Are you searching for the perfect side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving feast or simply a delicious and comforting meal any day of the week? Look no further! This homemade stuffing recipe with sausage and mushrooms is bursting with savory flavors and satisfying textures. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old is best)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms, onion, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, and pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine ingredients: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet along with the cubed bread and chicken broth. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more broth.
Bake to perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Serve and enjoy! Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stuffing:
- Day-old bread: Using day-old bread is crucial for good stuffing. It absorbs the liquid better and prevents the stuffing from becoming soggy.
- Don't over-mix: Gently toss the ingredients together. Over-mixing can make the bread mushy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stuffing before baking and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add more sage, thyme, or pepper depending on your preference.
- Add some crunch: For added texture, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the stuffing.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Omit the sausage and add 1 cup of cooked wild rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Apple and Cranberry Stuffing: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped apples and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Stuffing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 12 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious stuffing recipe is a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to deliver fantastic results. Enjoy!