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Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how it turns out every time—moist, savory, and just the right amount of crispy on top. When I first tried this recipe, it instantly became a staple for holidays and Sunday dinners because it’s so straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. Stick around and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it on the first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh herbs takes your stuffing to a whole new level.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and saving yourself stress on busy days.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and your guests will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of texture and flavor. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and good quality sausage—you’ll notice the difference right away.

Flat lay of fresh sweet Italian sausage in raw bulk form with light marbling, diced bright yellow onion pieces, crisp pale green celery stalks chopped into small chunks, peeled garlic cloves with smooth white skin, sprigs of fresh green rosemary with needle-like leaves, soft sage leaves in muted gray-green tones, vibrant flat-leaf parsley chopped finely showing bright green color, all neatly arranged with rustic cubes of golden-brown bread stuffing, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing, sausage and herb stuffing, holiday stuffing ideas, savory stuffing recipes, herb sausage stuffing
  • Stuffing cubes: I use unseasoned store-bought cubes—they soak up the broth perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
  • Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness in the recipe and adds a lovely richness.
  • Diced yellow onion: Makes the stuffing sweet and savory; fresh is best here.
  • Diced celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the sausage.
  • Garlic cloves: Finely chopped for that deep, comforting aroma throughout the dish.
  • Bulk sweet Italian sausage: This is the star protein—make sure to buy sausage without casings or remove them yourself.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without being too salty or overpowering.
  • Large egg: Helps bind everything together so you get perfect structure.
  • Fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley: Fresh herbs lift this stuffing from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t skip them!
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe to suit different occasions and dietary needs. It’s really forgiving, so feel free to tweak away to make it your own.

  • Herb swap: Sometimes I swap rosemary and sage for thyme and marjoram—that earthy twist is amazing in fall.
  • Vegetarian version: Try replacing the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty, meat-free alternative that everyone enjoys.
  • Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking adds warmth and depth that my family can’t get enough of.
  • Add-ins: Toss in dried cranberries or chopped apples for a touch of sweetness and texture contrast, perfect around the holidays.

How to Make Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Veggies

Start by greasing your baking dish and preheating the oven to 350°F. While that heats up, melt your butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Then add diced onions and celery. Cook them gently for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic last—cook it just a couple minutes so it doesn’t burn but releases its flavor fully. Transfer this veggie mix to the bowl with your stuffing cubes, scraping the pan well so you get every bit of that flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Without washing the pan, pop in the bulk sausage over medium heat. Break it apart with your spatula so the pieces stay small—think no bigger than a quarter inch. I learned this trick because bigger chunks sometimes cook unevenly and don’t get as crispy. Brown it nicely in about 8-10 minutes until it’s fully cooked. Then add this sausage and all its flavorful fat to your bread cubes and veggies. That fat really amps up the taste and moistness!

Step 3: Mix, Moisturize & Season

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth, beaten egg, and all your fresh chopped herbs—rosemary, sage, parsley—along with salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until the bread cubes are soft and nicely moistened. You don’t want soggy stuffing, so if yours feels too wet, add broth gradually next time until just right. This is a texture thing I figured out after the first few tries.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Transfer your stuffing mixture to the greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 65-75 minutes until the top is a beautiful deep golden brown and crisp—just the way I like it. Bake a bit longer if you want it crispier on top. Let it cool a few minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

  • Use fresh herbs: They elevate the flavor so much more than dried; chop them finely for an even distribution.
  • Don’t over-moisten: Add broth gradually—this stuffing should be moist but not soupy.
  • Brown sausage well: Browning gives that deep flavor and nice texture; don’t rush this step.
  • Use bulk sausage or remove casings: Casings can be chewy and disrupt the texture; removing them gives you perfect little bites.

How to Serve Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a few toasted pine nuts or sliced green onions for an unexpected crunch and bright flavor. It really makes the dish look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken, but I’ve also served it alongside maple-glazed carrots and garlicky green beans to round out the plate. Mashed potatoes are a classic companion as well—comfort overload!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to bake this stuffing in individual ramekins—it makes for a beautiful presentation and each person gets their own crispy top. Pop some fresh rosemary sprigs on top as garnish, and it looks like a fancy restaurant dish without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the stuffing cools, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stuffing after baking, tightly covered in foil and a freezer bag. It keeps well up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil to prevent it from drying out and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through—usually about 20-30 minutes depending on your oven and portion size. This keeps the top moist while warming the center evenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Use about one-third the amount called for fresh herbs, since dried are more concentrated. That means roughly 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and sage instead of 1 tablespoon each. However, fresh herbs do give a brighter flavor and better texture.

  2. What if I can’t find bulk Italian sausage?

    No worries! Just buy regular Italian sausage links and carefully remove the casings before cooking. The bulk sausage just means it’s loose and easier to crumble while cooking, but the taste is the same.

  3. Can I make this stuffing vegan?

    Absolutely! Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms with walnuts. Use a vegan butter substitute and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the egg or replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to bind.

  4. How do I avoid soggy stuffing?

    This is all about the broth amount. Add it gradually so the bread is moist but not drenched. Also, baking uncovered helps the top get crispy. Finally, using store-bought stuffing cubes instead of fresh bread makes it easier to control moisture levels.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and packed with flavor without complicated steps. It’s the kind of recipe that makes holidays and family meals feel cozy and special, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much as we do. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort side dish!

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Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 426 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a savory, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any family dinner. Made with tender bread cubes, browned Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and a flavorful blend of sautéed vegetables, this stuffing bakes to a golden, crispy perfection that complements roasted poultry beautifully.


Ingredients

Stuffing Base

  • 8 cups (400g) store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1½ cups diced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
  • 1 cup diced celery (from 3 celery stalks)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Sausage & Fat

  • 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

Liquids & Binder

  • 2¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and add richness to the stuffing’s crust.
  2. Combine Bread Cubes: Place the 8 cups of stuffing cubes into a large mixing bowl, creating the base for your stuffing.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to develop flavor. Transfer this vegetable mixture to the bowl with the bread cubes, scraping all bits from the pan.
  4. Cook Sausage: In the same pan, without cleaning it, add the bulk sweet Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking the meat into pieces no larger than ¼ inch, until browned and cooked through. Add the browned sausage and rendered fat to the bread and vegetable mixture for rich flavor.
  5. Mix and Moisten: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and beaten egg into the bowl. Add the freshly chopped rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until the bread cubes are well moistened but not soggy.
  6. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the moistened stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 65-75 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp, and the interior is cooked through and flavorful.

Notes

  • If bulk sausage is unavailable, buy regular sausages and remove their casings before cooking.
  • This stuffing can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
  • After baking, leftover stuffing freezes well—store tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating covered in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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