There’s something magical about holidays that brings together food, family, and nostalgia. Every Thanksgiving morning, the scent that fills my kitchen isn’t just roasted turkey—it’s the unmistakable aroma of Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs slowly baking in the oven. The air becomes warm, rich, and inviting, like a gentle reminder of all the gatherings past.
I remember standing beside my grandmother as she tore day-old sourdough bread into bite-sized cubes. Her kitchen counter was a beautiful mess of herbs, browned sausage, and buttery mushrooms. That first spoonful of Sausage Mushroom Stuffing captured everything I loved about family meals—comfort, depth, and shared tradition. Over the years, this recipe has evolved slightly, but the heart of it remains the same. It’s now the dish everyone expects at our table, the one that completes a Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe lineup.
Each year, as the casserole dish emerges golden and crisp around the edges, I’m reminded that food truly connects generations. Whether you’re making this for your first Friendsgiving or your fiftieth family feast, this Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe promises the kind of flavor and texture that turns an ordinary side dish into a centerpiece.
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Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A warm and flavorful sourdough stuffing made with tangy day-old bread, savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh sage, thyme, and parsley. Perfect as a holiday side or cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread sourdough cubes on a baking sheet; toast for 10–15 minutes until dry and slightly crisp, then cool.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage for 8–10 minutes until browned; drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Melt 1/4 cup butter in the same skillet, add onion and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 7 minutes until moisture evaporates, then stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, parsley, sage, and thyme; season with salt and pepper.
6. Whisk eggs and broth together, pour over bread mixture, and toss gently until evenly moistened without excess liquid.
7. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with remaining butter, transfer stuffing mixture, and spread evenly.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: side
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Keywords: sourdough stuffing, sausage mushroom stuffing, thanksgiving stuffing, sourdough bread stuffing, mushroom stuffing, holiday side dish, fresh herbs stuffing
Why Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs Feels Special
What makes this Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs stand out from others? It’s that irresistible balance between hearty, tangy bread and robust, savory ingredients. The sourdough cubes soak up every drop of seasoned stock without losing their chewy texture. Juicy crumbles of sausage lend a meaty richness that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of sautéed mushrooms.
Then come the herbs—the fragrant trio of sage, thyme, and parsley—that tie everything together. As they bake, these fresh herbs release a subtle perfume that instantly feels like the holidays. The result is a Sausage Mushroom Stuffing that’s flavorful but never heavy, rustic but refined.
It’s easy to see why many cooks now prefer sourdough as their base for a modern Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe. The bread’s natural tang complements sweet onions, savory sausage, and umami-packed mushrooms, giving each bite complexity. And while this dish feels indulgent enough for the holiday table, it’s also comforting enough to make any chilly Sunday dinner feel festive.
If you’ve been searching for a Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe that delivers both tradition and flavor, this one embodies just that spirit. It’s hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—a recipe that feels like home, no matter where you serve it.
Building the Perfect Sourdough Stuffing Base
The Essential Ingredients for Sausage Mushroom Stuffing
Before you preheat the oven or grab your favorite casserole dish, it’s helpful to have everything ready and measured. The key to perfect Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs starts with well-chosen ingredients that bring balance, flavor, and texture to every bite.
- 1 pound sourdough bread, preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference), casings removed
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (cremini or a mix of wild varieties work best)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust for your desired moisture level)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Each ingredient has a specific role in this Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe. The sourdough bread provides texture and tang, while sausage adds richness and savory spice. The mushrooms deepen flavor, capturing that earthy umami essence. Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley bring the dish to life with fragrance and seasonal warmth. Butter rounds everything out, adding body, and the eggs and broth bind it all together into a perfectly tender Sausage Mushroom Stuffing.
Choosing the right sourdough loaf makes all the difference. Go for a rustic loaf with a chewy crumb and crisp crust, avoiding overly soft breads that can become dense. That texture and structure give this Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe its signature contrast of crisp edges and soft, flavorful centers.
Tools You’ll Need for the Best Sourdough Bread Stuffing
No fancy gadgets are required—just kitchen basics to create this wholesome Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe.
- Large skillet: For browning sausage and sautéing veggies.
- Large mixing bowl: To toss everything evenly.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish: Perfect for baking and serving.
- Bread knife: For even bread cubes.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For gentle mixing.
- Whisk and measuring cups: To achieve precise consistency.
Prep Tips: Cube sourdough bread a day in advance to let it dry out naturally, or toast briefly in a 300°F oven. Brown your sausage until crumbly and cooked through, and sauté vegetables just until softened—this keeps their flavor vibrant and the texture balanced.
| Ingredients | Tools |
|---|---|
| 1 lb sourdough bread cubes | Large skillet |
| 1 lb Italian sausage | Large mixing bowl |
| 10 oz mushrooms | Casserole dish (9×13) |
| 1 large onion | Bread knife |
| 3 celery ribs | Wooden spoon |
| 3 garlic cloves | Whisk |
| ½ cup butter | Measuring cups |
| 1½ cups broth | |
| 2 large eggs | |
| Fresh herbs |
Now that your ingredients and tools are ready, you’re moments away from creating a Mushroom Stuffing that combines rustic charm with refined holiday flavor. Let’s move on to assembling and baking this savory celebration.
How to Make Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Mushrooms
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the bread cubes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast sourdough cubes on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes until dry but not browned. Cool completely.
- Cook the sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, melt ¼ cup butter. Cook onion and celery for 5 minutes, then add mushrooms for 7 more minutes until slightly browned. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together bread cubes, sausage, vegetables, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add liquids: Whisk eggs and broth, pour over the mixture, and toss gently until evenly moistened.
- Bake: Transfer to a buttered 9×13-inch dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20 minutes or until golden and crisp on top.
Chef Tips: For extra richness, drizzle with butter before baking. Assemble ahead to save time, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day. To maintain crisp texture, bake uncovered longer.
Your finished Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe will be golden on top and tender inside—a texture that defines the perfect Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.
Serving and Variation Ideas for Thanksgiving Stuffing
This crowd-pleasing Sausage Mushroom Stuffing pairs beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or even vegetarian mains. Serve directly from the baking dish, use as stuffing for a bird (ensuring it reaches 165°F internally), or portion into ramekins for individual servings.
Variations:
- Apple & Chestnut: Add diced apples and roasted chestnuts for sweet nutty flavor.
- Cranberry twist: Mix dried cranberries for a tart contrast to savory sausage.
- Herb upgrade: Include rosemary or tarragon for extra fragrance.
Storage Tips: Refrigerate up to four days or freeze for a month. Reheat gently at 350°F, adding broth if needed to restore moisture. This Mushroom Stuffing keeps its hearty aroma and satisfying bite, even days later.
FAQ and Conclusion
Common Questions About Sourdough Stuffing Recipes
Can I make sourdough stuffing ahead of time? Yes—assemble fully, cover, and chill up to 24 hours ahead. Add broth before baking to refresh moisture.
How do I keep my stuffing from getting soggy? Use dry sourdough and add liquid gradually. Bake uncovered at the end for crispness.
What’s the best sausage for stuffing? Italian sausage works perfectly, but chicken or turkey sausage can be used for a lighter touch.
Can I make a vegetarian version? Omit sausage and substitute extra mushrooms or vegetables. Use vegetable broth for depth.
How long do leftovers last? Store up to four days refrigerated or freeze for a month. Reheat slowly in the oven with broth to revive flavor.
Bringing It All Together
As the aroma fills the kitchen and the top turns beautifully crisp, it’s clear why this Sourdough Bread Stuffing Recipe earns a permanent spot on the holiday menu. The tang of sourdough, the rich sausage, and the earthy mushrooms mingle with fragrant herbs to form a timeless, Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe full of warmth and family memories.
Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Mushrooms & Fresh Herbs is more than a side—it’s the taste of tradition and togetherness. Rustic yet elegant, comforting yet festive, it will grace your table for many celebrations to come.
