Crispy bacon, savory Italian sausage, and golden cubes of bread baked with herbs, celery, and onion — the coziest, most flavorful side for your Thanksgiving table. Warm, buttery, and perfectly herby — the kind of dish everyone asks for seconds of.
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your baking dish — a metal round baking dish, cast iron skillet, or 9x9 pan all work great.
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove,, chop and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tbsp of bacon fat in the pan.
Add olive oil (if needed) to the pan with the bacon fat.
Add onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, the sausage mixture, and crispy bacon.
Gradually pour in broth while tossing until the bread is moistened but not soggy — you may not need it all.
Spread mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp and the center is warm.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and a few extra bacon crumbles.
Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread may become too soggy.
Adjust the amount of broth based on the bread's absorbency to avoid overly wet stuffing.
For added flavor, use homemade chicken or turkey broth if available.
Feel free to add extra herbs like parsley or sage for a more robust flavor.
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best texture.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Day-old sourdough or French bread works great as they hold their shape and absorb flavors well.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use other types of sausage like breakfast sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure your broth is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
