World’s Best Stuffing Recipe
The holidays awaken a sense of warmth and nostalgia, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like a dish of perfectly baked stuffing. This recipe takes the classic stuffing to new heights, infused with layers of flavor that will make it the standout star on your dining table. With the meld of seasonings, aromatic vegetables, and hearty bread, you’ll fall in love with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings joy to any gathering. Let’s dive into the world’s best stuffing—because every holiday feast needs a touch of love and tradition.
Why Make This Recipe
- The combination of savory sausage and aromatic vegetables creates a stuffing that is bursting with flavor.
- This recipe is versatile, easily adapted for different dietary preferences or holiday themes.
- A made-from-scratch stuffing brings a heartwarming touch to your meals, creating cherished family memories.
Easy Method for World’s Best Stuffing
Nothing says "comfort food" quite like homemade stuffing. It’s a timeless dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table or any special dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting this delightful stuffing from scratch, ensuring it’s always fluffier, more flavorful, and downright scrumptious compared to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 16-ounce package pork breakfast sausage
- 2 cups celery (diced)
- 2 cups onion (diced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (diced, optional)
- 1 stick butter
- 2 boxes bread dumplings (thawed and cubed, or 6–8 cups French bread, cubed)
- 1 32-ounce carton chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Poultry seasoning (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: fresh parsley (sage, celery seed, or celery salt)
Directions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this delightful stuffing:
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onion, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and golden, letting their natural sweetness come through.
Cook Sausage: Add the pork sausage to the skillet. Using a spoon, break the sausage into smaller pieces and cook until it is browned. Season the mixture with your desired amounts of poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse flavors.
Prepare Bread: While the sausage is cooking, take a large bowl and combine the thawed bread dumplings or cubed French bread. This bread will absorb all the delicious flavors you are creating.
Combine Mixture: Once the sausage and vegetables are cooked, gently add this mixture to the bowl of bread. Trust your instincts—use your hands if necessary to toss everything together, making sure the sausage and veggies are evenly distributed.
Add Liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and chicken or turkey broth until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread and sausage combination. Stir until every piece of bread is adequately coated.
Bake: Transfer your stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes. The top should be golden and crispy, while the inside remains moist and flavorful.
Rest: Once removed from the oven, let the stuffing rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it easier to serve.
Storing Leftover World’s Best Stuffing
Once you’ve delighted in the rich flavors of the world’s best stuffing, you may find yourself with delicious leftovers. Here’s how to store them for the best flavor and freshness:
- Refrigerate for 3–4 days at 40°F or below. Ensure it is in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. Make sure to label with the date so you know when to use it.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions for World’s Best Stuffing
The versatility of this stuffing makes it an awesome pairing with various side dishes or main courses. Here are a few ideas to inspire your meal:
- Turkey or Chicken: Serve alongside a beautifully roasted turkey or chicken, allowing the stuffing to soak up those tasty juices.
- Vegetarian Options: Pair with roasted vegetables and a hearty salad for a comforting vegetarian meal on a cozy evening.
- Cranberry Sauce: The acidity of cranberry sauce perfectly balances the savory flavors of the stuffing.
- Gravy: Drizzle homemade gravy over the stuffing to add an extra layer of richness.
Tips to Make World’s Best Stuffing
- Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh parsley, sage, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
- Customize your stuffing: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even diced apples for a fruity twist.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the stuffing a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re looking to shake things up or cater to dietary preferences, consider these variations:
- Add Vegetables: Instead of mushrooms, try incorporating sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free bread or cornbread to cater to gluten-sensitive diners.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of pork sausage?
A: Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or a vegetarian option if you prefer a lighter version.
- Can I freeze the stuffing? Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing it in an airtight container.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture for an extra kick.
Nutritional Info
Although variations exist based on specific ingredients, a standard serving of this stuffing offers a delightful array of nutrients that complement your festive meals:
- Approximate calories per serving: 250-350
- Protein: 8-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect stuffing involves navigating through a few common pitfalls:
- Using stale bread: Make sure your bread is slightly stale or dried out to ensure it absorbs all the liquid without becoming mushy.
- Over-seasoning: Balance is key. Trust your taste buds and avoid overdoing any one seasoning.
- Skipping the rest period: Allowing the stuffing to rest helps enhance the flavors and prevents it from being overly soggy when served.
With each bite of the world’s best stuffing, you’ll experience the heartwarming essence of holidays gone by, while creating new traditions for years to come. Whether as a centerpiece or a side, this dish brings people together—so gather your loved ones, and let the delicious aromas fill your home!
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World’s Best Stuffing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pork, Gluten Optional
Description
A heartwarming and flavorful stuffing recipe, perfect for holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package pork breakfast sausage
- 2 cups celery (diced)
- 2 cups onion (diced)
- 2 cups mushrooms (diced, optional)
- 1 stick butter
- 2 boxes bread dumplings (thawed and cubed, or 6–8 cups French bread, cubed)
- 1 32-ounce carton chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Poultry seasoning (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: fresh parsley (sage, celery seed, or celery salt)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, onion, and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and golden.
- Cook Sausage: Add the pork sausage to the skillet. Break the sausage into smaller pieces and cook until browned. Season with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Bread: In a large bowl, combine the thawed bread dumplings or cubed French bread.
- Combine Mixture: Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the bowl of bread, tossing everything together.
- Add Liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and chicken or turkey broth. Pour this over the bread mixture and stir until well coated.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes.
- Rest: Let the stuffing rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with turkey or chicken, and consider pairing with cranberries or gravy.