Description
Savory Sausage and Herb Bread Bake is a flavorful, hearty dish combining Italian sausage, aromatic fresh herbs, and toasted bread cubes soaked in rich chicken stock. Perfect as a comforting side or a main course, this baked casserole features tender sausage and vegetables layered with herbs, all baked to a golden crisp top.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (white or whole grain)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Fats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the sausage fat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the stale bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed onion, celery, fresh sage, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle the chicken stock over the mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated and the bread is evenly moistened.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the bread and sausage mixture evenly into the dish. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake covered for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, giving the dish a delightful texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly after baking; this helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm as a savory side or main dish.
Notes
- Use stale bread cubes or toast fresh bread lightly to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the spice level by selecting mild or spicy Italian sausage and by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
- If preferred, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure sausage ingredients are gluten-free.
- This dish can be made ahead; assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
