Hearty, buttery and full of bold Texas flavor, this Sausage and Herb Dressing made with Kountry Boys Original Sausage is a true holiday favorite.
Difficulty: Easy
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 55 minutes
Total: 80 minutes
Serves:
Ingredients
16 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch chunks
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups yellow onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
2 granny smith apples, unpeeled and diced
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Method
Place the bread cubes on a sheet pan in a single layer and bake for 7 mins. Reserve bread in a large bowl and raise the oven temperature to 350°F.
In a large frying pan, melt the butter and cook the onion, celery, apple and parsley over medium heat for 10 mins, or until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper, then add the mixture to the bread cubes.
In the same pan, cook the diced sausage over medium heat until cooked through, about 10 mins. Add sausage to bread cubes and vegetables.
Add the chicken stock and cranberries to the mixture, stir to combine, then pour into a 9 x 12-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 mins, until browned on top and hot in the middle.
Description
Every Thanksgiving table needs a dish that steals the show — and this Sausage and Herb Dressing does just that. It’s warm, comforting and filled with layers of flavor that only get better with each bite. Between the buttery sourdough bread, sweet-tart apples and hearty Kountry Boys Original Sausage, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s simple, rustic and just plain good — the kind of recipe that reminds you why homemade beats store-bought every single time.
Down here in Texas, dressing is more than just a side dish. It’s a tradition. It’s the scent of butter melting in a cast-iron pan, the sound of sausage sizzling, the chatter of family in the kitchen and the feeling of pulling something golden and bubbling out of the oven. Whether it’s served at Thanksgiving, Christmas or a Sunday dinner where you’re just craving something special, this Sausage and Herb Dressing brings everyone to the table.
Building the Flavor Base
Every great dressing starts with good bread — and sourdough gives this one just the right balance of crunch and chew. Once you’ve toasted the cubes to a light golden color, you’re already halfway there. From that point on, it’s all about layering flavor.
When butter hits the skillet, that nutty aroma sets the tone. Toss in diced onions and celery, and suddenly your kitchen smells like the holidays. The apples bring a touch of sweetness, the parsley keeps things fresh, and the Kountry Boys Original Sausage ties it all together with that bold, savory flavor Texans know and love.
There’s something special about the way Kountry Boys sausage seasons a dish. As it cooks, it releases smoky, peppery notes that blend right into the vegetables and bread — no need for a long list of fancy herbs or spices. Just one package of that sausage is all it takes to turn this simple dressing into something unforgettable.
A Few Tips for Perfect Dressing Every Time
If you’ve ever had dressing turn out too dry or too soggy, don’t worry — it’s all about balance. Here are a few tips to make sure yours comes out just right:
- Use day-old bread. Slightly stale bread soaks up the butter and stock without falling apart.
- Dice the sausage small. This helps it crisp up evenly and spread flavor through every bite.
- Toast, don’t burn. A quick 7 minutes in the oven is plenty — you just want a little texture.
- Add moisture gradually. Pour in your chicken stock a bit at a time until the bread is damp but not drenched.
- Mix-ins are fair game. Dried cranberries, chopped pecans or sautéed mushrooms all add extra depth if you’re feeling creative.
These small touches make a big difference — and the best part is, this recipe’s forgiving. If it smells good and looks golden, you’re in business.
Serving It Up Right
Once your dressing’s out of the oven, the top should be crisp and buttery, while the inside stays soft and full of flavor. The sausage gives each bite a satisfying richness, while the apples and cranberries bring a subtle pop of sweetness. It’s a side dish that’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also plays nice with turkey, ham or even a big plate of smoked brisket.
Here in Texas, we like to treat dressing like a centerpiece — not an afterthought. Serve it in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic baking dish right from the oven to the table. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and let that steam rise up while everyone gathers around.
And don’t just save it for the holidays. This dressing makes an incredible side for roasted chicken, pork chops or even a barbeque spread. It’s one of those recipes that fits in anywhere, any time of year.
There’s a reason dishes like this stick around — they bring comfort, conversation and the kind of flavor you can’t fake. Made with simple ingredients and Kountry Boys Original Sausage, this Sausage and Herb Dressing proves that good food doesn’t need to be fancy to be unforgettable.
Looking for more ways to load up your plate? Try other favorites like our Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf or our Grilled Buffalo Wings.