Classic Sausage Stuffing

Ingredients

1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
1 pound loose breakfast sausage (or use links and remove the casings)
2 onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
16 cups stale 1/2-inch country white bread cubes (about 2 pounds)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350˚. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, celery, sage and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.

Whisk the eggs and parsley in a large bowl. Add the bread cubes and sausage-broth mixture and toss until evenly combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and cover with foil.

Bake the stuffing until hot, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.