Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? This year, ditch the bland and embrace the unbelievably delicious, deeply flavorful stuffing that's become a staple in many homes – Paula Deen's legendary stuffing recipe. This isn't just any stuffing; it's a celebration of warm, savory bread, herbs, and rich butter, all baked to golden perfection. It's the kind of side dish that will have your guests reaching for seconds (and thirds!). This easy recipe is perfect for busy cooks looking for delicious dishes to impress their family, making it one of the best recipes for a homemade Thanksgiving.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. You'll find most of them already in your pantry!
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf of bread, cubed (day-old bread works best!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Stuffing Perfection
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat behind. Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Prepare the Bread: While the vegetables are cooking, cube your bread. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a crispier stuffing.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, chicken broth, parsley, sage, eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Gently toss until the bread is evenly moistened. Don't overmix; you want some texture!
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Tips and Tricks for Stuffing Success
- Day-old bread is key: It absorbs the liquid better and prevents a soggy stuffing.
- Don't over-mix: A little texture is desirable in your stuffing.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any herb or spice to your liking.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the stuffing ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator.
Variations: Beyond the Classic
- Oyster Stuffing: Add 1 cup of shucked oysters to the mixture for a classic Southern twist.
- Cranberry Stuffing: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart flavor.
- Wild Rice Stuffing: Substitute 1 cup of cooked wild rice for some of the bread cubes for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients. However, expect a serving to be relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the sausage and butter.
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals (when enjoyed in moderation!). It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion where you want to serve a truly special side dish. Enjoy!