When it comes to the holidays or special gatherings, few dishes are as comforting and quintessential as a classic Sausage Stuffing. The aroma of savory sausage, fragrant herbs, and toasted bread coming together is enough to make anyone feel at home. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that will surely become a favorite at your table.
**Sausage Stuffing**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground sausage
– 1 loaf of bread, cubed and left out overnight to dry (about 8 cups)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed onion mixture, chopped parsley, sage, and thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage mixture, tossing gently to combine. The bread should be moistened but not soggy. If needed, add more chicken broth a little at a time.
7. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.
8. Bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Once the stuffing is cooked through and golden on top, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy this Sausage Stuffing alongside your favorite holiday roast or as a comforting side dish for any meal. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and soft bread creates a delicious and hearty stuffing that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple on your table for years to come.