When it comes to hearty and satisfying dinner recipes, few dishes can compete with the rich flavors of stuffing with sausage and herbs. Whether you serve it during the holidays, as part of a Sunday family dinner, or as a side dish for a weeknight meal, this recipe has everything you could want: savory sausage, fragrant herbs, tender bread cubes, and the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Stuffing has long been considered a staple of Thanksgiving tables, but it’s far too delicious to limit to just one holiday. By pairing sausage with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, you create a dish that is flavorful enough to stand alone yet versatile enough to complement everything from roast chicken to pork chops.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing the ultimate sausage and herb stuffing, including:
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A full list of ingredients
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Recommended kitchen tools
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Step-by-step instructions
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Expert tips for customization
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Nutritional values
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Serving suggestions and pairings with other classic dinner recipes
Let’s dive in and bring this comforting classic to life.
Ingredients for Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
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1 loaf (about 14 oz) crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably day-old or lightly toasted)
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 stalks celery, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
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2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken or turkey broth (low sodium)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt (adjust depending on broth saltiness)
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Olive oil (as needed for sautéing)
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Wooden spoon
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Large mixing bowl
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Baking dish (9×13 recommended)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Preparation
1: Prepare the Bread
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Cube the bread and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
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Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes, until dry but not browned.
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Let cool completely before using.
2: Cook the Sausage
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (7–8 minutes).
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Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave a small amount of rendered fat in the skillet for flavor.
3: Sauté Vegetables and Herbs
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In the same skillet, add butter.
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Stir in onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened (about 6–7 minutes).
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Add sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1–2 minutes more to release aromas.
4: Combine the Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, add toasted bread cubes.
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Stir in cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh parsley.
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Add salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
5: Add Liquid and Eggs
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Whisk together broth and beaten eggs.
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Pour gradually over the bread mixture, tossing gently until bread is moistened but not soggy.
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Start with 2 1/2 cups broth and add more if needed.
6: Bake the Stuffing
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.
Tips for the Best Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs
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Use the Right Bread – A sturdy, crusty bread (French, sourdough, or country loaf) works best. Soft sandwich bread can turn mushy.
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Make Ahead – Prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day for convenience.
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Adjust Herbs to Taste – Love sage? Add more. Prefer a lighter herbal note? Use parsley and thyme as the base.
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Customize the Sausage – Italian sausage is traditional, but you can substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a spicy twist.
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Add Vegetables or Fruit – Mushrooms, diced apples, or dried cranberries bring another layer of flavor.
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Keep It Moist – Don’t skimp on broth. The bread should be soft but not mushy before baking.
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Crispy Top, Soft Inside – Bake covered first, then uncover to crisp the top.
Nutritional Value (Approx. per serving, based on 8 servings)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 14 g
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Fat: 16 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 580 mg
Pairing Ideas with Dinner Recipes
This Stuffing with Sausage and Herbs pairs beautifully with other comforting dinner recipes, especially during the holidays or family gatherings. Try it with:
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Roast Turkey – A classic Thanksgiving pairing.
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Green Bean Casserole – The creamy texture balances the herby, savory stuffing.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Adds creaminess to the plate.
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Glazed Carrots – A touch of sweetness to contrast the savory sausage.
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Cranberry Sauce – Tartness cuts through richness.
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Roast Chicken or Pork Chops – Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why This Stuffing Stands Out Among Dinner Recipes
There are countless dinner recipes out there, but this stuffing has:
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Balanced flavors from sausage, bread, and herbs.
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Perfect texture – moist inside, crispy top.
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Versatility – works as a side dish or main dish.
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Year-round appeal – not just for holidays.
Unlike many recipes that can feel either too heavy or too plain, this dish sits right in the middle: hearty enough to be satisfying, but not overwhelming.
Conclusion
Stuffing with sausage and herbs isn’t just a holiday dish—it’s one of the most flavorful dinner recipes you can make any time of year. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and perfectly toasted bread makes it a true comfort food classic.
Next time you’re planning a cozy family dinner or putting together a festive spread, make sure to include this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs effortlessly with everything from turkey to roasted vegetables.
So grab your skillet, cube up some bread, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of herbs and sausage sizzling together. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to earn a permanent place in your dinner lineup.
