Get ready to revolutionize your holiday table with the most mouth-watering, irresistible stuffing recipe that combines crispy bacon, savory sage sausage, and perfectly toasted bread cubes. This isn't just another side dish - it's a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone fighting for seconds and begging for your secret recipe. Imagine a dish so delectable, it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast that will be remembered long after the plates are cleared!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon
- 1 lb sage sausage
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a large baking sheet. Toast the bread cubes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they are lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, cook the sage sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onions and celery until they are soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the fresh chopped sage and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the cooked sausage. Gently mix in the toasted bread cubes.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Carefully arrange bacon strips over the top of the stuffing, slightly overlapping to create a complete bacon layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The bacon will be crispy on top, and the stuffing underneath will be moist and flavorful.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh sage if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more cohesive stuffing.
- Don't skip toasting the bread cubes - this step adds crucial crunch and prevents a soggy final result.
- Choose high-quality bacon that's thick-cut for maximum crispiness and flavor coverage.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the sausage and vegetables to prevent a greasy stuffing.
- For extra flavor, try using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine to the mixture.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- If you want a more herbal profile, experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the sage.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread cubes with gluten-free bread or cornbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
