If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make, this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the savory sausage blends with fresh herbs and soft bread cubes to create a stuffing that’s moist but still has that perfect crispy top. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy family dinner, you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses straightforward pantry staples and fresh herbs you probably already have on hand.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet Italian sausage paired with aromatic rosemary, sage, and parsley creates a taste everyone loves.
- Hands-Off Baking: Once everything’s mixed, it bakes unattended while you focus on other dishes or just relax.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it a day in advance or freeze leftovers with ease for future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe really lies in the balance of fresh elements and the richness of sausage blended into the soft, buttery bread cubes. Don’t hesitate to pick fresh herbs from your garden or local market—they make all the difference in the aroma and flavor.
- Stuffing cubes: Store-bought unseasoned cubes save time and soak up the broth beautifully without being overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Gives you control over seasoning and adds a creamy richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth after gently sautéing.
- Celery: Offers crunch and a classic savory undertone that balances the sausage.
- Garlic cloves: Just a few minced cloves give a fragrant punch without overwhelming the dish.
- Bulk sweet Italian sausage: Using bulk (casings removed) lets you evenly distribute the sausage flavor throughout the stuffing.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Soaks the bread perfectly while keeping saltiness in check.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping everything hold together once baked.
- Fresh rosemary, sage, parsley: These fresh herbs bring a bright, earthy flavor that freshens up the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Variations
I love how versatile this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic comfort. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Use turkey or chicken sausage: I tried turkey sausage once for a lighter option, and the result was just as flavorful—perfect if you’re after a leaner twist.
- Add nuts or dried fruit: For some texture and surprise sweetness, toss in toasted pecans or dried cranberries.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes—I’ve done this successfully, and the stuffing still holds together nicely.
- Blend in mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness that deepens the flavor complexity.
How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread Cubes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness. Place the stuffing cubes in a large mixing bowl—this is your stuffing’s cozy base. I like to use store-bought cubes for consistency and ease, as they soak up liquids evenly without turning mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies To Sweet Perfection
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking gently for about 8 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is crucial—it brings out the natural sweetness in the veggies and lays a flavorful foundation. Then stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Scrape all the veggies into your bread cubes, getting every tasty bit out of the pan—it’s flavor gold.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage Just Right
Without washing the pan, add the bulk sweet Italian sausage to the same pan and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Break it up with a spatula into small, bite-sized pieces no bigger than ¼-inch so the sausage cooks evenly and mixes well later. I found that browning the sausage in the same pan you cooked the veggies in adds extra flavor from the fond leftover on the pan’s surface. Once browned and cooked through, stir the sausage and its fat right into the stuffing mixture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with Herbs and Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, beaten egg, and chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix everything until the bread cubes are softened but not soggy—you want that nice balance of moistness and texture. This part really pulls the stuffing together, infusing it with herbal freshness and helping it bind for perfect slices once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Crisp Perfection
Transfer your stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 65-75 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden, crisp top with tender, flavorful insides. The smell coming from your oven will be irresistible! I usually check around the 60-minute mark just to peek and make sure it’s browning evenly—if the top seems too brown, lightly tent with foil.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage: It adds deep umami flavor that makes this stuffing so irresistible.
- Keep Veggies Soft and Sweet: Slow sautéing onions and celery brings out a natural sweetness that balances savory sausage nicely.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, sage, and parsley really brighten the dish—I used dried once, and it just wasn’t the same.
- Avoid Over-Soaking: Mix the broth in gradually and stop once bread is moist but still holds its shape to prevent mushiness.
How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this stuffing with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for color and brightness before serving. Sometimes, a few crunchy toasted pecans on top add an unexpected, delightful texture that my family always asks for again.
Side Dishes
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, and my favorite sides to go alongside are honey-glazed carrots or tangy cranberry sauce for a pop of sweetness. Creamy mashed potatoes or green beans almondine also round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sage leaf and a drizzle of browned butter—it looks stunning and feels extra cozy. Another fun idea is stuffing it inside hollowed-out acorn squash or bell peppers for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying dinner, I store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays surprisingly fresh for up to 4 days, and I find that letting it sit overnight makes reheating easier and helps flavors meld even more.
Freezing
This stuffing freezes beautifully! After baking, just let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. I always label my containers with the date so I know when to pull it out. Defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the stuffing in a 325°F oven covered with foil to lock in moisture. Heat until warmed through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes—this keeps the top nice and soft without drying it out. If you prefer a crispy top again, remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or chopped nuts for texture and flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
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What if I can’t find bulk sweet Italian sausage?
No worries—just buy regular Italian sausage links and remove the casings before cooking. This way, you’ll get the same texture and flavor as bulk sausage.
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Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffing up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and then bake it when you’re ready. Just allow a few extra minutes in the oven since it’ll be cold to start.
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How do I avoid soggy stuffing?
The key is to add chicken broth gradually when mixing to achieve moist bread cubes without oversaturating. Also, baking uncovered helps the top crisp up nicely while cooking the inside fully.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is truly one of my favorite comfort foods to make all year round—not just for the holidays. It’s reliable, hearty, and made with love, which you’ll taste in every bite. I honestly think you’ll get hooked on how simple it is to prep and how much your family will rave about it. So go ahead, try it this weekend and make those mealtimes a little more special!
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 & Herb Stuffing recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. Made with buttery sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, combined with savory bulk sweet Italian sausage and fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and parsley, this stuffing is moist and full of rich flavor. Baked until golden and crisp on top, it’s sure to impress your guests or add a cozy touch to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Stuffing Base
- 8 cups (400g) store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes
Sautéed Vegetables
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1½ cups diced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
- 1 cup diced celery (from 3 celery stalks)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Sausage
- 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage (sausage with casings removed)
Liquid & Eggs
- 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
- Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of the stuffing.
- Combine stuffing cubes: Place the store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes in a large mixing bowl, ready to absorb the flavorful ingredients.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and celery, cooking for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse flavor. Scrape all vegetables into the bowl with the stuffing cubes, making sure to collect every bit so nothing burns in the next step.
- Cook sausage: Using the same pan, cook the bulk sweet Italian sausage over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a metal spatula. Brown the sausage evenly until fully cooked and pieces are no larger than ¼ inch. Add the sausage and rendered fat to the stuffing and vegetable mixture.
- Add liquids and herbs: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and beaten egg over the bread mixture. Add fresh chopped rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently until the bread cubes become soft and fully moistened.
- Bake the stuffing: Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 65-75 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp.
Notes
- If bulk sweet Italian sausage is unavailable, use regular sausage and remove the casings before cooking.
- You can assemble the stuffing up to one day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready—allowing extra baking time if chilled.
- After baking, the stuffing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours and reheat covered with foil at 325°F until hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 140g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
