Some dishes have the power to transport you to a place of warmth, comfort, and cherished memories. Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing is one such dish. This recipe is a celebration of flavors, combining savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and hearty bread to create a side dish that’s perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or any occasion that calls for something special. Imagine the aroma of onions, celery, and herbs sautéed to perfection, mixed with golden-brown bread cubes and savory sausage, all baked until crispy on top and tender underneath. It’s a dish that brings people together and leaves them asking for seconds.

The first time I made this stuffing, it was for a Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted to try something new, and Ina Garten’s recipe caught my eye. As I prepared the dish, the kitchen filled with the comforting scents of sage, thyme, and roasting sausage. When I pulled the stuffing out of the oven, golden and bubbling, my family gathered around, eager to taste it. “This is the best stuffing I’ve ever had!” my brother exclaimed, reaching for another helping. Since then, Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing has become a non-negotiable part of our holiday menu.

The first time I served this dish to friends, it was at a Friendsgiving potluck. One of my friends had brought her famous green bean casserole, and another had made a decadent sweet potato pie. I was a little nervous to present my stuffing, but as soon as I placed it on the table, the golden crust and savory aroma drew everyone in. “What’s in this?” a friend asked, scooping a generous portion onto her plate. “A little bit of love and a lot of flavor,” I replied with a smile. When everyone took their first bite, the room erupted in compliments. “This is incredible!” someone said, reaching for seconds. Even my friend who’s a self-proclaimed stuffing connoisseur nodded in approval. “You’ve got to give me this recipe,” she said. That day, Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing became a potluck favorite, and it’s been a staple at every gathering since.

Why This Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing?

Selling Points:

• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and hearty bread makes this dish a comfort food classic.
• Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Versatile: Perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or any occasion that calls for a special side dish.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, vegetables, or even dried fruits to make it your own.

What You Need for Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
• 8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the sage, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetable mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Tips for the Perfect Stuffing

• Day-Old Bread: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
• Toast the Bread: Toasting the bread cubes ensures they hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients.
• Customize the Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herbs to your liking. Parsley, oregano, or marjoram would also work well.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking the bread cubes into smaller pieces.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add mushrooms or diced butternut squash for extra flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
• Sweet and Savory: Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a sweet and savory twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lean Sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content.
• Whole Grain Bread: Substitute white bread with whole grain or sourdough for added fiber.
• Low-Sodium Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

Closing for Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your stuffing turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, try using sourdough, cornbread, or whole grain bread for a variation.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread cubes for the stuffing.

Can I add other flavors?
Yes, try adding nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs to customize the dish.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours in a slow cooker.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or your favorite holiday sides.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and omit the eggs or use a flax egg substitute.

This Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing is a testament to the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Easy Ina Garten Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed

• 8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside.
• Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the sage, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetable mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs, tossing gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.