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Best Crispy Sausage Stuffing Recipe for Easy Cozy Holiday Feasts

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A savory and crispy sausage stuffing perfect for holiday feasts, combining toasted bread, Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs for a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 10 cups (about 300g) cubed day-old bread (mix of sourdough and white bread)
  • 1 cup (150g) diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. If your bread isn’t already stale, cube it and toast in the oven for 10 minutes until just dry and slightly golden.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in the last minute.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture.
  6. Pour the beaten eggs and chicken broth evenly over the bread mixture. Gently toss until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Adjust moisture by adding more broth or bread cubes if needed.
  7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly to pack evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. Toast bread cubes to avoid sogginess. For extra crispy edges, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch closely to prevent burning. Can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and sausage. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil and use suitable broth.

Nutrition

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