Sausage Herb Stuffing
I still remember the first time I made sausage herb stuffing for my family's Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and crunchy bread was a huge hit, and it's been a staple of our holiday meals ever since.
As a home cook, I love that this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you're a fan of classic pork sausage or prefer a more adventurous flavor, this stuffing is sure to please.
One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. I like to use fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme, which add a bright, freshness to the dish. I also use a combination of sausage and bacon, which gives the stuffing a rich, meaty flavor.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and is looking for a delicious, satisfying side dish. It's also a great way to use up leftover bread and herbs, making it a practical choice for home cooks.
So why not give this sausage herb stuffing recipe a try? With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, it's the perfect dish for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes.
- It's a great way to use up leftover bread and herbs, making it a practical choice for home cooks.
- The combination of sausage, bacon, and herbs gives the stuffing a rich, meaty flavor.
- The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that the final dish is delicious and satisfying.
- This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and is looking for a delicious, satisfying side dish.
- It's a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The sausage and bacon add a rich, meaty flavor, while the herbs add a bright, freshness. The bread provides a nice crunch, while the eggs help to bind everything together.
Another important factor is the cooking technique. By cooking the sausage and bacon in a skillet before adding the other ingredients, we can get a nice crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Finally, the use of high-quality ingredients is essential. Fresh herbs, good-quality sausage and bacon, and fresh bread all make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.
By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious sausage herb stuffing that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this sausage herb stuffing, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include good-quality sausage, bacon, bread, and fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and thyme. You'll also need some eggs, chicken broth, and seasonings to bring everything together.
When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Look for fresh herbs, good-quality sausage and bacon, and a hearty bread that will hold up well to the cooking process.
- 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedLook for good-quality sausage with a high meat content and a flavor you enjoy. You can also use other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, if you prefer.
- 6 slices of bacon, dicedThick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, as it will hold its texture and add a nice smoky flavor to the stuffing.
- 4 cups (240g) cubed bread (white or whole wheat)Day-old bread works best for this recipe, as it will be dry and easier to cube. You can also use leftover bread or baguette slices if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, freshness to the stuffing. You can also use other herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary if you prefer.
- 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh sageSage has a strong, savory flavor that pairs well with sausage and bacon. Use fresh sage for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thymeDried thyme is a convenient alternative to fresh thyme, and it will add a nice depth of flavor to the stuffing.
- 2 eggsEggs help to bind the stuffing together and add moisture. Use large eggs for the best results.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing. Use low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors in the stuffing and helps to bring everything together. Use kosher salt for the best flavor.
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice depth of flavor to the stuffing. Use freshly ground pepper for the best results.
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter, meltedMelted butter adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Sausage Herb Stuffing
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- 2Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- 3Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Add the chopped parsley, sage, and thyme to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 5In a large bowl, combine the bread, cooked sausage mixture, and crispy bacon.
- 6In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- 7Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- 8Add the melted butter to the bowl and stir until the bread is evenly coated.
- 9Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- 10Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- 11Serve the sausage herb stuffing hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- 12You can also make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.
Expert Tips
- Use good-quality sausage and bacon for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the stuffing mixture, or it will become dense and heavy.
- Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be very hot straight out of the oven.
- You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by using different types of sausage or herbs.
- This recipe is perfect for a crowd, as it makes a large batch of stuffing.
- You can also use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients, such as diced apples or nuts.
- To make this recipe more substantial, you can add some diced ham or cooked chicken to the stuffing mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality sausage or bacon, which can result in a less flavorful stuffing.
- Overmixing the stuffing mixture, which can make it dense and heavy.
- Not cooking the sausage and bacon until they're crispy, which can result in a greasy stuffing.
- Not letting the stuffing cool before serving, which can cause it to be too hot to eat.
- Not using enough bread, which can result in a stuffing that's too wet and soggy.
- Not using enough seasonings, which can result in a stuffing that's bland and unflavorful.
Variations and Substitutions
- Using different types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, for a unique flavor.
- Adding diced apples or nuts to the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Using different types of herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a different flavor profile.
- Adding some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
- Using leftover bread, such as baguette slices or crostini, for a more rustic stuffing.
- Adding some diced ham or cooked chicken to the stuffing mixture for added protein and flavor.
- Using a combination of sausage and bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
What to Serve With Sausage Herb Stuffing
This sausage herb stuffing is perfect as a side dish for your next family gathering or holiday meal. You can serve it alongside your favorite main course, such as roasted turkey or baked ham.
Some other ideas for serving this stuffing include:
As a side dish for a weeknight dinner, paired with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
As a stuffing for chicken or pork chops, adding extra flavor and moisture to the meat.
As a base for a breakfast strata, topped with eggs and cheese for a hearty morning meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
This sausage herb stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
To refrigerate the stuffing, simply prepare it as directed and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
To freeze the stuffing, prepare it as directed and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer.
To reheat the stuffing, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and golden brown.
You can also reheat the stuffing in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can become dry and crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of sausage you like, but sweet Italian sausage works well. You can also use chorizo or breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I use leftover bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover bread for this recipe. In fact, day-old bread works best, as it will be dry and easier to cube.
What if I don't have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs instead?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. Just be sure to use the correct amount, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs.
Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing mixture?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the stuffing mixture, such as diced apples or nuts, to give it extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the stuffing is done?
The stuffing is done when it's golden brown and crispy on top, and hot and fluffy on the inside. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the center of the stuffing. If it's still wet and soggy, it needs to cook for a few more minutes.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply prepare the stuffing mixture as directed and transfer it to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the stuffing is hot and fluffy.
Can I freeze the stuffing after it's been cooked?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffing after it's been cooked. Simply cool the stuffing to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 4 cups (240g) cubed bread (white or whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped parsley, sage, and thyme to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread, cooked sausage mixture, and crispy bacon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the melted butter to the bowl and stir until the bread is evenly coated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the sausage herb stuffing hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- You can also make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake it.