Step 1 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Coat a shallow 3-qt. baking dish or 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 3 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Cut the baguettes into 1/2 inch cubes. Transfer bread cubes to a baking sheet.
Step 4 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Bake on middle rack of oven until bread cubes are lightly toasted, about 12 minutes. When bread cubes are toasted, remove from oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 5 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Heat a 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 10 minutes. Peel and chop the carrots. Cut the onions, celery, and fennel into 1/2-inch dice. Mince the garlic. Transfer the browned sausage to the bowl of bread cubes.
Step 6 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Heat the oil in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, fennel bulb, garlic, thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and starting to brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of bread cubes and sausage.
PRO TIP If you can't find bulk sausage, just remove the casings from 1 pound of Italian sausage links.
Step 7 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Whisk together the eggs, broth, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour the egg mixture over bread cube mixture and toss well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
Step 8 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Bake the stuffing on middle rack of oven for 30 minutes.
Step 9 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Carefully remove the foil. Continue baking until top of stuffing is crisp and an instant-read thermometer inserted into center reaches 165°F, about 20 minutes.
Step 10 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Check to see that stuffing is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
Step 11 of 11
Favorite Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Season to taste with more salt and pepper if desired. Scatter a few fresh thyme sprigs on top.