Ingredients
The beauty of this sausage stuffing lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups of cubed bread (day-old works best for texture)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider using cornbread in place of the regular bread for a Southern twist, or add some diced apples for a hint of sweetness.
Instructions
Creating this sausage stuffing is a straightforward process, reminiscent of the way my abuela walked me through recipes, step by step, with love and patience.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or oil.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, melted butter, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread, ensuring each piece is coated with the mixture. If the bread seems too dry, add a bit more broth, one tablespoon at a time.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. This adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International