Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the turkey takes center stage, a truly memorable feast needs equally delicious sides. This year, ditch the bland bread stuffing and elevate your Thanksgiving spread with this incredibly flavorful and healthy Ezekiel bread stuffing recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and guaranteed to impress your guests. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf Ezekiel bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed Ezekiel bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and crispy. This helps prevent a soggy stuffing. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the bread is toasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chicken or vegetable broth, parsley, walnuts (if using), and cranberries (if using). Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
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Bake the Stuffing: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Best Ezekiel Bread Stuffing:
- Don't over-bake the bread: Slightly crispy bread is ideal, but avoid burning it.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
- Add protein: For a heartier stuffing, add cooked sausage, ground meat, or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and bake it just before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Apple Sage Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup diced apples and increase the sage to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Wild Rice Stuffing: Substitute 1 cup cooked wild rice for half of the bread cubes.
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This delicious and healthy Ezekiel bread stuffing recipe is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, or any occasion where you're looking for delicious dishes and best recipes that are both flavorful and nutritious. Enjoy!