Bread Stuffing For Poultry
A savory bread stuffing with flavorful sausage, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and herbs, perfect for poultry or baked as a side dish during festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown and crumble the sausage.
- Melt 1 stick of margarine in the pot. Add diced celery, onion, water chestnuts, and mushrooms.
- Add the amount of margarine called for on the stuffing package to the mixture.
- Replace some of the water with chicken broth. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Add the dry stuffing mix and blend in well.
- Cool the stuffing before stuffing poultry.
- If baking in a dish, cover and bake for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned for a richer taste. You can substitute the Jimmy Dean sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables or a plant-based protein. Mixing in some dried cranberries or nuts can add a delightful texture and sweetness that complements the stuffing beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This bread stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry, making it a perfect side for Thanksgiving or any festive meal. Consider serving it alongside easy chicken pasta or a light salad for balance. For a complete meal, serve with gravy or cranberry sauce, and enjoy it with a glass of your favorite white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Stuffing For Poultry contains roughly 773 calories, with 3g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 931mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the cooling stage, then store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, ensure it's heated thoroughly, either by baking or microwaving as mentioned.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with chopped apples or diced bell peppers for a similar crunch. Alternatively, omit them altogether if you prefer a simpler stuffing.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this stuffing gluten-free, use a gluten-free herb stuffing mix and ensure that the chicken broth is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without compromising dietary restrictions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).