Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing for Thanksgiving & Holidays

Looking for a flavorful twist on traditional stuffing? The Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is the perfect addition to any holiday table, combining the rich taste of Italian sausage with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. This hearty side dish will elevate your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feast, making it a family favorite. Packed with robust flavors, it’s a great choice whether you’re stuffing a turkey or serving it as a side.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This recipe stands out because of its bold, savory flavors and easy preparation. Made with ground Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and homemade bread cubes, it’s a heartwarming dish that will add a special touch to your holiday meals. The combination of Italian sausage and olive oil gives this stuffing a unique richness, while the fresh herbs provide a fragrant and aromatic profile that’s hard to beat. It’s the ultimate side dish for anyone looking for an easy yet flavorful stuffing that’s a little different from the classic.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this stuffing so flavorful:

• Italian Bread: Offers a soft texture and a slight chewiness, making it the perfect base for the stuffing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to cook the veggies and sausage, adding a rich and healthy fat to the dish.
• Chopped Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing.
• Chopped Celery: Offers a slight crunch and subtle flavor.
• Ground Italian Sausage: The star of the recipe, bringing a savory, fennel-flavored kick that gives the stuffing its Italian character.
• Chicken Broth: Moistens the bread cubes and infuses the stuffing with a savory flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Sage, Thyme): Essential for that signature Italian taste, giving the stuffing a fragrant aroma and taste.
• Garlic: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
• Italian Flat Leaf Parsley: For a touch of freshness and color.
• Eggs: Help bind the stuffing together and give it a soft, cohesive texture.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to swap ingredients or have dietary restrictions, consider these alternatives:

• French Bread: If Italian bread is unavailable, French bread works just as well.
• Hot Italian Sausage: Prefer a spicier kick? Use hot Italian sausage in place of mild for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Turkey Sausage: Opt for turkey sausage if you want a leaner version of the stuffing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: If you don’t have stale bread, cut fresh Italian bread into cubes and let it sit out overnight to dry out.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Add the Herbs and Sausage: Stir in chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. Let the herbs cook for a minute, then add the ground Italian sausage. Break it up into pieces with a spatula and cook until browned (about 10 minutes).
4. Combine with the Bread: In a large bowl, add your stale bread cubes. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add whisked eggs, mixing well.
5. Add the Sausage Mixture: Stir in the sausage and vegetable mixture, ensuring it’s evenly combined with the bread.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 13″x9″ casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to make your Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing even better:

• Avoid Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, turning bitter. Stir it in with the onions and celery, but make sure it doesn’t brown.
• Texture Tweaks: For a crunchier stuffing, leave the bread cubes larger. For a softer texture, cut the cubes smaller.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: This stuffing can be prepared in advance. Assemble it, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. This is a great time-saver for holiday meals.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey and chicken. For a complete holiday meal, serve it alongside dishes like:

• Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
• Homemade Green Bean Casserole
• Easy Roasted Turkey

For those with dietary preferences, try swapping the sausage for turkey sausage or use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version. The stuffing also works well as a stuffing for turkey, giving your bird an extra layer of flavor.

Health Benefits of Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing

While this stuffing is undeniably delicious, it also offers some health benefits. The use of extra virgin olive oil instead of butter makes it a heart-healthier choice. Plus, fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making this stuffing not only tasty but beneficial for your health too.

Conclusion

The Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a perfect blend of hearty flavors and textures, making it an essential dish for your next holiday meal. The savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and wholesome bread cubes come together to create a stuffing that’s rich, flavorful, and full of personality. Whether you’re using it as a side dish or stuffing a turkey, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and offers a wonderful alternative to traditional stuffing recipes. Try it out, and get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Sausage & Veggies Pasta Autumn Dinner: A perfect comfort meal for the fall season, this pasta dish combines savory sausage with roasted vegetables, providing a hearty, Italian-inspired dish. It’s a great option for those who enjoy robust flavors and a quick dinner that’s full of seasonal veggies.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This warm salad is a great side dish to complement your Italian sausage stuffing. Roasted butternut squash adds a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with fresh greens and a tangy dressing, making it a light yet satisfying option for the holiday table.
• Fall Bruschetta Recipe – Festive Autumn Appetizer: A seasonal twist on the classic Italian bruschetta, this recipe uses fresh autumn ingredients like roasted pumpkin and herbs to create a flavorful appetizer. It’s a great starter that mirrors the herby and savory notes found in the Best Italian Sausage and Herb Stuffing.

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