Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your next dinner? Look no further! This mushroom and sausage stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight meal. It's bursting with savory flavors and wonderfully moist texture, making it a true homemade cooking masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers exceptional results. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old is best)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, cubed bread, chicken broth, parsley, sage, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 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 the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Best Mushroom and Sausage Stuffing:
- Day-old bread is key: Stale bread absorbs the liquid better, resulting in a moister stuffing.
- Don't over-mix: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking up the bread too much.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to suit your preference. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add a nice depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations:
- Add some crunch: Incorporate 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the sausage with 1 cup of cooked lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Apples and cranberries: For a sweeter twist, add 1/2 cup chopped apples and 1/4 cup dried cranberries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: 10-15g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This hearty and flavorful mushroom and sausage stuffing is perfect as a side dish for any occasion. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for both casual weeknight dinners and special holiday gatherings. Enjoy!