Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a timeless holiday side dish that combines seasoned bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful sausage. Perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, this versatile stuffing can be baked to achieve a crispy top or prepared in a slow cooker to save oven space. The dish is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a standout addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10–14 oz) seasoned bread stuffing mix
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 pound pork sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean Original)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the onion, celery, butter, chicken stock, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Place the seasoned bread stuffing mix in a large bowl. Add the cooked sausage and stir to combine.
- Gradually pour the chicken stock mixture into the bread and sausage mixture, stirring gently after each addition until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. Add a little milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the stuffing is hot and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 313 kcal per serving
- Serving Size: Serves 8
Enjoy this flavorful Sausage & Herb Stuffing as a highlight of your holiday feast!
Sausage & Herb Stuffing: A Classic Holiday Side Dish
Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a cherished holiday recipe, embodying the essence of traditional family gatherings and festive celebrations. This dish, a harmonious blend of seasoned bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful sausage, has been a staple of Thanksgiving tables and other holiday meals for generations. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a standout accompaniment that perfectly complements roasted turkey, ham, or even vegetarian mains. Beyond its delectable taste, this stuffing also carries a legacy of warmth, hospitality, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
A Versatile Holiday Companion
One of the remarkable aspects of Sausage & Herb Stuffing is its versatility. While it’s most commonly associated with Thanksgiving, its appeal transcends the holiday season. The dish can be served during Christmas, Easter, or even at casual family dinners throughout the year. What makes it so versatile is the ease with which it can adapt to different preparation methods and ingredient preferences.
For those looking to maximize oven space during holiday cooking, the stuffing can be prepared in a slow cooker, freeing up valuable real estate for other dishes. If a crispy top is preferred, baking the stuffing in a casserole dish is the way to go. These options cater to varying tastes and cooking needs, ensuring the dish is as practical as it is delicious.
Flavor Profile: Comfort in Every Bite
The flavor of Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a symphony of savory and aromatic notes. The seasoned bread cubes provide a base that absorbs the robust flavors of butter, chicken stock, and a medley of herbs like poultry seasoning. The addition of sautéed onions and celery contributes a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch, adding layers of texture.
The star of the dish, however, is the sausage. Its rich, meaty flavor enhances the stuffing, transforming it from a simple side dish into a hearty and satisfying component of the meal. Depending on personal preferences, the type of sausage used can be tailored to suit different palates. Mild pork sausage lends a classic flavor, while spicy or sage-flavored sausage can introduce a unique twist.
Cultural and Historical Roots
Stuffing, or dressing as it’s sometimes called in the southern United States, has a long history that dates back centuries. Early versions of stuffing can be traced to Ancient Roman cuisine, where bread and spices were used to stuff roasted meats. Over time, the dish evolved and became a holiday staple in various cultures, particularly in North America.
Sausage & Herb Stuffing, in its modern form, reflects a blend of European culinary traditions with the American penchant for hearty, comforting dishes. The use of pre-seasoned bread stuffing mix simplifies preparation while ensuring consistent flavor, a testament to the way traditional recipes have been adapted for contemporary kitchens.
Customizing the Classic
While the classic Sausage & Herb Stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, it also serves as a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some popular variations and additions:
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries introduces a sweet and nutty contrast to the savory base.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded cheddar can add richness and depth to the stuffing.
- Fresh Herbs: While poultry seasoning is a convenient option, fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage elevate the dish with vibrant, natural flavors.
- Vegetarian Alternatives: For a vegetarian version, plant-based sausage or mushrooms can replace pork sausage without compromising on taste or texture.
- Spices: A dash of paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg can add a unique flair to the dish.
These variations allow cooks to tailor the recipe to suit dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal preferences, making Sausage & Herb Stuffing an adaptable and inclusive choice.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffing
Achieving the perfect consistency is key to a memorable stuffing. The bread cubes should be moist but not soggy, with a balance of tender interior and slightly crisp edges. Gradually adding the liquid mixture and adjusting with milk, if necessary, helps to achieve this texture.
For a beautifully browned top, bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. If preparing in a slow cooker, be sure to check periodically to prevent overcooking or drying out.
Nutritional Value and Serving Suggestions
While indulgent, Sausage & Herb Stuffing can be enjoyed as part of a balanced holiday meal. Each serving provides approximately 313 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable side dish when paired with lean proteins and vegetable dishes. Serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or cranberry sauce enhances its flavors and rounds out the meal.
For leftovers, the stuffing can be repurposed in creative ways, such as used in breakfast casseroles, stuffed into bell peppers, or formed into patties and pan-fried for a quick snack.
Conclusion: A Dish to Celebrate
Sausage & Herb Stuffing is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to bring people together around the table, creating memories that last long after the holidays are over. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new variations, this stuffing is sure to be a highlight of any festive meal. By combining simplicity with sophistication, it captures the heart of holiday cooking: nourishing the body and soul with every bite.
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Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Description
Sausage & Herb Stuffing is a timeless holiday side dish that combines seasoned bread cubes, aromatic herbs, and flavorful sausage. Perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, this versatile stuffing can be baked to achieve a crispy top or prepared in a slow cooker to save oven space. The dish is beloved for its rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a standout addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package (10-14 oz) seasoned bread stuffing mix
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 pound pork sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean Original)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the onion, celery, butter, chicken stock, black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Place the seasoned bread stuffing mix in a large bowl. Add the cooked sausage and stir to combine.
- Gradually pour the chicken stock mixture into the bread and sausage mixture, stirring gently after each addition until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. Add a little milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the stuffing is hot and lightly browned on top.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.