Sage Stuffing
A savory sage stuffing with aromatic herbs and tender bread, perfect for holiday tables and family dinners, offering comforting flavors that complement roasted meats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cups minced celery ⓘ
- 16 slices white bread, dried and broken into small pieces ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons fresh sage or 3 tablespoons dried sage leaves ⓘ
- 1 cup minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups turkey or chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Put 4 tablespoons of melted butter into a skillet.
- Add chopped onions and minced celery and cook, stirring often, over moderate heat until vegetables are soft but not browned.
- In a large bowl, combine dried bread pieces, sage, minced parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked onion and celery mixture along with the remaining melted butter.
- Toss until well mixed.
- Using your hands works best for mixing.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or nuts like walnuts or pecans to the stuffing mix. If fresh sage is unavailable, you can use dried sage, but reduce the amount since it's more potent. It's also great to add a splash of white wine or apple juice for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sage stuffing alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a classic holiday meal. It also pairs beautifully with Rabbit With Red Wine or a simple green salad for a comforting family dinner. Don't forget to drizzle some gravy over the top for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sage Stuffing contains roughly 1143 calories, with 73g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), protein (145% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Can I freeze sage stuffing?
Absolutely! You can freeze sage stuffing before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake until heated through.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
Stale white bread is traditional, but you can use any type of bread you prefer. Sourdough or whole grain breads add unique flavors. Just ensure it's dried out enough to absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
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).