There’s a reason stuffing is the first dish to disappear from most Thanksgiving tables. When it’s done right—savory, moist, and packed with flavor—it becomes more than just a side dish. Italian Sausage Stuffing takes this beloved tradition to a whole new level. With fresh herbs, hearty bread cubes, and seasoned Italian sausage, this recipe offers you a taste of something both familiar and excitingly different.
If you’ve been searching for a dish that stands out on your holiday spread, this is it. You’re not just throwing together breadcrumbs and broth. You’re crafting a dish with layers of flavor, a rich backstory, and an irresistible aroma that invites everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or a combination of both, this hearty stuffing deserves a spot front and center.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Stuffing
You’re looking for something that blends tradition with robust Italian flavors, and this stuffing does exactly that. It’s built on simple yet powerful ingredients that elevate it far beyond the boxed variety or bland versions you’ve likely had in the past.
- Bold flavor from Italian sausage and fresh herbs
- Perfectly crisped bread cubes with a tender, moist interior
- Versatile—pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or pork
- Healthier fat profile with olive oil instead of butter
- Easily made ahead to save you time during busy holidays
This stuffing offers the comfort of a classic dish with the richness and depth that only Italian cooking can bring. And best of all? It’s easy enough for you to make even if you’re hosting a full Thanksgiving dinner on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Sausage Stuffing
To make this stuffing as flavorful as possible, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each component plays a key role in the final flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb good-quality sliced Italian bread, stale or dried overnight
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
- 16 oz ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a substitute)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Can’t find ground sausage? Grab sausage links and remove the casings. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs—they provide a depth you just won’t get from dried versions.
How to Make Italian Sausage Stuffing Step-by-Step
You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to make this stuffing. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a show-stopping dish that brings rave reviews every time.
Step 1 – Prepare the Bread
Start a day early. Cut your Italian bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet to dry out overnight. They don’t need to be rock-hard—just firm enough to soak up the broth without turning mushy.
If you’re short on time, you can place the bread cubes in a low oven (about 200°F) for 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Step 2 – Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Next, stir in your fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. Let them cook for about a minute—this quick sauté will help release their natural oils and infuse the oil with herbal flavor.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure it’s fully cooked and well combined with the vegetables.
Step 3 – Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add your bread cubes and pour the chicken broth over them. Stir gently so the cubes start to absorb the liquid.
Whisk your eggs and add them to the bowl, mixing until everything is well combined. Then, fold in the cooked sausage mixture, scraping the skillet to get all those flavorful browned bits.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. Don’t cover with foil unless you’re keeping it warm after baking.
Substitutions and Variations
You may want to make adjustments depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few smart swaps you can try:
- French bread instead of Italian bread—just as effective if you can’t find Italian
- Hot sausage for more spice and depth
- Vegetable broth for a vegetarian base (combine with meatless sausage)
- Butter and olive oil combo for a richer flavor profile
- Turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer leaner meats
These changes won’t compromise flavor—they’ll just help tailor the dish to what you and your guests enjoy most.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Holidays are busy, and this dish was made to accommodate that. You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture a day or two ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake it as directed.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. This stuffing also freezes well—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What to Serve with Italian Sausage Stuffing
This hearty stuffing is a natural match for traditional holiday meats and sides. Here are a few dishes that pair beautifully with it:
- Oven-roasted turkey or turkey breast
- Glazed baked ham
- Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes
- Classic green bean casserole
- Air-fried Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Homemade cranberry sauce
It’s flexible enough to work with nearly any main course, making it a smart choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
If you’re keeping an eye on what’s on your plate, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in one serving of this Italian sausage stuffing (1/8 of the total dish):
- Calories: 609
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 981mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 91mg
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought bread cubes for this Italian sausage stuffing?
Yes, but make sure they’re unseasoned and stale. If they’re too fresh, leave them out overnight or dry them in the oven. This helps them absorb the broth and flavors without turning soggy.
What makes Italian sausage stuffing different from traditional stuffing?
It swaps butter for olive oil and features Italian sausage, which contains fennel seeds and a bold spice blend. Combined with fresh herbs, this version brings a deeper, richer flavor that sets it apart.
Can I stuff this into a turkey?
Absolutely. This recipe works great as a stuffing inside poultry. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about preparing a dish that not only fills your kitchen with warm, familiar aromas but also tells a story. This Italian sausage stuffing is more than just a holiday side—it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and heritage. Each bite offers a combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and golden bread that’s both rustic and refined.
If you’ve never tried making stuffing from scratch, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s forgiving, flexible, and filled with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Bring this dish to your table, make it your own, and let it become part of your family’s seasonal tradition.
More Relevant Recipes
- Classic Stuffing Recipe: If you’re a fan of traditional holiday sides, this classic stuffing is a must-try. Made with savory herbs and simple ingredients, it complements the Italian sausage stuffing beautifully and provides a more neutral option for your guests.
- Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Packed with sausage and crispy tater tots, this hearty breakfast dish offers similar flavor notes to the Italian sausage stuffing, making it a great way to extend those savory flavors into the morning after your holiday feast.
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: Rich, creamy, and full of smoky sausage flavor, this casserole-style side dish is a cozy complement to any meat-forward meal. It shares the comforting, savory vibe that makes Italian sausage stuffing so satisfying.
Italian Sausage Stuffing
This Italian Sausage Stuffing is a flavorful and hearty side dish made with ground Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and homemade bread cubes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or other holidays, it offers a savory twist on traditional stuffing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Kosher
Ingredients
- 1 lb good-quality sliced Italian bread (stale or dried overnight)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
- 16 oz ground Italian sausage
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut Italian bread into cubes and let sit overnight to become stale.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley; cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground Italian sausage and cook for 10–15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine stale bread cubes and chicken broth; stir to soak.
- Add whisked eggs to the bread mixture and mix well.
- Add sausage mixture, including browned bits, and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Notes
- Use French bread if Italian bread is unavailable.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version (use meatless sausage).
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
