Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound mild or spicy ground sausage
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons butter
Bread and Broth
- 8 cups day-old bread cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 to 2 ½ cups warm chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped sage
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until dry and lightly browned to prevent sogginess and help absorb broth.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix in the Herbs and Broth: Return the sausage to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Gradually pour in warm chicken broth, mixing until moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, gently toss the toasted bread cubes with the sausage and herb mixture until all cubes are evenly coated with flavorful juices.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer mixture to a buttered baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp on top. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for ideal texture that absorbs moisture without becoming mushy.
- Brown sausage thoroughly to add caramelized flavor and avoid greasiness.
- Prefer fresh herbs over dried for vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Sauté onions and celery first to build the base of flavor.
- Add chicken broth gradually to control moisture and avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Sausage stuffing, herb stuffing, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, savory stuffing, baked stuffing