Sesame Stuffing
A savory sesame stuffing blending fresh vegetables, aromatic sage, and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for poultry or as a flavorful side for festive meals.
Ingredients
- 1 c. finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. grated carrots ⓘ
- 4 oz. finely diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 packets instant chicken broth and seasoning mix ⓘ
- 6 slices whole wheat bread, made into crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 c. evaporated skim milk ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. imitation or diet margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sage
Instructions
- Combine finely diced celery, grated carrots, diced onion, water, and instant chicken broth mix in a nonstick skillet.
- Cook until onions are transparent.
- Transfer vegetables to a mixing bowl and add bread crumbs, evaporated skim milk, margarine, toasted sesame seed, and sage.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into a 1-quart casserole sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful stuffing, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat bread with gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also add cooked mushrooms or nuts for added texture. If you don't have evaporated skim milk, regular skim milk works well too.
Serving Suggestions
This sesame stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect side dish for holiday meals. You can serve it alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes or green beans. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or your favorite vegetable dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffing in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Stuffing contains roughly 499 calories, with 19g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% 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. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will add a nice crunch and flavor to your stuffing. Just make sure to finely dice the celery, carrots, and onion to ensure even cooking. This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sesame stuffing is vegetarian-friendly since it does not contain meat. However, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian. It's a great side dish for any vegetarian meal, and you can easily make it a main dish by adding more protein like beans.
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).