Imagine a side dish so irresistibly delicious that it becomes the star of your holiday table. This Sausage and Mushroom Dressing isn't just another bland stuffing – it's a flavor-packed, mouth-watering experience that transforms ordinary bread cubes into a culinary masterpiece. With perfectly browned sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this recipe will have your guests begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and mushrooms to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent, releasing their moisture and developing rich flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage mixture, sage, and thyme. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slowly pour chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. The bread should be damp but not saturated.
- Transfer the dressing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating a smooth top surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to cook thoroughly.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to create a golden, crispy top layer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to set and cool slightly.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy consistency.
- Don't skip browning the sausage completely; those caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor.
- Be careful not to oversaturate the bread cubes with broth – you want them moist, not swimming.
- For extra crispiness, spread the dressing in a wider, shallower baking dish.
- Let the dressing rest after baking to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
