Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your next dinner? Look no further! This stove top and sausage stuffing recipe is incredibly flavorful, surprisingly quick to make, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. Forget the oven; this recipe uses your stovetop for a simple, delicious stuffing that's ready in minutes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthier alternative to traditional, bread-heavy stuffing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old is best!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté the Sausage: 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.
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Add Vegetables: Add the onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the delicious base of your stuffing.
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Combine Bread and Broth: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to moisten the bread. Don’t over-mix; you want some texture.
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Season and Simmer: Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture back to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bread is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your stove top sausage stuffing warm alongside your favorite main course. It's a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, turkey, or even a simple pork chop.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stove Top Stuffing:
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Bread Choice: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the broth better without becoming mushy. You can also use a variety of bread types; crusty bread adds a nice texture.
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Broth Adjustment: If your stuffing seems too dry, add a little more broth. If it’s too wet, cook it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or experiment with other herbs like rosemary or marjoram.
Variations:
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and substitute it with 1 cup of cooked mushrooms and 1/2 cup of crumbled vegetarian sausage.
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Cranberry Stuffing: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
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Apple Stuffing: Add 1 medium diced apple along with the onions and celery for a delightful autumnal flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This stove top and sausage stuffing recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and satisfying, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Enjoy!