Stuffing By Golly
A hearty stuffing with sweet apples, raisins, and savory herbs, perfect for elevating holiday roasts or family dinners with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large frypan, melt butter and slow fry chopped onions until soft without burning.
- Add raisins to the onions and cook until softened.
- Add the dampened bread pieces to the frypan.
- Add the chopped celery and small pieces of apple to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly, add a pinch of salt, thyme, and basil, then cover and warm over very low heat for approximately 15 minutes.
- Add the precooked, chopped sausage (degreased on paper towel) to the mixture.
- Stir in chopped parsley.
- Stuff the mixture into an entree and cook as directed.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade bread or a mix of different bread types. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with mushrooms or lentils. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; try using rosemary or sage alongside thyme and basil. Adjust the amount of raisins based on your sweetness preference, and if you're short on time, pre-chop the ingredients the night before.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a side for holiday meals. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce for a delightful contrast. It can also be used as a filling for bell peppers or squash. For a complete meal, serve with a slice of French Blueberry Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, spread the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffing By Golly contains roughly 635 calories, with 6g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% 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 follow the recipe up to the point of stuffing it into the entree, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before cooking as directed. This can save you time during busy holiday preparations.
What can I substitute for white bread?
You can use whole grain or sourdough bread for a different flavor and texture. Gluten-free bread is also a great substitute if you're catering to dietary restrictions. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of moisture and flavor.
How do I know when the stuffing is done cooking?
The stuffing is done when it is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. If cooking inside a bird, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If baking separately, it should be golden brown on top and moist inside, but not overly soggy.
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).