Country Ham Stuffing
Country Ham Stuffing combines seasoned bread cubes with savory ham, onions, celery, and aromatic herbs, creating a hearty and flavorful side perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings. The combination of crispy ham edges and moist stuffing makes it a crowd-pleaser suited for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the seasoned stuffing cubes into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the cubed fully cooked ham in butter for 5 to 10 minutes or until the edges are crisp.
- Remove the ham with a slotted spoon and place it over the stuffing.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, chopped celery, rubbed sage, dried thyme, and pepper until the vegetables are tender.
- Toss the sautéed vegetables with the bread and ham.
- Stir in enough chicken broth to moisten the mixture.
- Transfer the stuffing to a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F for 70 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes. Alternatively, stuff a 12 to 14-pound turkey with it.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using day-old bread instead of seasoned stuffing cubes, and feel free to substitute the ham with diced turkey or sausage. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or marjoram if you prefer. If you want a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Ham Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken for a festive meal. Serve alongside cranberry sauce and green beans for a complete Thanksgiving feast. For a twist, consider offering a side of glazed carrots to complement the savory flavors. It also works well as a hearty side for any American recipes gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Ham Stuffing contains roughly 350 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble the ingredients, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it the following day. If you do this, make sure to add a little extra chicken broth before baking to ensure it's moist.
Can this stuffing be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add additional vegetables like mushrooms or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
What can I do with leftover stuffing?
Leftover stuffing can be transformed into a delicious breakfast dish! Try mixing it with eggs and cheese to create a savory breakfast casserole. Alternatively, you can use it as a filling for Chicken Puffs or even as a side for your next meal.
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).