The rich, savory combination of seasoned bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and perfectly browned sausage makes this Sausage & Herb Stuffing a standout side dish for any holiday feast. Its versatile preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a timeless addition to festive meals.

Ingredients

1 package (10-14 oz) seasoned bread stuffing mix
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 pound pork sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean Original)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning

Directions

Preheat and Prepare Stock: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized saucepan, combine onion, celery, butter, chicken stock, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it into small chunks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned bread stuffing mix in a large bowl. Add the cooked sausage and stir to combine.
Add Liquid: Gradually mix the chicken stock mixture into the bread and sausage, stirring gently after each addition. Adjust the consistency with milk if the bread cubes seem too dry.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the stuffing is hot and the top is lightly browned.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Nutrients

Calories: 313 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a perfect side dish for your next holiday celebration, delivering a balance of rich, savory flavors and a comforting texture.

this Recipe

Sausage & Herb Stuffing: A Timeless Holiday Side Dish

When it comes to holiday feasts, some dishes transcend trends, becoming beloved staples year after year. Sausage & Herb Stuffing is one such culinary classic. With its rich combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seasoned bread cubes, this dish encapsulates the comforting flavors of the season. It’s a dish that not only complements the main courses on the table but also has a special way of standing out on its own.

The Essence of Sausage & Herb Stuffing

At its core, stuffing represents a harmony of textures and flavors. This Sausage & Herb Stuffing is no exception. The seasoned bread cubes absorb a medley of flavors from chicken stock, butter, and a blend of herbs, while the inclusion of pork sausage adds a hearty, savory depth. Aromatic vegetables like onion and celery lend freshness and a subtle crunch, creating a dish that is well-balanced and layered in flavor.

The appeal of this stuffing lies in its versatility. Whether paired with a traditional roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian main course, it fits seamlessly into any holiday spread. Its rich and satisfying taste makes it a favorite not only during Thanksgiving and Christmas but at any celebratory meal where indulgence is the order of the day.

The Key Ingredients and Their Role

Bread Cubes: The Canvas for Flavor

The base of any great stuffing is its bread, and in this recipe, the seasoned bread cubes serve as the perfect medium for soaking up the flavorful liquids and spices. Their seasoned nature enhances the overall taste while providing structure and texture to the dish.

Sausage: The Flavor Powerhouse

Pork sausage is the standout ingredient in this stuffing, lending it a depth of flavor and richness that is hard to replicate with substitutes. The sausage’s natural fats meld with the other components, creating a luscious and savory profile.

Aromatic Vegetables: Subtle Complexity

The combination of onions and celery is a classic pairing in stuffing recipes. These ingredients bring a mild sweetness and an earthy balance that counteract the richness of the sausage and butter.

Chicken Stock and Butter: The Moisture Masters

A mix of chicken stock and butter ensures the stuffing is moist without becoming soggy. The butter adds richness, while the stock infuses the bread cubes with savory flavors that tie the entire dish together.

Herbs and Seasoning: The Finishing Touch

The poultry seasoning and black pepper round out the stuffing, bringing warmth and a slight hint of spice. The herbs elevate the overall aroma, making the dish feel quintessentially festive.

Why This Stuffing Stands Out

What makes this Sausage & Herb Stuffing truly exceptional is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Unlike some overly complicated recipes, it relies on straightforward preparation and readily available ingredients. Yet, the result is a dish that feels indulgent and thoughtfully crafted.

The inclusion of sausage adds a contemporary twist to the traditional stuffing recipe, making it more robust and satisfying. At the same time, its use of classic holiday flavors ensures it evokes nostalgia, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking something a bit more modern.

Versatility in Preparation

One of the most attractive features of this stuffing is its adaptability. It can be made ahead of time, saving precious minutes during the busy holiday cooking rush. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Additionally, the stuffing can be customized to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. For a gluten-free option, swap the seasoned bread cubes with gluten-free bread.

The stuffing can also be baked inside the bird or in a separate casserole dish, depending on personal preference. Baking it separately, as in this recipe, allows for a crispy top layer while maintaining a moist interior.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffing

Choose Quality Ingredients: Since the recipe is simple, the quality of each ingredient shines through. Use fresh herbs, high-quality sausage, and a good brand of seasoned bread cubes for the best results.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can result in a dense stuffing. The goal is to keep it light and fluffy.
Monitor Moisture Levels: Stuffing that is too dry or too soggy can detract from the dining experience. Gradually add the stock mixture, stopping when the bread cubes are moistened but not soaked.
Bake to Perfection: A golden-brown crust is one of the highlights of this dish. If the top isn’t browning enough, remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Conclusion

Sausage & Herb Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition. Its rich, savory flavors and comforting texture make it a standout addition to any holiday feast. Whether you’re crafting a Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas spread, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of indulgence to the table.

With its straightforward preparation and adaptability, this stuffing is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes—when made with care and quality ingredients—can have the most profound impact. So, as you plan your next holiday gathering, consider making this Sausage & Herb Stuffing the star of your side dishes. It’s sure to delight your guests and create cherished memories around the table.