Sausage-Bread Stuffing
A savory stuffing combining sausage, bacon, fresh vegetables, and apples, offering a rich and hearty flavor profile. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, this dish is a comforting blend of sweet and savory notes with a satisfying texture. Ideal for those who enjoy flavorful, meaty stuffing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sausage links ⓘ
- 1 cup diced bacon
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 red skinned apples, cored and diced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 loaf (1 lb.) firm white bread, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry the sausage and bacon until crisp and brown.
- Remove sausage and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Return sausage to the skillet and add onion, celery, mushrooms, apples, parsley, sage, and thyme.
- Saute, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in bread cubes and chicken broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sausage varieties, such as sweet and spicy. You can also substitute the fresh mushrooms with dried ones; just rehydrate them before use. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs can work in a pinch, but use less. If you want to add a hint of sweetness, consider incorporating some dried cranberries or raisins, which can complement the apples well.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage-bread stuffing makes a hearty side dish, perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey or chicken, and can be served alongside green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Consider offering a tangy cranberry sauce on the side for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave small portions for convenience, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage-Bread Stuffing contains roughly 175 calories, with 8g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. After cooking, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat in the oven, adding a little chicken broth to maintain moisture. This makes it a convenient option for busy holiday cooking.
What type of bread works best for stuffing?
A firm white bread is ideal for this recipe, as it holds up well when mixed with broth. However, you can also use sourdough or whole wheat bread for added flavor and texture. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, and incorporating nuts or seeds for added texture.
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).