Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture! Our Sausage Fig Cranberry Stuffing combines the savory richness of Italian sausage with the sweet, chewy goodness of dried figs and cranberries, creating a mouthwatering side that will have your guests begging for seconds. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as this stuffing bakes to golden perfection, making it the star of your dinner table. Whether you're preparing for a festive gathering or a cozy family meal, this recipe promises to impress. Dive in and discover how to make this unforgettable stuffing that’s sure to become a cherished tradition!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 8 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your stuffing cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden color.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the diced celery and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the vegetables are ready, add the chopped dried figs and dried cranberries to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the fruits to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the vegetable and fruit mixture to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Add the fresh thyme, cubed bread, and chicken broth to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently until the bread is evenly coated with the broth and the ingredients are well combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help the stuffing steam and keep it moist.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This stuffing is perfect as a side dish for roasted meats or as part of a festive holiday meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Italian sausage and fresh herbs. This will enhance the overall taste of your stuffing.
- Customize Your Bread: Use a mix of bread types for added texture. A combination of sourdough, whole wheat, and white bread can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the celery and onion. Allowing them to soften fully will bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of the stuffing.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the stuffing to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or try different dried fruits such as apricots or raisins for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 341kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
