Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for that perfect cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe is exactly that—comforting, satisfying, and with just the right amount of hearty flavors that make every bite feel special. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with gnocchi’s pillowy texture mingling beautifully with savory sausage and the fragrant freshness of sage.

What I love most about this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe is how it brings something different to the table; it’s stuffing that steps outside the usual bread-based crowd. You get a rich combination of tastes and textures that honestly impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, which means you spend more time enjoying the meal and less time stressing in the kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe brings its own magic—fresh herbs brighten the dish, while sausage adds that comforting savory depth. I always opt for fresh gnocchi when I can find it; it just transforms the texture into something truly special.

• Fresh or frozen gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi offers a softer, more pillowy stuffing, but frozen works well in a pinch.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good-quality oil for sautéing and roasting to enhance flavors.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to balance all the savory components.
• Sweet Italian sausage: The star protein; removing casings helps to cook it evenly and break it up nicely.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness as it softens, mellowing the whole dish.
• Celery stalks: For that classic stuffing crunch and freshness.
• Garlic cloves: Minced finely, they provide that unmistakable warmth and aroma.
• Chopped fresh sage: This herb pairs perfectly with sausage, bringing earthiness and pine-like notes.
• Chopped fresh thyme: Adds subtle floral hints that round out the herbal profile.
• Baby spinach: Adds color and a slight earthiness while keeping the dish fresh.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together, making sure your stuffing has that perfect sliceable texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile—I love tweaking it depending on the season and who I’m feeding. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Add your favorite veggies or swap meats if you want to mix things up.

• Use turkey sausage: I swapped in turkey sausage once for a lighter version and was pleasantly surprised how well it held flavor.
• Swap herbs seasonally: Rosemary or parsley can be great alternatives if you don’t have sage on hand.
• Add mushrooms: For an earthier spin, sautéed mushrooms add a luscious, meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and double up on spinach and mushrooms; add toasted walnuts for extra bite.

How to Make Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Gnocchi Until Golden

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Toss your gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a good pinch of kosher salt on a baking sheet, spreading them out evenly so they roast rather than steam. This is key because the roasting gives the gnocchi a lovely golden brown crust on the outside while keeping them soft inside—a texture combo that makes the stuffing unforgettable. Plan for 20 to 30 minutes; check occasionally and give them a quick toss halfway through to brown them evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

While the gnocchi browns, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s no longer pink—about 8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside in a large bowl. Next, in the same skillet, toss in the onions and celery and cook until softened, roughly 8 minutes. Add the garlic, sage, and thyme, stirring until fragrant—about another minute. Then fold in the spinach until it wilts down. Season everything well with salt and pepper before transferring to the bowl with the sausage.

Step 3: Combine and Bind

Take your roasted gnocchi off the baking sheet and add them to the bowl with the sausage and veggie mixture. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors beautifully. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth and pour that over the gnocchi mixture. Stir well to coat everything; this step is important because the eggs and broth bind the stuffing together once baked, creating that wonderful sliceable texture.

Step 4: Bake Your Stuffing to Perfection

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with olive oil. Pour your gnocchi mixture into it and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when it feels firm to the touch and golden on top. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps everything settle and makes slicing neater.

How to Serve Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a little more fresh sage on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite. Sometimes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese also takes this stuffing up a notch with a salty, nutty finish.

Side Dishes

This gnocchi stuffing pairs wonderfully with classic roasted turkey or chicken, but I’ve also served it alongside simple green beans or a crisp Caesar salad when I want a lighter meal. Roasted root vegetables or a tangy cranberry relish are great companions too, especially during the holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this stuffing in individual ramekins—everyone feels extra special having their own personal “pot.” Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella for a gooey, melty twist. Presentation-wise, a sprig of sage on top makes it look rustic and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftover stuffing completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I find it still tastes fresh and maintains its lovely texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion mine into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that perfect texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes until warm all the way through. Microwaving is a quick option too—just add a splash of chicken broth and cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage and Sage Recipe brings something fresh and delicious to the usual lineup. It feels fancy enough for holidays but is simple enough for any weeknight when you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a try—you might be surprised how often it becomes your go-to! Plus, sharing this recipe with friends always sparks great kitchen convos. Happy cooking!

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