Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the comforting aroma of warm stuffing wafting from the oven. This year, elevate your holiday feast with these delicious stuffing recipes inspired by the culinary queen herself, Martha Stewart. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these easy recipes guarantee a homemade stuffing that's bursting with flavor and will impress your guests. Get ready to experience the best Thanksgiving stuffing recipes you've ever tasted!
Classic Sausage and Bread Stuffing
This recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for those who appreciate traditional flavors. It's a delicious blend of savory sausage, herbs, and crusty bread, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 loaf (1 pound) crusty bread, cubed and dried (or toasted)
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sage, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and the sausage mixture. Pour in the warmed chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Best Stuffing:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Don't over-soak the bread; you want it moist but not soggy.
- For a crispier top, broil the stuffing for the last few minutes of baking.
Cranberry-Apple Stuffing with Wild Rice
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic, incorporating the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of apples. The addition of wild rice adds a touch of nutty flavor and beautiful texture. This is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread (challah or sourdough recommended), dried or toasted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cranberries, apple, pecans, and parsley.
- In a separate bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the bread cubes to the rice mixture, along with the chicken broth. Gently mix until combined.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
Variations:
- Add other dried fruits such as apricots or cherries.
- Substitute sausage for a heartier stuffing.
- Use different nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving - Classic Sausage Stuffing):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
These delicious and easy recipes are sure to become your new Thanksgiving traditions. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the wonderful flavors of these Martha Stewart-inspired stuffing recipes! Happy Thanksgiving!