If you’re searching for a homey, comforting dish that lights up your holiday table or just makes any dinner feel special, you’re going to adore this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe. I absolutely love how this stuffing balances savory sausage with fresh herbs and cozy bread cubes — it’s just the right amount of everything. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail this recipe every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry and fridge already.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the day before and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive.
- Packed with Flavor: Fresh herbs and savory sausage give it a homemade taste that’s better than boxed stuffing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this every single time — it’s always the first dish to disappear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how rich the flavors become. Using store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes saves time, and the fresh herbs really make a difference. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Unseasoned stuffing cubes: The base of the stuffing; unseasoned lets you control the flavors without salt overload.
- Unsalted butter: Gives richness without adding unwanted salt — plus, helps sauté the veggies beautifully.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened carefully in butter.
- Diced celery: Brings that classic crunch and freshness every great stuffing needs.
- Garlic cloves: Finely chopped for just the right aromatic punch without overpowering things.
- Bulk sweet Italian sausage: This is the star protein — spicy but sweet, no casings needed.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Moistens the bread without making it soggy, and controls saltiness nicely.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together for a perfect texture.
- Fresh chopped rosemary, sage, and parsley: These fresh herbs are what make this stuffing sing — don’t skip them!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season carefully to taste for just the right balance.
Variations
I love customizing this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it’s so flexible! Don’t be afraid to swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage: I tried this during a leaner eating phase, and it still packed plenty of flavor but was a bit lighter.
- Add dried cranberries or chopped apples: For a touch of sweetness and extra texture that plays beautifully with the savory notes.
- Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage, use vegetable broth, and toss in toasted nuts or mushrooms for umami richness.
- Use gluten-free bread cubes: Easily adapted for gluten sensitivities, just ensure your broths and sausage are gluten-free.
How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread Cubes
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Then, dump your stuffing cubes into a big mixing bowl. I always like to spread them out so they don’t clump — this helps later when mixing everything together.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Garlic
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and celery, stirring occasionally. Watch as they soften up — this usually takes around 8 minutes. When they’re tender and smelling amazing, add in the garlic and give it 2 more minutes. Don’t rush this step; these veggies add so much flavor and moisture. Then scrape everything into your big mixing bowl with the bread cubes, making sure to get every last bit off the pan.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage Perfectly
Without washing the pan, drop in your bulk sweet Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up finely with a spatula — I aim for pieces no bigger than ¼ inch. You want it nicely browned and fully cooked through. Once ready, stir the sausage and its fat right into your mixing bowl with the bread and veggies.
Step 4: Mix, Season, and Moisten
Add the chicken broth, beaten egg, fresh rosemary, sage, parsley, plus salt and pepper to the bowl. Now comes the fun part — mix everything gently but thoroughly with your hands or a big spoon until the bread softens and the herbs are evenly distributed. The mixture should feel moist but not soggy. If it looks dry, add a splash more broth.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Transfer your stuffing mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 65 to 75 minutes until the top is a gorgeous deep golden brown and crisp. You’ll smell those herbs and sausage fill your kitchen — trust me, no one will be able to resist! Let it rest a few minutes before serving to set.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Don’t Over-Soggy the Bread: I learned adding broth slowly helps you achieve moist stuffing without that mushy texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Dried won’t deliver the same bright flavor or aroma; fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley are game changers.
- Brown Sausage Well: Browning adds a deep, savory layer that elevates this stuffing beyond the ordinary.
- Clean Your Pan Carefully: If you wash the pan after sautéing veggies, you’ll lose those caramelized bits that add tons of flavor to the sausage step.
How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the richness. Sometimes I like a drizzle of melted butter or tiny crispy sage leaves for that extra gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs incredibly well with roasted turkey or chicken, but I also love it alongside green beans almondine or a simple salad with tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, your favorite mashed potatoes are just the ticket.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve baked this stuffing inside a hollowed-out pumpkin or baked acorn squash halves for an eye-catching presentation. It makes the whole meal feel festive and extra cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always cool leftover stuffing completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which means you can enjoy it again without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for the holidays, you can freeze this stuffing after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container. I’ve had success freezing for up to 3 months — just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This method keeps the inside moist while letting the top crisp back up just a bit — it tastes nearly as good as fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use regular sausage instead of bulk Italian sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you can only find sausages in casings, just remove the casings before cooking the meat. The key is to brown the sausage thoroughly and crumble it finely, which makes it blend perfectly with the bread and vegetables.
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Can I make this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the stuffing cubes for a gluten-free bread option. Make sure your chicken broth and sausage are also gluten-free, and the rest of the recipe stays the same. The flavors remain just as delicious.
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How do I prevent my stuffing from being too soggy?
It’s all about the balance of broth and bread. Add the broth gradually while mixing until the bread is moist but not drenched. Also, baking uncovered lets excess moisture evaporate, giving you that crisp topping everyone loves.
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Can I assemble the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix it all up a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and beautifully golden.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s reliable, packed with flavor, and such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner, it brings that warm homemade feel that everyone appreciates. I encourage you to try it out, tweak it to your liking, and make it part of your regular recipe rotation — your family and guests will thank you!
Print
Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
- 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 and herb stuffing recipe combines classic flavors of savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables with store-bought stuffing cubes for a flavorful and comforting side dish. Perfectly moist inside with a crisp, golden top, this stuffing is a great addition to any holiday meal or cozy dinner.
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
Meat
- 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
Liquids & Binder
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
Herbs & Seasonings
- 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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Prepare Stuffing Base: Place the store-bought stuffing cubes into a large mixing bowl, setting the foundation for the stuffing.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Vegetables with Bread Cubes: Transfer the cooked vegetables into the bowl with stuffing cubes, scraping every bit out of the pan to capture all flavors.
- Cook Sausage: Using the same pan, cook the bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Break up the sausage into pieces no larger than ¼ inch to ensure even texture. Add the cooked sausage and rendered fat to the bread and vegetable mixture.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and beaten egg. Add the fresh chopped rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the bread cubes are softened and moistened evenly.
- Bake Stuffing: Transfer the mixed stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 65-75 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp, and the inside is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the stuffing to rest briefly before serving as a delicious side dish to your favorite main courses.
Notes
- If bulk sausage is unavailable, use regular sausage and carefully remove the casings before cooking.
- This stuffing can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake; add a few extra minutes to baking time when cooking from refrigerated.
- After baking, stuffing can be tightly covered and frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating in a 325°F oven covered with foil until hot.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at 1/3 the quantity if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
