Sausage Stuffing
Discover the Savory Flavors of Croatia with Top-Quality Kobasa Sausage
Introduction
Sausage stuffing is a classic dish that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This savory and flavorful side dish is made with a combination of pork sausage, bread crumbs, herbs, and seasonings. It is the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey or chicken.
History
Sausage stuffing has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated from European immigrants who brought their traditional recipes with them to the United States. Over time, the recipe has evolved and adapted to include a variety of ingredients and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) of pork sausage
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 3 boxes of stuffing mix
- 3 cans of chicken broth
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 0.5 tbsp of pepper
- 1 tbsp of poultry seasoning
- 2 tbsp of chopped parsley
- 1 can of mushrooms
- 2 tbsp of sage
- 2 tbsp of thyme
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp of onion powder
- 2 tbsp of basil
- 2 tbsp of oregano
- 3 eggs
- 1 can of evaporated milk
How to prepare
- Brown the sausage and drain it. Then, add the remaining ingredients and gently stir until the bread crumbs are moist. Bake the mixture for 1 hour at 350°F (177°C). For this recipe, use a large roasting pan (disposable type).
Variations
- Add diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Incorporate nuts or chestnuts for added texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the sausage before adding it to the stuffing mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Use a combination of fresh herbs and dried seasonings for a well-rounded taste.
- Gently mix the ingredients together to avoid crushing the bread crumbs.
- Bake the stuffing in a large roasting pan to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sausage stuffing alongside roast turkey, chicken, or pork. It pairs well with cranberry sauce, gravy, and green beans.
Cooking Techniques
Bake the sausage stuffing in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork sausage.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the sausage stuffing up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the sausage stuffing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or cranberries for a festive touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair sausage stuffing with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, for a delicious combination.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover sausage stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of sausage stuffing contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of sausage stuffing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of sausage stuffing contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of sausage stuffing contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Sausage stuffing is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter, evaporated milk) and wheat (stuffing mix), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Sausage stuffing is a hearty and flavorful dish that is relatively high in calories and fat. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Sausage stuffing is a comforting and flavorful side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. With a combination of savory sausage, bread crumbs, and herbs, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Sausage Stuffing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Mary's house for Thanksgiving. Aunt Mary was known for her delicious holiday meals, and I was always eager to learn from her in the kitchen.
As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the savory aroma of sausage and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water. Aunt Mary greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a wooden spoon, instructing me to help her prepare the stuffing for the turkey.
I watched intently as Aunt Mary expertly chopped onions, celery, and garlic, sautéing them in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. She then added crumbled sausage meat, letting it cook until it was perfectly browned and flavorful.
Next, Aunt Mary tossed in a generous amount of fresh herbs – sage, thyme, and rosemary – along with a handful of breadcrumbs to bind everything together. The mixture sizzled and popped as she stirred it all together, the tantalizing scent wafting through the kitchen.
I was mesmerized by the way Aunt Mary worked, her hands moving with precision and grace as she seasoned the stuffing with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. She then carefully spooned the mixture into the turkey, filling it with savory goodness before popping it into the oven to roast.
As the turkey cooked, Aunt Mary shared the story behind the recipe for the sausage stuffing. She told me that it had been passed down through generations in our family, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her.
I listened attentively, soaking in every detail of the recipe and the tradition that accompanied it. Aunt Mary explained that the key to a truly delicious stuffing was to use high-quality ingredients, taking the time to sauté the vegetables and brown the sausage properly to build layers of flavor.
When the turkey emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Aunt Mary carved it with care, revealing the steaming mound of sausage stuffing inside. The stuffing was rich and savory, with a perfect balance of herbs and spices that complemented the tender meat of the turkey beautifully.
I took my first bite of Aunt Mary's sausage stuffing, and it was like a revelation. The flavors burst on my tongue, warm and comforting, bringing back memories of holidays past and loved ones gathered around the table.
From that day on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Aunt Mary's sausage stuffing for myself. I begged her for the recipe, scribbling it down on a slip of paper and tucking it away in my recipe box for safekeeping.
Over the years, I have made Aunt Mary's sausage stuffing countless times, each batch a labor of love and a tribute to the generations of cooks who came before me. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition and the taste of home to those I hold dear.
As I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing the sausage stuffing for yet another Thanksgiving feast, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. Aunt Mary's spirit is with me as I chop and sauté, season and stir, creating a dish that is more than just food – it is a connection to the past, a link to my family's culinary heritage.
And as I sit down at the table with my loved ones, savoring the flavors of the sausage stuffing that I learned to make so many years ago, I am grateful for the gift of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with those who mean the most to me. In that moment, I know that the recipe for Aunt Mary's sausage stuffing will always hold a special place in my heart and on my table, a reminder of the love and memories that bind us together.