Savory Italian Sausage Stuffing

Italian sausage stuffing in white casserole dish.

5 from 1 vote

Savory Italian Sausage Stuffing

This Italian sausage stuffing is a mouthwatering blend of robust sausage, fragrant herbs, and crusty bread that'll elevate your Thanksgiving feast and leave everyone asking for more.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 756kcal

Author: Marie

Ingredients

16 cups bread cubes (1.5 pound loaf or 700 grams) dried out, see instructions below
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
2 medium onions diced
3 stalks celery diced
2 pounds Italian sausage sweet, hot, or a combination, casings removed
1/2 cup white wine or sherry to deglaze pan optional
1 small bunch fresh parsley Finely chopped (or use 1 tablespoon of dried in pinch)
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 tablespoon fennel seeds crushed
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups chicken broth up to 4 cups; adjust as needed

Instructions

Dry Out Bread Cubes

There are three options to dry out the bread cubes:
a. Leave the bread cubes out for a night or two, uncovered, to naturally dry.
b. Purchase pre-made dried-out bread cubes.
c. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to dry them out. Let them cool before using.

Prepare the Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery. Sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula or spoon. Cook until it's browned and fully cooked, breaking it up further as needed. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Optional: deglaze the pan with the white wine and cook until the liquid has reduced by half. .
Combine the dried bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed onions and celery, chopped parsley, thyme, fennel, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture. The amount of broth you need may vary depending on how dry your bread cubes are. Start with 2 cups and gradually add more until the mixture is moist but not overly wet. You want the stuffing to hold its shape. Allow time for the mixture to absorb the broth before adding more.

Baking the Stuffing

Transfer the stuffing mixture to the greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, covered.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Stuffing as a side dish for your holiday feast or any special occasion!

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