Are you tired of the same old, sometimes bland, box stuffing every Thanksgiving? This year, let's amplify that classic side dish into something truly delicious and memorable! This recipe takes your favorite box stuffing mix and elevates it with fresh herbs, savory sausage, and a touch of unexpected sweetness. It's the perfect blend of convenience and homemade goodness, making it an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving feast or any weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy and incredibly flavorful stuffing!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) box of your favorite stuffing mix (herb, bread, or cornbread work wonderfully)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your stuffing.
Step 2: Incorporate the Stuffing Mix and Broth
Stir in the stuffing mix, cranberries (or apples), sage, and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine. Make sure all the stuffing is evenly moistened; add a little more broth if needed.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Remove the stuffing from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to firm up slightly.
Tips for the Best Amplified Box Stuffing:
- Don't over-stuff the baking dish: Leave some space at the top for even cooking and browning.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage and parsley add a vibrant flavor that you won't get from dried herbs.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet stuffing, reduce the amount of cranberries or omit them altogether. Apples offer a nice alternative sweetness.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a lovely textural contrast.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the sausage with sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, or crumbled vegan sausage for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific stuffing mix and sausage used. However, a general estimate per serving is around 300-350 calories, 15-20g of fat, and 10-15g of protein. This provides a balanced and satisfying side dish to your meal.
This Amplified Box Stuffing recipe is a delicious way to elevate a classic Thanksgiving side dish (or enjoy it anytime!). The combination of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!