Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then you’ve got to try my Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe. This isn’t just any stuffing — it’s packed with savory sausage and fragrant herbs that transform simple bread cubes into something magical. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be asking for it every holiday and beyond.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create rustic, juicy, and herbaceous stuffing — and it’s easier than you expect! Pro tip: grab fresh herbs and good-quality sausage for the best flavor boost.

• Stuffing cubes: I love using unseasoned store-bought cubes so you can control the seasoning perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps soften the veggies and bread.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness when sautéed — don’t skip this step!
• Celery: Classic stuffing crunch and freshness.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves take the flavor from good to unforgettable.
• Bulk sweet Italian sausage: This brings savory depth; if you can’t find bulk, no worries — just remove casings from regular sausage.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist without overpowering.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything nicely together.
• Fresh rosemary: Woody and fragrant, it’s a stuffing game-changer.
• Fresh sage: Earthy and herbal, essential for that classic stuffing vibe.
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color.
• Salt & pepper: To season perfectly and balance flavors.

Variations

I love that this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe is so flexible — I’ve tried a few tweaks depending on the season or what’s on hand, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

• Spicy Twist: I sometimes swap sweet Italian sausage for spicy or add a pinch of red pepper flakes — it gives a lovely kick without overpowering.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and toasted nuts for a savory, meaty texture without the meat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes — just toast them well before starting for the best texture.
• Extra Herbaceous: Add fresh thyme or oregano if you want to amp up the herb flavors even more.

How to Make Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9 x 13-inch baking dish a good butter coating. This helps the stuffing bake up golden without sticking — I like to use room temperature butter for an even spread.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies Just Right

Melt your butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat, then add the diced onion and celery. Cook these gently for about 8 minutes until they’re soft and sweet — this step builds the base flavor, so patience here really pays off. Add the chopped garlic last and sauté for another 2 minutes; garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it! Don’t wash the pan after this, because you’ll want every bit of that flavor for the sausage next.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Combine

Now, add your bulk sausage to the same pan and cook it over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Break it up with a spatula into small pieces — around ¼-inch is perfect — so it blends well with the bread. When it’s cooked through and beautifully browned, toss the sausage and all those tasty drippings in with the veggies and bread cubes in your mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix in the Good Stuff

Pour in the chicken broth and beaten egg, then sprinkle in the rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Here’s where it all comes together — mix gently but thoroughly until the bread is nicely moistened but not soggy. If it looks dry, add a splash more broth, but be careful not to overdo it.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the stuffing to your buttered baking dish and pop it into the oven uncovered. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp — that crispy crust is my favorite part! It takes some patience, but your taste buds will thank you.

How to Serve Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley over the stuffing just before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Sometimes a drizzle of melted butter on top right out of the oven takes it to the next level, especially for those buttery-crisp lovers!

Side Dishes

This stuffing pairs beautifully with a glazed turkey or roasted chicken, but I’ve also enjoyed it alongside green beans almondine and creamy mashed potatoes — classic vibes! For a lighter contrast, bright cranberry sauce or a crisp arugula salad work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash halves. It looks stunning, adds a touch of sweetness, and makes for a gorgeous table centerpiece. Mini ramekins are also great for serving individual portions and impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This stuffing keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying those tasty holiday leftovers packed with flavor.

Freezing

I freeze leftover stuffing in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, so it’s a lifesaver when you want make-ahead meals without fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the stuffing loosely with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through. This method keeps the top moist and prevents drying out while reviving that golden crust nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes I feel proud making for friends and family because it’s flavorful, comforting, and fuss-free. Whenever I serve it, I get those happy “wow, what’s in this?” looks, and honestly, it’s just good old simple ingredients done right. Give it a go — I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

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