Can I make Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the stuffing a day or two ahead. Prepare the mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it an ideal make-ahead side dish for your holiday meal.

Can I substitute the Italian sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative if you prefer. For extra flavor, try using spicy sausage instead of mild.

What kind of bread should I use for the stuffing?

Italian bread is traditional for this recipe, but you can also use French bread. The key is to make sure the bread is stale so that it absorbs the broth without becoming mushy. Fresh bread can be dried out by leaving it out overnight.

Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe

Name: Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb good-quality sliced Italian bread; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onions; 1 cup chopped celery; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves; 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley; 16 oz ground Italian sausage; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 large eggs, whisked; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a flavorful twist on traditional stuffing, made with ground Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and crispy bread cubes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, this dish combines savory sausage, aromatic rosemary, thyme, and sage, creating a rich and satisfying side dish that complements turkey or chicken beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb good-quality sliced Italian bread
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
16 oz ground Italian sausage
3 cups chicken broth
2 large eggs, whisked
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. Let the herbs cook for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
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.
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.
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.
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the bread mixture. Stir everything together.
Add the cooked sausage and herb mixture, along with any browned bits from the pan, to the bread mixture. Stir well to combine.
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.

Notes

If you’re short on prep time, use pre-made bread cubes and let them sit out overnight to dry.
For a spicier stuffing, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Make sure to avoid burning the garlic by sautéing it on medium heat with the onions and celery.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 609
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 981mg
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 91mg