stuffing. If baking the stuffing separately, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or any 3- to 4-quart baking dish, and transfer the stuffing into the dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish the stuffing with fresh herbs before serving, if desired. Serve while warm.
- To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave as needed.
Notes
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
This stuffing reaches its full flavor potential when prepared ahead of time. To avoid the bread losing its texture, prepare the dish through step 2 and store the cooked vegetables, sausage, and apples in the refrigerator. Keep the toasted bread cubes loosely covered at room temperature. The following day, continue with step 3 and proceed with baking. For longer storage, the fully baked stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20-25 minutes before serving. Vegetarian Option
You can easily convert this stuffing into a vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with additional mushrooms or diced butternut squash. Simply follow the original cooking instructions, and swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
