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Homemade brown butter sage stuffing with sausage, golden crispy bread cubes and fresh herbs baked in a casserole dish for Thanksgiving.

Cozy Brown Butter Sage Stuffing with Sausage

Cozy Thanksgiving stuffing made with crisp-edged rustic bread, browned sausage, onion, celery, fresh sage and nutty brown butter. The center stays tender and savory while the top bakes beautifully golden and crisp.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large rustic bread loaf about 16 oz (450 g), cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 1 lb 450 g mild Italian sausage, casings removed if necessary
  • ¾ cup 170 g unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2½ –3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cut bread into approximately ¾-inch cubes.
  2. If necessary, dry the bread at 300°F (150°C) for 25–35 minutes.
  3. Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Brown sausage in a large skillet for 7–9 minutes, breaking it into irregular crumbles.
  6. Transfer sausage to a plate and drain excessive grease if necessary.
  7. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
  8. Cook until foamy with golden-brown milk solids and a nutty aroma.
  9. Immediately add onion and celery.
  10. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
  11. Add garlic, sage, and thyme and cook for approximately 1 minute.
  12. Place dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
  13. Add browned sausage.
  14. Pour the brown butter vegetable mixture over the bread.
  15. Add parsley.
  16. Whisk 2½ cups broth with the eggs.
  17. Gradually pour over the bread while gently folding.
  18. Add additional broth only if needed.
  19. Transfer loosely to the prepared baking dish.
  20. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  21. Remove foil.
  22. Bake another 20–25 minutes until golden and the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
  23. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry bread is essential for stuffing that stays tender rather than mushy. Watch brown butter carefully because it can go from golden to burned quickly. Add broth gradually because different breads absorb different amounts. Don't tightly compress the stuffing in the casserole dish. Bake covered first for moisture, then uncovered to develop a crisp golden top. The center should reach 165°F (74°C).