Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting side that effortlessly steals the show at any family dinner, this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me, it’s not your average stuffing — it’s packed with cozy herbs, savory sausage, and a hint of sweetness from apples and cranberries that just make it sing. I remember the first time I made it; my whole family went crazy, and now it’s become a staple whenever I want to impress without stress. Keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and totally doable for you, too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe, I love how all the savory, sweet, and herbal ingredients come together. Each one has its role—whether it’s the mild Italian sausage that adds richness or the apples and cranberries giving a subtle fruity twist. When shopping, go for fresh herbs if you can; they make a big difference!

• Cubed bread: You can use any bread, but I usually go with whole wheat for extra nuttiness and texture.
• Unsalted butter: It lets you control the saltiness better and adds that creamy, rich foundation.
• Onion: Diced finely so it cooks evenly into sweetness.
• Celery: Thinly sliced to blend perfectly with the other veggies.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.
• Mushrooms: Roughly chopped—these add a lovely earthy depth.
• Dried thyme, sage, and parsley: Herbs are the heart of this stuffing with a fresh, aromatic lift.
• Uncooked mild Italian sausage: Using mild keeps it approachable for all palates.
• Diced apples: Adds a subtle sweetness and juicy surprise.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without overpowering.
• Optional dried cranberries: I love the tart pop they provide, but you can leave them out if you prefer.

Variations

I love making this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe my own with simple tweaks. Sometimes I swap the sausage for turkey sausage when I want something leaner, or turn it vegetarian all together by adding extra mushrooms and using veggie broth. It’s a forgiving recipe that invites personalization.

• Vegetarian Version: I replaced the sausage with a combination of mushrooms and diced butternut squash, and it was surprisingly hearty and delicious.
• Make it spicier: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture gives it a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
• Different breads: I’ve tried sourdough and baguette cubes for a more rustic, chewy texture that my family enjoyed.
• Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and complement the sweet apple flavors beautifully.

How to Make Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes to Crispy Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C) and spreading the bread cubes evenly across two large baking sheets. Toasting the bread is a game-changer for texture — it dries them out just enough to absorb the broth later without getting soggy. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re lightly browned and crisp. When I first tried skipping this step, I ended up with a mushy mess, so trust me, don’t skip!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs with Sausage

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, salt, and pepper and sauté for about 4 minutes until the veggies soften. Then toss in the mushrooms along with thyme, sage, and parsley and cook for another 3 minutes to build those lovely aromas. Next, squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings right into the skillet and break it up with your spoon. Add the diced apples, and cook for about 4 more minutes until the sausage is just cooked through. This step is where flavor really develops, and the apples add such a sweet surprise that balances the sausage perfectly.

Step 3: Combine and Bake or Stuff

Remove the skillet from heat and stir the sausage and veggie mixture into the toasted bread cubes. Pour in the chicken broth and gently fold in dried cranberries, if you’re using them. If you’re stuffing a turkey, make sure the stuffing cools completely before filling it — this prevents food safety issues. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pop it in a 350°F (177°C) oven, and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.

How to Serve Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

To finish off, I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite. Sometimes, I toss on some toasted pecans for crunch, which my family absolutely adores.

Side Dishes

This stuffing shines alongside classic roasted turkey, but I’ve also served it with baked ham or roast chicken. For sides, creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and green beans almondine are some staples I trust to round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like scooping the stuffing into mini ramekins or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a fancy, portion-controlled presentation. It’s a fun way to showcase the stuffing and impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store them tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days, and I’ve found the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight. Just make sure to cool the stuffing completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked stuffing successfully by wrapping it tightly in foil and then placing it inside a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually spread the stuffing in a baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy on top. You can also zap portions in the microwave when you’re in a pinch, but I prefer the oven method for texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of dish that makes holiday dinners feel extra cozy and memorable. It’s straightforward but feels like a labor of love, and the compliments you’ll get won’t stop. I genuinely hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as my family and I do — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Happy cooking, friend!

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