There is just something absolutely irresistible about this Delicious Sausage Stuffing. Imagine golden, crispy edges and a tender, savory center bursting with rich sausage flavor, fresh herbs, and chewy bread cubes. It's comfort food at its very best!

Not just for Thanksgiving, this stuffing is the kind of side dish your family will beg for year-round. It's hearty, simple to throw together, and always gets rave reviews. Savory sausage adds depth while a medley of onions, celery, and herbs brings a classic holiday aroma to your table.

This recipe is a staple in my family, inspired by my grandmother's famous Thanksgiving feasts. Make it for your next gathering, and watch as the pan disappears faster than you can say "seconds, please!"

Golden-brown sausage stuffing in a white casserole dish, garnished with fresh parsley

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredible depth of flavor thanks to juicy, seasoned sausage and a blend of fresh herbs
Perfectly moist with a crispy top-the ultimate texture contrast in every bite
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly so you can prep in advance and enjoy stress-free entertaining
Simple, staple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly

Key Ingredients for Delicious Sausage Stuffing

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

This gives the stuffing its signature savory flavor and hearty texture. Opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your crowd's preference. Remove the casings and crumble the sausage as it cooks for the best bite. Want a lighter option? Turkey sausage works wonderfully too!

Day-Old Bread

Sturdy, slightly stale bread cubes soak up all the delicious broth and flavors without getting mushy. Use a rustic country loaf, sourdough, or even French bread. If you forgot to leave your bread out, simply cube and toast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until dry.

Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, and Parsley)

These classic herbs are essential for that true stuffing flavor-earthy, aromatic, and festive. Use fresh if possible, but dried herbs can be substituted (use about one-third the amount). Add extra parsley for a pop of freshness right before baking.

Celery and Onion

This trusty duo forms the aromatic base, adding crunch and natural sweetness. Dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate and meld into the stuffing perfectly. Leeks or shallots can be swapped in for a twist.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth moistens the bread and binds everything together. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level, or go for homemade if you have it on hand. For a vegetarian stuffing, swap in vegetable broth.

Delicious Sausage Stuffing cooking process

Instructions for Delicious Sausage Stuffing

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat Oven and Prep Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish. If your bread isn't already dried out and slightly stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until just crisp.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed and transfer sausage to a large mixing bowl.

Sauté Vegetables and Herbs

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute, just until fragrant.

Combine Everything

Add the sautéed vegetables, chopped parsley, dried bread cubes, and cooked sausage to a huge mixing bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bread piece is coated in buttery flavor. Pour in chicken broth and the beaten eggs, then mix until well combined and moistened-add a bit more broth if it seems dry.

Transfer and Bake

Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color!

Recipe Variations

Give It a Kick

Love a little heat? Use hot Italian sausage and toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist that will wake up your tastebuds.

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf-just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold up with the broth. Gluten-free stuffing can be just as flavorful and delicious!

Add Some Crunch

For a delightful texture, stir in 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or water chestnuts before baking. It's a tasty way to add an extra layer of interest!

Vegetarian Option

Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth to keep things completely meat-free while preserving all the savory goodness.

Sweet and Savory

Fold in a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apple to the mix for pops of sweetness that pair perfectly with sausage and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Delicious Sausage Stuffing alongside classic roast turkey or baked chicken for the ultimate holiday plate. It's also fabulous with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a few grinds of black pepper right before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the stuffing in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Sausage Stuffing (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Delicious Sausage Stuffing in advance?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the stuffing up to 1 day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What’s the best bread to use for sausage stuffing?

A: A hearty, rustic loaf like sourdough, French bread, or country white works best. Day-old bread holds up to the broth and flavors beautifully.

Q: Can I make this stuffing without eggs?

A: Yes! The eggs help bind the stuffing, but you can omit them if desired. Just increase the broth slightly for moisture and press the mixture gently into the dish before baking.

This Delicious Sausage Stuffing is simply unbeatable for holiday feasts or anytime you crave comfort in a casserole dish! Give it a try, and let me know how your family enjoys it-don't forget to leave a comment and rating below!