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Holiday Sausage Stuffing

Holiday Sausage Stuffing
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Holiday Sausage Stuffing is a classic festive dish combining savory Italian sausage, aromatic fresh herbs, crunchy toasted bread cubes, and a perfect blend of spices baked to golden perfection. Whether served as a side or stuffed inside a turkey, this recipe offers rich flavor, a balanced texture of crispy edges and moist interior, and a comforting aroma that enhances any holiday celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Broth

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 to 2 ½ cups chicken broth, warmed

Bread & Vegetables

  • 8 cups day-old bread, cut into uniform cubes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fats

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into uniform cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crisp, allowing the bread to absorb juices during baking without becoming soggy.
  2. Cooking the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Render the fat fully and brown the sausage to build a rich flavor base for the stuffing.
  3. Sautéing Vegetables and Herbs: Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Stir in the fresh chopped sage, thyme, and parsley to infuse the mixture with classic holiday aromas.
  4. Mixing Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sausage-vegetable-herb mixture. Slowly pour in the warmed chicken broth and melted butter while gently tossing to evenly coat. Adjust moisture to preference, ensuring the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
  5. Baking the Stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. To achieve a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and allow the top to brown beautifully.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to prevent mushy stuffing; fresh bread is too soft and absorbs too much liquid.
  • Do not overmix the stuffing to keep bread cubes intact and maintain a light texture.
  • Add chicken broth gradually to reach ideal moisture without making the stuffing soggy.
  • Fresh herbs are essential for brightness and to complement the rich sausage flavor.
  • Allow the stuffing to rest a few minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday stuffing, sausage stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas stuffing, savory stuffing recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/holiday-sausage-stuffing/