Irresistible OldFashioned Sausage Bread Stuffing Recipe

When I think of the holidays, my mind drifts to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where the scent of sage and savory sausage mingled in the air, wrapping around us like a favorite wool sweater. It was always bustling with family, laughter, and the comforting clatter of pots and pans. One dish that never failed to steal the spotlight was her old-fashioned bread stuffing with sausage — rich, hearty, and brimming with nostalgia. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, with each savory bite telling a story of togetherness. It’s simple to prepare, easily customizable, and absolutely delicious, making it the perfect side for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, there’s a magic to this Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing with Sausage that makes it a must-try, especially as the seasons change and gatherings pick up. First off, it comes together with minimal fuss, allowing you to focus on more important things — like visiting with friends and family. Plus, it can easily serve a crowd, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters. The buttery, toasted bread soaked in savory herbs and spiced sausage makes for a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Trust me on this one: once you make this stuffing, it’ll become a staple at your table.

What It Tastes Like

Picture this: as you take that first warm bite, the crisp edges of the bread mingle with the tender, juicy chunks of sausage, and the unique blend of herbs dances on your taste buds. It’s like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket after a long day — comforting and inviting. The sage shines through prominently, with its earthy and slightly peppery notes, while the bits of onion add a sweet depth that rounds it all off beautifully. Each mouthful is a delightful balance of crunchy and soft textures, making for a satisfying experience that’ll have you going back for seconds, or maybe even thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf of stale bread (about 9 cups diced): This adds heft and texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• 1 pound sausage (Italian or your choice): Provides a hearty, savory base that’s full of flavor.
• 1 cup onion (diced): Adds sweet and aromatic undertones.
• 1 cup celery (diced): Brings a nice crunch and freshness to the mix.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of freshness that brightens up the dish.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses rich flavor.
• 1-2 teaspoons dried sage: Adds that classic stuffing flavor — a must!
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a more subtle, earthy tone.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.

Optional Additions: Ever tried adding cranberries or nuts? They’re fantastic for a bit of sweetness and crunch! You could also incorporate some diced apple for a fall twist.

Special Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving not only looks nice but adds a fresh pop of color. It’s all in the details!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!

1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and warm when the stuffing is ready to go in.
2. Toast the bread. Cut your stale bread into small cubes (about 1 inch). If it’s not stale enough, you can leave it out for a few hours or toast the cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes, just to dry them out a bit.
3. Cook the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t skip this step — it’s where the magic happens!
4. Add the veggies. Toss in the onions and celery, cooking until softened, around 5 minutes more. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
5. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage and veggies, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
6. Pour in the broth. Gradually add the chicken broth to the bread mixture, stirring as you go until the bread is moistened but not soggy. You’ll want just enough broth to bring it together — be careful not to add too much!
7. Transfer to a baking dish. Spoon your stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and the edges are crispy.

That’s it — pretty easy, right? In no time, you’ll have a wonderful, homemade bread stuffing that’ll impress everyone.

Serving & Storage Tips

When it’s time to serve, feel free to dish generous portions while it’s still warm — the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table. Pair it with your favorite roasted meats like turkey or chicken, and don’t forget the gravy!

As for leftovers, they’re just as delicious! Allow any extra stuffing to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You could even toss a bit of broth over it before reheating to reintroduce some moisture. Repurposing this stuffing into breakfast by adding an egg and pan-frying it is also a fun twist — trust me, you’ll love it!

Helpful Tips

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this stuffing even better. For one, the type of bread really makes a difference — a hearty, crusty loaf works best, but you can use sandwich bread too if that’s all you have. And if you’re feeling adventurous, using a mix of bread adds various flavors and textures; I once did half sourdough and half multigrain, and it was a game-changer!

A common mistake is adding too much liquid — you want the stuffing to be moist, not swimming! The first time I tried it, I may have soaked it through, which led to a soggy mess. Lesson learned: add just enough broth until the bread cubes are nicely moistened.

Oh, and if you have leftovers, don’t be afraid to play around with them — they make great stuffing in omelets or baked into quiches!

Special Equipment

• Large mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl to hold all those ingredients as you mix and combine.
• Skillet: For sautéing the sausage and veggies. A non-stick skillet makes for easy cooking and cleanup.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: This size is perfect for holding your stuffing mixture for even baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for getting those measurements just right — can’t skimp on precision when it comes to herbs and spices!

FAQ

Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly. On the day of serving, bake it until heated through.

What kind of bread is best for stuffing?

Hearty breads with a crust, like sourdough or French bread, are ideal. They hold up well to the moisture and offer great texture. But you can also use traditional white bread if that’s what you’ve got!

Is this stuffing gluten-free?

You can absolutely make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread. Just check the labels on your sausage and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free too!

Can I add other ingredients?

For sure! Feel free to experiment with nuts, cranberries, mushrooms, or even diced apples for a sweeter element. The stuffing is quite versatile!

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing with Sausage isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished piece of my family’s holiday tradition. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years. So why not gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful dish, and create some memorable moments together? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe in the comments. Until next time, happy cooking!

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