This savory sausage stuffing is a must-have for any festive feast. It combines flavorful Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables with stale bread, soaked in rich chicken broth for a soft and flavorful stuffing. The dish is simply delicious and filling, and it perfectly complements other festive dishes to create a complete meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a home kitchen. However, you might want to check your pantry for stale bread cubes and mild Italian sausage before heading to the supermarket. Stale bread is essential for achieving the right texture of the stuffing, while the mild Italian sausage adds a unique flavor. If you don't have stale bread handy, you can lightly toast fresh bread to get a similar effect.
Ingredients for Savory Sausage Stuffing
Mild italian sausage: This adds a unique taste to the stuffing, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
Butter: Used for cooking the sausage and vegetables, as well as adding a creamy texture to the stuffing.
Onion and Celery: These vegetables add a nice crunch and flavor to the stuffing.
Garlic: A key aromatic that enhances the flavor of the stuffing.
Stale bread cubes: These soak up the chicken broth and flavors from the other ingredients, giving the stuffing its soft texture.
Chicken broth: This is absorbed by the bread, making the stuffing moist and flavorful.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients together, so the stuffing holds its shape.
Sage and Parsley leaves: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and a bright flavor to the stuffing.
Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the stuffing.
Cooking spray: Used to prevent the stuffing from sticking to the pan.
One reader, Cathrin Snow says:
This savory sausage stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The blend of Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes creates a mouthwatering dish that's bursting with flavor. It's a must-have for any holiday feast or special occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Sausage Stuffing
How to cook sausage: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula for 5 to 6 minutes until it is done.
How to sauté vegetables: Add the remaining butter, onion, and celery to the pan with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
How to make stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage mixture, chicken broth, eggs, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently stir until everything is well combined.
How to bake stuffing: Pour the stuffing into the prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes at 350 degrees F.
How to garnish: Sprinkle the baked stuffing with additional parsley before serving.
How To Make Sausage Stuffing
Looking for a hearty stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving? Our sausage stuffing is here to deliver! Whip up a batch in less than 2 hours.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbmild Italian sausagecasings removed
- ½cupbutterdivided
- 1cuponionfinely diced
- 1cupcelerysliced
- 2tspgarlicminced
- 8cupsstale bread cubesor unseasoned stuffing cubes
- 2¾cupschicken broth
- 2eggs
- 1tbspfresh sage leavesminced
- ¼cupparsley leavesminced, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepperto taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Coat a 9-inch x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
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Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
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Add the sausage, then cook and break up the meat with a spatula for 5 to 6 minutes or until done.
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Add the remaining 7 tablespoons of butter, onion and celery to the pan.
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Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Place the bread cubes in a large bowl.
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Add the sausage mixture, chicken broth, eggs, sage, parsley and salt and pepper to the bowl.
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Gently stir until everything is well combined.
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Pour the stuffing into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 60 minutes.
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Remove from the oven.
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Sprinkle with additional parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
If the top starts to get overly browned before the cooking time is over, then cover the pan with foil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 328.24kcal
- Fat: 23.57g
- Saturated Fat: 9.90g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.98g
- Carbohydrates: 18.12g
- Fiber: 1.87g
- Sugar: 3.19g
- Protein: 11.01g
- Cholesterol: 77.37mg
- Sodium: 511.15mg
- Calcium: 72.35mg
- Potassium: 276.41mg
- Iron: 1.98mg
- Vitamin A: 85.92µg
- Vitamin C: 4.19mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Sausage Stuffing Technique
When preparing your stale bread cubes, it's best to cut your bread into cubes and leave them out overnight to dry out. If you're short on time, you can also dry them out in the oven. Simply spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature, around 200 degrees F, for about 10 minutes or until they're dry but not toasted. This will help them absorb the chicken broth and other flavors better, resulting in a more flavorful and moist stuffing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Savory Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sausage, onion, and celery mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to make the stuffing.
Use pre-cut bread cubes: Save time by purchasing pre-cut bread cubes from the store instead of cutting and drying the bread yourself.
Multi-task: While the stuffing is baking, use that time to prepare other dishes or set the table to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage Stuffing Recipe
mild italian sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: This is a great option for those looking for a meatless alternative. Vegetarian sausage provides a similar savory flavor and texture to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a rich flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a unique taste to the stuffing.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can provide a similar crunch and subtle anise flavor to the stuffing, adding a refreshing twist to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, providing a concentrated garlic flavor to the stuffing.
stale bread cubes - Substitute with cornbread cubes: Cornbread cubes can be used to add a slightly sweet and crumbly texture to the stuffing, enhancing its overall taste.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative, providing a flavorful base for the stuffing.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute, providing binding properties similar to traditional eggs.
fresh sage leaves - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage can be used in place of fresh sage leaves, offering a concentrated flavor to the stuffing.
parsley leaves - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used to add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the stuffing, complementing the other ingredients.
How to Beautifully Present Savory Sausage Stuffing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the savory sausage stuffing, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs on top of the stuffing. This will provide a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the stuffing.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Instead of a traditional baking dish, consider serving the stuffing in individual mini cast iron skillets or pumpkin-shaped bowls to add a touch of creativity to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of the garnishes. Arrange the sage leaves and parsley with care, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully positioned to enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate. This attention to detail will showcase the professionalism and precision of the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sausage Stuffing
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to chop, blend, puree, and mix ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently chopping vegetables, nuts, or herbs for the stuffing recipe.
- Large pan: A large pan is essential for cooking the sausage, onions, and celery for the stuffing. It provides ample space for sautéing and ensures even cooking.
- Spatula: A spatula is used for breaking up the sausage meat while cooking and stirring the ingredients in the pan. It's essential for ensuring that the sausage is evenly cooked and the vegetables are well mixed.
- 9-inch x 13-inch pan: This baking pan is used to bake the stuffing. It provides the perfect size and depth for the stuffing to cook evenly and develop a delicious crust.
- Cooking spray: Cooking spray is used to grease the baking pan, preventing the stuffing from sticking to the pan and making it easier to serve.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used for mixing the bread cubes, sausage mixture, and other ingredients. It provides ample space for combining all the components thoroughly.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to beat the eggs and evenly distribute them with the other ingredients in the stuffing mixture.
- Oven: The oven is used for baking the sausage stuffing. It provides the necessary heat to cook the stuffing to perfection.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients, such as butter, chicken broth, and herbs, to ensure the perfect balance of flavors in the stuffing.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Sausage Stuffing
- Let the stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled stuffing in an airtight container or tightly wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the stuffing. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or transfer the cooled stuffing to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen stuffing will maintain its best quality for 2-3 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may lose some flavor and texture.
- To reheat refrigerated stuffing, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- For frozen stuffing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as directed above, increasing the baking time to 30-40 minutes or until the stuffing is hot and steaming.
- Pro tip: For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Microwave the leftover stuffing in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the stuffing from drying out. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The exact time may vary depending on the amount of stuffing and your microwave's power.
Reheat the stuffing in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter or olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover stuffing and stir occasionally, breaking up any clumps. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If the leftover stuffing seems dry, add a small amount of chicken broth, turkey stock, or water before reheating. This will help moisten the stuffing and prevent it from becoming too dry during the reheating process.
For a unique twist, use leftover stuffing to make stuffing cakes. Mix the stuffing with a beaten egg and form it into small patties. Fry the patties in a skillet with a little butter or oil over medium heat until crispy and heated through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Surprising Trivia About Sausage Stuffing
The savory sausage stuffing recipe is a classic dish often enjoyed during the holiday season. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as apples, cranberries, or nuts to add different flavors and textures.
Savory Sausage Stuffing: Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
This savory sausage stuffing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as mild Italian sausage and bread, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious flavor.
Is Sausage Stuffing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This savory sausage stuffing recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of Italian sausage, which is typically high in saturated fat and sodium
- A significant amount of butter, adding more saturated fat to the dish
- White bread cubes, which are often made from refined grains and lack fiber
- Chicken broth, which can be high in sodium, depending on the brand used
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken sausage, or use a mix of sausage and ground turkey to reduce the overall fat content
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil
- Choose whole grain bread for the stuffing to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock to control the sodium levels
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the stuffing, such as adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol content
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious stuffing that still satisfies your cravings for a savory and comforting side dish.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Sausage Stuffing Recipe
The savory sausage stuffing recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of mild Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables creates a rich and satisfying dish. The use of stale bread cubes ensures a perfect balance of moisture and density, while the addition of chicken broth and eggs binds everything together beautifully. The result is a comforting and hearty stuffing that is perfect for any holiday feast or special occasion. This recipe is a winner and is sure to become a family favorite.
Enhance Your Sausage Stuffing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delectable Alternatives to Traditional Sausage Stuffing
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Savory Sausage Stuffing
Why trust this Sausage Stuffing Recipe:
This savory sausage stuffing recipe is a tried and true favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for comfort food. The combination of mild Italian sausage and aromatic fresh herbs creates a rich and flavorful dish that will elevate any holiday feast. With a perfect balance of savory flavors and a satisfying texture, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to any table. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to bring warmth and satisfaction to your gatherings.
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