Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe

If you love the cozy comfort of a classic stuffing but crave something a bit more indulgent and unique, this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe might just become your new favorite. I absolutely love how the pillowy gnocchi replaces traditional bread, soaking up all the rich flavors from Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and vibrant spinach. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple holiday meal into something truly memorable without a ton of fuss.

When I first tried this gnocchi stuffing, I was blown away by how effortlessly it comes together yet manages to impress every time. Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering or a comforting weeknight dinner, you’ll find that the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Plus, I discovered this trick when roasting the gnocchi before mixing it in — it gives the dish an amazing crispy edge that everyone raves about!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe plays a role in creating layers of amazing flavor and texture—plus, they’re all easy to find at your grocery store or farmer’s market.

• Fresh or frozen gnocchi: I prefer fresh gnocchi for that soft texture, but frozen works great and is convenient.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp up the gnocchi before baking.
• Kosher salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Sweet Italian sausage: Look for good-quality sausage without fillers; removing the casing makes cooking easier.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth after it softens.
• Celery stalks: Bring a subtle crunch and fresh green flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a wonderful fragrant boost.
• Fresh sage: This herb is the star here; its earthy aroma perfectly complements the sausage.
• Fresh thyme: Adds subtle complexity to the herb mix.
• Baby spinach: For sweetness, color, and nutrition—folded in just at the end.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little bite and rounds out the dish.
• Large eggs: Help bind everything together to set the stuffing in the oven.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful without overpowering it.

Variations

I love how flexible this Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few variations I’ve tried that worked wonders.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the sausage for a mix of roasted mushrooms and toasted walnuts to keep that savory depth without meat. My friends who don’t eat meat still rave about this twist!
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mix brought an exciting heat to the stuffing when I needed a little zing.
• Herb Swap: Feel free to experiment with rosemary or marjoram if sage isn’t your favorite; the dish still turns out beautifully aromatic and fresh.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Toss in some grated Parmesan or fontina before baking for a luscious, melty addition my family adores.

How to Make Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Gnocchi Until Golden and Crispy

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Toss the gnocchi with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a generous pinch of kosher salt on a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single even layer so they can roast nicely. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside—this step is a game changer! It gives the gnocchi wonderful texture that holds up in the stuffing.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

While the gnocchi is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks for about 8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a large bowl to cool slightly. In the same pan, cook chopped yellow onion and sliced celery for about 8 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally. Then stir in garlic, sage, and thyme, cooking until fragrant—about 1 minute. Toss in your spinach and cook until just wilted, around 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Combine the veggies with the sausage in the bowl.

Step 3: Combine and Bind Everything Together

Add the roasted gnocchi to the bowl with the sausage and veggie mixture, stirring gently to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth, then pour this over the gnocchi mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. The eggs and broth work like magic to bind the stuffing while keeping it moist.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffing to Perfection

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish generously with olive oil. Pour the gnocchi stuffing mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the surface is slightly golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving—this resting time helps it firm up and develop even better flavor. You’ll notice the edges get nicely crisp, which I think is the perfect contrast to the tender inside.

How to Serve Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this gnocchi stuffing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or some extra sage leaves lightly toasted in olive oil—adds a pop of color and aroma. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan at the table is always a hit, especially for that salty, nutty lift that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stuffing shines alongside roasted turkey or chicken, but I’ve also paired it with simple sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance. My family goes crazy for it with a rich mushroom gravy too!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this stuffing in individual ramekins or scooped into hollowed-out acorn squash for a beautiful presentation that’s also practical. It’s a fun way to dress it up for guests or special occasions without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and I’ve found it keeps well for up to 4 days. When you reheat, the textures and flavors really hold up, especially if you add a splash of broth or olive oil to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This gnocchi stuffing freezes beautifully! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, it reheats just as delicious, which makes it perfect for planning ahead during busy seasons.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout—it helps maintain the crisp edges. You can cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if needed, removing it near the end to refresh that crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gnocchi Stuffing with Sausage, Sage, and Spinach Recipe quickly became a go-to for me whenever I want something that feels festive but isn’t complicated. It’s that perfect balance of indulgent and fresh, and I love how the roasted gnocchi elevates the whole dish. If you’re looking for a delicious way to shake up your holiday stuffing game or just want to enjoy something uniquely comforting, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. You’ll impress any crowd and probably find yourself making it again and again!

Print