Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a delightful twist on the classic stuffing, packed with the rich flavors of ground Italian sausage and fresh herbs. Ideal for your Thanksgiving feast or any holiday gathering, this savory dish will quickly become a family favorite. Made with fresh Italian bread, extra virgin olive oil, and a perfect blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley, this recipe is not only hearty but also full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting side dish that pairs well with turkey or chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This Italian sausage stuffing stands out because of its bold flavor, versatility, and simplicity. Unlike traditional stuffing recipes, this one incorporates fresh herbs and ground Italian sausage, making it both savory and aromatic. The extra virgin olive oil adds a light and healthy fat, while the sausage provides a rich, meaty texture that blends beautifully with the crispy bread cubes. Whether you bake it separately or stuff it into a turkey, this stuffing is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients for Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients for the best Italian sausage and herb stuffing. Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the authentic flavors of Italian cooking.

• Italian Bread: Offers a hearty base and absorbs the broth to create soft, flavorful cubes.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A healthier fat that infuses the stuffing with a smooth, rich texture.
• Onions: Adds a sweet, savory flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the sausage.
• Ground Italian Sausage: A key ingredient that brings savory depth and flavor to the stuffing.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Parsley): These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy undertone.
• Garlic: Enhances the stuffing with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the bread and adds a comforting base flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds a rich texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, bringing out the fullness of all the ingredients.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some ingredients or need a substitution, here are a few ideas:

• If you can’t find Italian bread, French bread works just as well.
• For a spicy kick, swap out mild sausage for hot Italian sausage or even chorizo.
• If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, try using a plant-based sausage or mushrooms instead of sausage.
• You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. Let the herbs cook for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
5. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
6. While the sausage cooks, prepare your bread cubes. If the bread is not stale, cut it into cubes and allow it to sit on a baking sheet overnight.
7. In a large mixing bowl, add the stale bread cubes. Pour the chicken broth over the cubes and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
8. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the bread mixture. Stir everything together.
9. Add the cooked sausage and herb mixture, along with any browned bits from the pan, to the bread mixture. Stir well to combine.
10. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Tricks for Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

• To prevent the garlic from burning, make sure to sauté it with the onions and celery over medium heat, not high.
• For extra flavor, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffing before baking.
• If you prefer a drier stuffing, cut back on the chicken broth.
• You can make the stuffing ahead of time by prepping the entire dish and refrigerating it before baking. Just make sure to bake it within 1-2 days for the freshest flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side dish to your holiday turkey or roast chicken, or stuff it inside your bird for extra flavor. It also complements roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and even a hearty green bean casserole.

For variations:
• Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Try a spicier version by adding red pepper flakes to the sausage.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread cubes and ensuring the sausage is free of gluten.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make your stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you need to store leftovers, keep the stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the stuffing for up to 3 months for future meals.

This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple at your holiday dinners. Whether you choose to stuff it inside your turkey or bake it as a standalone dish, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Enjoy this classic Italian stuffing with your loved ones at your next big feast!

Conclusion

This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing recipe is a must-try for your next holiday dinner or any special occasion. Its bold, savory flavors, coupled with the perfect combination of fresh herbs and ground Italian sausage, make it the ultimate stuffing. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey or stuffing your bird, this dish is sure to be a hit. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredient flexibility, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for various dietary preferences. Enjoy this Italian twist on a classic stuffing, and elevate your festive meal with this rich and flavorful side dish!

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