Savory Italian Sausage and Herb Bread Dressing
This Savory Italian Sausage and Herb Bread Dressing is a delightful mixture of well-browned Italian sweet sausages, aromatic vegetables, and crusty bread, all infused with the rich flavors of white wine and chicken broth. Perfect as a side dish for roasted chicken or turkey, this dressing offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a classic accompaniment for any holiday meal or special occasion. Remember to brown the sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor and to measure the liquid precisely to achieve the perfect consistency.
6-8
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sweet sausages
20 ounces (removed from casings and crumbled)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Water
divided (for deglazing as needed)
Onions
2 small-medium (chopped)
Celery ribs
4-5 (well-trimmed and sliced)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried sage
2 teaspoons (crumbled)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground, for seasoning)
Chardonnay wine (or other dry white wine)
1 cup (for deglazing)
Chicken broth
1 cup (for moisture)
White bread
1.5 lbs (ends discarded, trimmed of crusts, and cubed, baked at 350°F for 10 minutes)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by removing the casings from the Italian sausages. In a large 12-inch sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
2. Crumble the sausage meat into the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is well-browned and a fond has formed on the bottom of the pan. If the sausage starts to stick, deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of water.
3
3. Continue cooking the sausage, occasionally stirring, until it develops a deep golden color. Use water to deglaze again if necessary. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4
4. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sliced celery. Season with salt and sauté until the onions turn a light gold color. If you notice dark bits forming on the bottom of the pan, add a splash of water to deglaze.
5
5. Stir in the garlic powder, dried sage, and freshly ground black pepper, cooking until fragrant.
6
6. Return the sausage and any collected drippings to the pan. Pour in the Chardonnay (or other dry white wine) and deglaze the pan thoroughly, allowing the liquid to evaporate until you hear a sizzle.
7
7. Next, add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat once it reaches simmering point.
8
8. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Gently fold in the cubed bread, turning until it is lightly moistened—be cautious not to oversaturate.
9
9. Transfer the mixture into an ungreased or lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake in the center of a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp on top.
10
10. Serve immediately and enjoy this delectable side dish!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Sausage and Herb Bread Dressing?
It is a flavorful side dish made with browned Italian sweet sausages, onions, celery, and crusty bread cubes, seasoned with sage and garlic.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of Italian sweet sausages with the casings removed.
How do I prepare the bread for the dressing?
Use 1.5 lbs of white bread, discard the ends, trim the crusts, cube it, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes before adding to the mix.
What is the purpose of deglazing the pan with water?
Deglazing with water helps lift the flavorful browned bits, or fond, from the bottom of the pan and prevents the sausage from sticking.
Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, while Chardonnay is recommended, any dry white wine will work well for deglazing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the main herbs and spices used?
The primary seasonings are dried sage, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
At what temperature should I bake the dressing?
The dressing should be baked in a preheated oven at 400°F.
How long does the dressing need to bake?
Bake the dressing for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
The recipe suggests using either an ungreased or a lightly greased baking dish.
What should I serve this dressing with?
It is an excellent accompaniment for roasted chicken or turkey, making it ideal for holiday meals.
How do I avoid making the bread too soggy?
Gently fold in the bread cubes and be cautious not to oversaturate them when adding the liquid.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dressing?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer, though chicken broth provides a traditional savory flavor.
Do I need to cook the onions and celery before adding the bread?
Yes, sauté the onions and celery in the rendered sausage fat until the onions are a light gold color.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute fresh minced garlic; add it during the last minute of sautéing the vegetables.
Should the sausage be fully cooked before baking?
Yes, the sausage should be well-browned and fully cooked in the pan before being combined with other ingredients.
What if I do not want to use wine?
You can substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of apple juice.
What kind of white bread is best?
A standard white loaf, sourdough, or French bread all work well as long as they are cubed and slightly dried.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the white bread with your favorite gluten-free bread cubes.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this dressing be frozen?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat it in the oven to maintain its crisp texture.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 well-trimmed and sliced celery ribs.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates there is no significant sugar content.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dressing is moist on the inside with a golden, crisp topping.
Should I remove the bread crusts?
The recipe recommends trimming the crusts off the bread before cubing it for a more uniform texture.