Get ready to revolutionize your holiday meal with a stuffing that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Fig Herb Sausage Stuffing is not just another side dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet richness of figs, the savory punch of sausage, and aromatic herbs that will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven. Forget bland, boring stuffings of the past - this recipe is about to become the star of your dinner table, proving that sometimes the side dish steals the show!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning.
- In a large skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Using the same skillet with sausage drippings, add chopped onions and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, chopped figs, and dried cranberries. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary over the mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring herbs are well distributed throughout the stuffing.
- Gradually pour chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently. The bread should be moist but not soggy. Add broth incrementally to control the consistency.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the top to become crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the stuffing to set and flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy stuffing.
- Don't skip toasting the bread cubes - this adds crucial crunch and prevents a soggy final dish.
- Control your liquid carefully - add chicken broth gradually to achieve the perfect moisture level.
- For extra richness, use the sausage drippings to sauté your vegetables for deeper flavor.
- Cover the stuffing while baking to keep it moist, then uncover for the last few minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking - this helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or add nuts for extra texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
