Quick, easy, and delicious! This Italian-inspired sausage stuffing uses stovetop stuffing mix and comes together in minutes. A perfect holiday side dish without the fuss.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, this can be done by squeezing it from the casing into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic, sage, and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, and stovetop stuffing mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Adjust the amount of broth based on your preference for moisture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
The stuffing is done when it’s heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy. If you’re unsure, use a food thermometer to check that the center has reached at least 165°F (74°C).
This Italian sausage stuffing pairs well with roasted turkey or chicken, gravy, cranberry sauce, green vegetables, and salads. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.