Name: Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound day old bread (cut or torn into 1-inch pieces to make about 10 cups); 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1.5 sticks); 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 stalks celery, chopped; 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, chopped; 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1-2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped; 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1-2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2.5 cups chicken broth, divided; 2 large eggs

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish of Sausage Stuffing to bring a feeling of home and joy to your table. This classic recipe combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the fresh brightness of herbs, tender vegetables, and a touch of sweet apple, all layered into perfectly dried bread pieces that soak up flavorful broth and eggs. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this Sausage Stuffing offers a perfect balance of textures and aromas that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through creating this beloved dish step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Sausage Stuffing truly shine, you’ll rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role. From the bread that forms the base and texture, to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, the combination is straightforward yet incredibly flavorful.

Day-old bread, 1 pound: Using slightly dried bread allows it to soak up all the delicious juices without becoming mushy.
Italian sausage, 1 pound: Brings hearty, savory richness that is the star protein in the dish.
Unsalted butter, 3/4 cup: Adds luscious creaminess and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
Medium onion: Provides a robust base flavor when cooked until tender.
Celery stalks, 4: Give a subtle crunch and fresh, herbal notes.
Medium apple: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory meat and herbs.
Fresh parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary (1-2 tablespoons each): These fresh herbs add incredible aromatics and depth to every bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Chicken broth, 2.5 cups: Moistens the bread and marries all the ingredients together with savory goodness.
Eggs, 2: Help bind the stuffing so it bakes up tender and cohesive.

How to Make Sausage Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start with day-old bread torn or cut into about 1-inch pieces to yield roughly 10 cups. If your bread isn’t quite stale yet, no worries! Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and dry them in a low 250°F oven for about an hour. This step is key because dryer bread absorbs flavors without becoming soggy. Let it cool before mixing.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble in the Italian sausage and cook for about 8 minutes until browned and beautifully caramelized. Once cooked, add the sausage directly to the bowl with the dried bread and drain most of the fat, leaving those flavorful browned bits in the pan for added depth in the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Apple

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion, celery, and apple. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the veggies are tender and just beginning to brown — this builds wonderful sweetness and complexity. Then stir in the freshly chopped parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary, letting their fragrant oils bloom in the warmth before transferring everything to the bowl with the bread and sausage.

Step 4: Season and Add Broth

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then slowly add half of the chicken broth (about 1 1/4 cups) while gently tossing the mixture. This slow incorporation ensures each piece of bread gets moistened evenly, soaking up just the right amount of savory liquid without turning mushy. Patience here guarantees the perfect texture.

Step 5: Bind with Eggs and Remaining Broth

In a separate bowl, whisk together the two eggs and the remaining broth. Gradually pour this over the stuffing mixture, continuing to toss gently so it all combines evenly. The eggs will help the stuffing set beautifully during baking while keeping it moist and tender.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your well-mixed stuffing into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the Sausage Stuffing rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and textures to firm up just right.

How to Serve Sausage Stuffing

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as a sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich stuffing. For a touch of elegance, consider a few toasted pecans or dried cranberries scattered atop for flavor contrast and texture.

Side Dishes

Sausage Stuffing pairs perfectly with classic roast turkey or chicken, but it also holds its own alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green bean casserole. The richness of the stuffing balances well with crisp, fresh salads or even a tangy cranberry sauce for a burst of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stuffing in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, charming touch that doubles as an edible dish. Alternatively, bake individual portions in muffin tins for perfectly portioned, golden-topped stuffing cups—ideal for a buffet-style gathering or a fun twist to your dinner plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Sausage Stuffing, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and is just as delightful when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep the Sausage Stuffing longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the stuffing in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of heating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven method really refreshes the texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Sausage Stuffing without Italian sausage?

Yes! You can substitute with any ground sausage you prefer, such as breakfast or spicy sausage, to match your flavor preferences. Just keep in mind sausage types vary in fat and seasoning, which will influence the stuffing’s taste.

What kind of bread works best for stuffing?

Day-old white, sourdough, or rustic country bread all work wonderfully. The key is that the bread has dried out enough to absorb the broth without collapsing into a mushy mess.

Can I prepare Sausage Stuffing entirely ahead of time?

You absolutely can! Mix all ingredients and assemble the stuffing in your baking dish a day ahead, store in the fridge, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This is a great time saver for busy holidays.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used as a substitute but use about one-third the amount compared to fresh herbs, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The fresh herbs really elevate the flavor, though, so try to use fresh if possible.

Is it necessary to add apples to Sausage Stuffing?

While optional, apples add a lovely hint of natural sweetness that balances the savory and herbal notes. You can omit them if preferred, but you might miss that subtle layer of flavor and gentle texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

Making this Sausage Stuffing is like crafting a warm hug in food form—rich, herby, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a cherished family tradition or a brand new favorite, this recipe brings comforting flavors to your table with every bite. I hope you feel inspired to try it soon and watch your loved ones fall in love just as much as I have. Happy cooking!

Sausage Stuffing Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This classic Sausage Stuffing recipe combines savory Italian sausage with a medley of fresh herbs, onions, celery, and a touch of apple sweetness, all mixed with day-old bread and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or family dinners, this stuffing is moist yet hearty, with a fragrant herb aroma and savory depth from the browned sausage and butter-sautéed vegetables.

Instructions

Prep the bread: Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch pieces to yield about 10 cups. Let the bread dry out naturally for a few days at room temperature, or bake in the oven at 250°F for about an hour, tossing once or twice, until dried but not browned. Let cool.
Add bread to bowl: Place the dried bread pieces in a large mixing bowl to prepare for combining later ingredients.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and place the rack in the center position.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, crumble the Italian sausage and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Transfer sausage to the bowl with bread, and drain off fat from the skillet, leaving browned bits for flavor.
Sauté vegetables and apple: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion, celery, and apple, cooking for 10-12 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Add herbs: Stir the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary into the skillet mixture, then add this aromatic blend to the bread and sausage bowl.
Season and moisten: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture. Gradually add half of the chicken broth (1 1/4 cups), tossing gently to evenly moisten the bread without creating soggy spots. Let the broth absorb fully.
Mix eggs and broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and the remaining 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth. Gradually add the egg mixture to the stuffing, tossing gently to combine evenly.
Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the stuffing mixture into an even layer.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and stuffing to steam.
Uncover and brown: Remove the foil and bake an additional 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Rest before serving: Let the stuffing rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavor.

Notes

Day-old bread is essential for the proper texture; avoid fresh bread which will become mushy.
Adjust herbs according to preference or availability, but fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter taste.
Make sure to add broth gradually to avoid oversoaking the bread.
This stuffing can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American