If you’re looking to bring a burst of warmth, flavor, and comfort to your holiday table, the Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines the rich, hearty goodness of browned sausage with the earthy charm of fresh herbs and tender bread cubes, creating a stuffing that’s both satisfying and deeply fragrant. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into holiday cooking, this recipe promises a perfect balance of textures and savory notes that will become a beloved tradition year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe plays a crucial role, offering simple yet essential flavors and textures that come together beautifully. From the juicy sausage that adds depth, to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb sausage: Use a quality pork sausage for a rich, meaty foundation that delivers bold flavor.
- 6 cups cubed bread: Day-old bread works best to soak up all the juices without becoming mushy.
- 1 onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and layers of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 celery stalks (chopped): Provides a lovely crunch and fresh aroma to balance the richness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The perfect moistening agent to keep everything tender and flavorful.
- Fresh sage and thyme: These herbs infuse the stuffing with earthy, fragrant notes that scream holiday magic.
How to Make Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is key because browning the sausage develops those deep, savory flavors you want in every bite. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside, leaving a bit of its rendered fat behind for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Celery
In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add your chopped onion and celery. Cook them gently until the onions are translucent and the celery softens just enough to bring a fresh dimension to the dish. This mixture adds a wonderful aromatic base that complements the sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the browned sausage, sautéed onion and celery, and cubed bread together. Sprinkle in your fresh sage and thyme—don’t be shy, these herbs are what give the stuffing its irresistible holiday charm. Pour in the chicken broth slowly, stirring gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. This ensures every bite has just the right amount of juicy, flavorful stuffing.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F and transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. This baking step not only melds all the flavors together but also adds that perfect texture contrast between crunchy top and soft inside.
How to Serve Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few beautiful garnishes can elevate your stuffing presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or more fresh thyme on top after baking for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A drizzle of melted butter over the warm stuffing just before serving adds an extra layer of richness that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. It also works beautifully alongside green bean casserole, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp winter salad to balance the richness with some fresh, seasonal crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, consider baking the stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn or butternut squash. You could also stuff it inside a whole chicken before roasting to infuse the bird with incredible flavor. Individual ramekins make cute personal servings, perfect for holiday gatherings where everyone gets their own little savory delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffing is a gift in itself! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save leftovers for later, this stuffing freezes beautifully. Place cooled stuffing in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep it moist and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place your stuffing in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Alternatively, leftovers microwave well for a quick option, just add a sprinkle of broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausage works wonderfully, you can experiment with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy sausage depending on your taste preferences. Just adjust seasoning accordingly since some types may be leaner or more seasoned.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried sage and thyme if fresh isn’t available. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them when combining ingredients to help release their flavors evenly.
Can this stuffing be cooked inside the turkey?
Yes, stuffing can be cooked inside the turkey, but be mindful that the cooking time may vary and it’s crucial to ensure both the stuffing and the turkey reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking separately in a dish gives a more consistent texture and is often easier to manage.
How do I make the stuffing less moist if it feels soggy?
If your stuffing feels too wet, add a bit more cubed bread next time or reduce the chicken broth slightly. Also, using drier, day-old bread helps absorb moisture while baking, giving you that perfect balance between moist and fluffy without sogginess.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this stuffing?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries and apricots add great texture and a touch of sweetness. Just fold them in when mixing all ingredients before baking for a delightful variation on the classic Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm, fragrant stuffing that fills the room with holiday spirit, and this Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe nails that feeling perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and a true crowd-pleaser that will earn a permanent spot on your festive table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!
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Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Sausage and Herb Holiday Stuffing combines flavorful browned sausage, fresh sage and thyme, and a classic mixture of cubed bread, onions, and celery, baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate your holiday meal with hearty and aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb sausage
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Bread and Broth
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups chicken broth
Herbs
- Fresh sage, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
- Fresh thyme, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté onion and celery: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage, sautéed onion and celery, cubed bread, fresh sage, fresh thyme, and chicken broth. Stir gently until all the bread is moistened evenly.
- Bake the stuffing: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until the top is golden and the stuffing is heated through.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly dried bread cubes for best texture in stuffing.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 teaspoon each of dried sage and thyme if fresh is unavailable.
- For a moister stuffing, add an extra ½ cup of chicken broth.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Ensure sausage is fully cooked to avoid food safety issues.
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