Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried sage, and thyme, stirring for an additional minute.
Combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked sausage in the mixing bowl. Stir in the bread cubes, chicken broth, parsley, and beaten eggs until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grease a baking dish with butter and transfer the stuffing mixture into the dish. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the stuffing. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Once finished, let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving.
For the best results, consider using a combination of bread types for added flavor and texture. A mixture of sourdough, whole wheat, or even cornbread can elevate the stuffing's taste.
Additionally, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before baking, as the flavors will meld during cooking. If you're preparing the stuffing ahead of time, it can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Enjoy your delicious sausage stuffing!