When you think of Thanksgiving, what’s the first side dish that comes to mind? For so many of us, it’s the stuffing. A truly great stuffing can steal the show, and this Savory Sausage & Herb Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe is designed to do just that. It’s the kind of classic, comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. Forget the dry, bland stuffings of the past. This recipe is packed with juicy Italian sausage, aromatic fresh herbs like sage and rosemary, and tender vegetables, all baked until the top is irresistibly golden brown and crisp.
This is one of those timeless Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes that feels both nostalgic and excitingly delicious. It’s hearty, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of textures – soft and moist on the inside with a delightful crunch on top. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-timer, this recipe is straightforward and delivers incredible results every time. It’s the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing to complete your holiday feast.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This stuffing recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. The sweet Italian sausage brings a rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of fresh sage and rosemary. It’s the quintessential aroma of Thanksgiving morning. Unlike some recipes that can turn out soggy, this one bakes up with a wonderfully crisp top layer, giving you that perfect textural contrast in every bite.
Another reason this recipe is a keeper is its simplicity. We start with store-bought stuffing cubes, which saves a ton of time and effort without sacrificing quality. The whole process is incredibly straightforward – sautĂ© some veggies, brown the sausage, mix everything together, and bake. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a dozen other things on Thanksgiving day. You can assemble it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s one of the most reliable stuffing recipes you’ll find.
Ingredients
Here’s the simple list of ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing Thanksgiving Food centerpiece. Nothing too fancy, just wholesome ingredients that come together for a fantastic flavor.
- 8 cups (400g) store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1½ cups diced yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
- 1 cup diced celery (from 3 celery stalks)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2Âľ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
- ÂĽ cup fresh chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make the best stuffing of your life? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect dish of Savory Sausage & Herb Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe ready for the table.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get organized. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, generously grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter. This little step is crucial for preventing the stuffing from sticking and helps create those deliciously crispy edges. Go ahead and place your stuffing cubes into a very large mixing bowl and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large sautĂ© pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the diced onions and celery. Cook them, stirring every so often, for about 8 minutes. You want them to get nice and soft, releasing all their sweet flavor. Then, add the finely chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn! Scrape every last bit of these cooked vegetables into the bowl with the stuffing cubes. Don’t wash the pan just yet!
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Using the same pan (see, fewer dishes to wash!), cook the sweet Italian sausage over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small, bite-sized crumbles. The largest pieces should be no bigger than about a quarter-inch. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the sausage is browned all over and cooked through. Once it’s done, add the cooked sausage and all those flavorful pan drippings directly into the bowl with the bread cubes and vegetables.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Now for the final assembly. To the bowl with the bread mixture, add the chicken broth, beaten egg, fresh rosemary, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until the bread cubes have absorbed the liquid and everything is evenly moistened. Transfer this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake it, uncovered, for about 65-75 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a deep golden brown and beautifully crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Let the stuffing cool completely to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the stuffing to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This recipe is also incredibly freezer-friendly. You can freeze the baked stuffing for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and place it in a 325°F oven until it’s heated all the way through. It’ll taste just as good as the day you made it!
Conclusion
And there you have it – a truly classic and delicious Savory Sausage & Herb Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of savory sausage, fragrant herbs, and perfectly toasted bread, making it one of the most comforting Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes you can serve. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a core memory of the holiday feast. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy every single bite of this incredible stuffing.
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While sweet Italian sausage is recommended for its balanced flavor, you could easily substitute it with hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or even a mild breakfast sausage. Just be sure to use bulk sausage or remove the casings from links before cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble the stuffing (without baking) up to one day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from cold.
What Kind of Bread is Best for Stuffing?
Store-bought unseasoned stuffing cubes are the easiest option and work perfectly. If you want to use your own bread, a sturdy, day-old white bread, challah, or brioche would be fantastic. Just cut it into 1-inch cubes and let it dry out on a baking sheet for a day or two before using.
How Do I Make Sure My Stuffing Isn’t Dry?
The key to moist stuffing is the right ratio of liquid to bread. This recipe is balanced to ensure a moist interior. Using chicken broth adds both moisture and flavor. The egg also acts as a binder and adds richness. If you find your bread cubes are exceptionally dry, you can add an extra splash of broth until the mixture is well-moistened but not soggy.
