Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a stuffing recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright comforting, I have just the thing for you. This Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up, especially during the holidays or any cozy family dinner. It’s packed with savory sausage, fresh herbs, crisp apples, and just enough tang from dried cranberries to make your taste buds sing. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for seconds — or even thirds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to give you that classic, homemade feel. I usually shop for fresh herbs and go for mild Italian sausage to keep the flavors balanced but bold. Make sure to pick a sturdy bread for the cubes so they don’t get mushy too fast.

• Bread Cubes: Whole wheat bread adds great texture and nuttiness, but any bread you like will do.
• Unsalted Butter: It helps soften your veggies and adds a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
• Onion: Diced finely for that sweet base note in your stuffing.
• Celery: Thinly sliced for crunch and freshness in every bite.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthiness and moistness; I love using cremini for their depth.
• Dried Thyme, Sage, & Parsley: These herbs are baking staples in stuffing, giving that comforting herbaceous flavor.
• Uncooked Mild Italian Sausage: The star protein in this recipe, packing savory seasoning that complements the herbs.
• Diced Apples: Adds sweet, juicy bursts that balance the savory sausage beautifully.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the stuffing moist without being too salty.
• Dried Cranberries (Optional): I throw these in for a bit of tangy sweetness that everyone notices and loves.

Variations

I love mixing this up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs — after all, cooking is personal!

• Vegetarian Version: I tried replacing the sausage with a hearty combo of mushrooms and diced butternut squash, and the stuffing turned out just as satisfying.
• Fruit Swaps: If you don’t have apples, pears work great too, and dried cherries make a delicious alternative to cranberries.
• Herb Freshness: Using fresh herbs instead of dried brings a punchier aroma; I always add a mix of both for depth.
• Spices Kick: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of smoked paprika can take this stuffing to the next level if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Bread Cubes to Perfection

Start by preheating the oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread your bread cubes evenly across two large baking sheets, and toast them for about 15 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. This is key — the crisp texture helps absorb the broth later without becoming mushy. Once toasted, transfer them to a large bowl so they’re ready to soak up all the flavorful goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add diced onions, celery, salt, and pepper. Sauté these for about 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Toss in your mushrooms, thyme, sage, and parsley, and cook for another 3 minutes. Now, here’s a little trick I learned: squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings right into the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Add the diced apples and cook everything together for about 4 more minutes until the sausage is nearly cooked through. This combo of sausage and apples creates a juicy, savory-sweet mix that really makes this stuffing shine.

Step 3: Combine, Add Broth, and Bake

Remove your skillet from the heat and gently stir the sausage and veggie mixture into your toasted bread cubes. Pour the chicken broth over the top and add cranberries if you’re using them. Stir until everything is combined nicely. If you’re stuffing a turkey, make sure this mixture has cooled completely before stuffing. For a standalone casserole-style stuffing, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and spread the stuffing evenly inside. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. This baking step caramelizes the edges beautifully — my family always fights over the crispy bits!

How to Serve Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top before serving — it adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich flavors perfectly. A few whole sage leaves roasted alongside the stuffing also make for a lovely aromatic garnish.

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with classic roasted turkey, but I’ve also enjoyed it alongside simply roasted chicken, glazed carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes. For a veggie boost, steamed green beans or sautéed brussels sprouts complement the savory notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash halves — it’s stunning and adds a subtle sweetness. Another fun idea is mini individual ramekins for each guest, which makes serving neat portions a breeze and looks so elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever we have leftovers, I tightly cover the stuffing with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate — it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. During the week, it’s an easy, comforting side to reheat for lunches or dinner for one.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked sausage & herb stuffing in portions before — just cool it completely, then pack it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It stores well up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a cozy side dish anytime you want.

Reheating

To keep that crispy top, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes until it’s warmed through and the edges get a little toasty again. I’ve also done microwave reheating on busy days, but it’s not quite as visually appealing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe comes together every time — it’s like a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re sharing it at a holiday feast or just craving a comforting side, it delivers on flavor and texture. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family does. Give it a try soon; I think you’ll be hooked just like me!

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