Cheesy Sausage and Sage Stuffing

A rich and savory stuffing featuring Italian sausage, sourdough bread, and aged cheddar cheese, enhanced with fresh sage and white wine. This indulgent side dish combines crispy bread with a creamy, cheesy interior for the perfect holiday accompaniment.

8 servings
1 hr 36 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more
  • 1 medium boule sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 large onions
  • 3 stalks celery
  • ¼ cup sage
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 pound aged cheddar
  • 5 cups grated cheese
  • divided

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 300°F. Butter a shallow 13x9" baking dish and a large piece of foil. Place 9 cups bread in a large bowl.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage, stirring occasionally and breaking into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 7-10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with bread.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Place onions, celery, sage, and 2 Tbsp. butter in same skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and soft, 10-12 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost completely evaporated, about 5 minutes; scrape into bowl with bread and sausage.

    17 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk eggs and broth in a medium bowl until smooth, then pour over bread mixture. Pour in half-and-half and add 3 cups cheese; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to prepared baking dish and cover with foil, buttered side down. Bake until a paring knife inserted into the center comes out hot, 40-50 minutes .

    50 min

  5. 5.

    Heat broiler. Uncover stuffing and top with remaining cheese. Broil until top is golden and bubbling, about 4 minutes. Let sit at least 10 minutes and up to 30 before serving.

    14 min

  6. 6.

    Stuffing can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover with foil and chill. Stuffing can be baked (but not broiled) 3 hours ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature until ready to broil.