Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving side dish to impress your guests? Look no further! This Sausage and Sage Stuffing is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. The savory flavors of the sausage and earthy sage blend together perfectly to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
### **Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground sausage
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
### **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, celery, and sage and cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the sausage mixture, bread cubes, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
### **Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 300
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Protein: 18g
### **Popular questions:**
1. **Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?**
– Yes, you can use any type of ground sausage that you prefer, such as turkey or chicken sausage.
2. **Can I use dried sage instead of fresh sage?**
– Yes, you can use dried sage, but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon as dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
3. **Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?**
– Yes, you can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
4. **Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?**
– Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread for the loaf of bread to make this stuffing gluten-free.
5. **Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this stuffing?**
– Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, dried cranberries, or apples for extra flavor and texture.
### **Helpful tips:**
1. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
2. For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.
3. Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top before baking for a touch of sweetness.
4. Use a mix of white and whole wheat bread for added depth of flavor.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving for a pop of color.
6. Don’t overmix the stuffing to prevent it from becoming too dense.
7. Make sure the bread cubes are well-coated in the broth mixture for even flavor distribution.
8. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist on the traditional recipe.
9. Serve the stuffing alongside cranberry sauce and gravy for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
10. Leftover stuffing can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop for a delicious next-day meal.
### **Expert Secrets:**
1. Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Use a mix of sweet and spicy sausage for a flavor contrast.
3. Toast the bread cubes before mixing them with the sausage mixture for extra crunch.
4. Add a splash of white wine to the sausage mixture for a hint of acidity.
5. For a creamier texture, mix in a beaten egg before baking.
6. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy finish.
7. For a smoky flavor, use smoked sausage in place of regular sausage.
8. Customize the seasonings to your taste by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
9. Make individual portions of stuffing by baking them in muffin tins for a cute presentation.
10. Experiment with different types of bread, such as cornbread or sourdough, for unique flavor profiles.
Enjoy making and serving this delicious Sausage and Sage Stuffing at your Thanksgiving feast!