How to Make the Perfect Buttery Herb Stuffing with Sausage and Celery
American · Medium · 75 min · 10 servings
This hearty Thanksgiving stuffing is loaded with savory Italian sausage, aromatic celery and onion, and generous amounts of fresh herbs all soaked into cubes of crusty day-old bread. It is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that everyone will be spooning onto their plates twice.
Why this recipe works
This Buttery Herb Stuffing with Sausage and Celery recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 75 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 12 cups day-old crusty bread cubed
- 4 stalks celery diced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 large yellow onion diced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on two large baking sheets. Bake at 300F for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the cubes are dry and lightly golden. Transfer to a very large mixing bowl and set aside. This step can be done the day before.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage breaking it into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add the diced onion and celery to the sausage and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the thyme and stir to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffing
Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the warm chicken broth over everything while gently folding with a spatula until all the bread is moistened. Do not crush the bread cubes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the stuffing into a greased 9x13 baking dish and spread evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, then cover tightly with foil and bake at 350F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Italian sausage → turkey sausage or omit entirely and add extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version
- chicken broth → vegetable broth works perfectly and keeps the dish lighter in flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using fresh soft bread that has not dried out which results in a soggy mushy stuffing
- Adding all the broth at once rather than gradually which can make the stuffing too wet
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 14g protein, 36g carbs, 16g fat, 3g fiber.
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