Savory Rye Bread Stuffing with Sage Sausage
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Savory Rye Bread Stuffing, originally inspired by a cherished recipe from the Dec/Jan 1997 issue of Taste of Home magazine. This updated version features sage-flavored sausage, blending beautifully with day-old rye breads and a medley of tender vegetables and apples for a balanced taste profile. Using a mix of 3/4 light rye and 1/4 dark rye ensures the richness of rye enhances rather than overwhelms the dish. For added texture, optional pecans can be included, or mixed nuts for a more diverse crunch. Ideal for holiday feasts, this stuffing has garnered rave reviews from friends and family alike, who often request that I bring this beloved dish to gatherings. Plus, it can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread and broth while still maintaining that cherished flavor. Get ready to elevate your holiday table with this standout stuffing recipe!
N/A
Servings
333
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
day-old light rye bread
1 lb (cubed)
day-old dark rye bread
1/2 lb (cubed)
sage flavored sausage
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
cooking apples
2 large (peeled and chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
salted mixed nuts
3/4 cup (chopped (optional))
dried parsley flakes
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons (none)
rubbed sage
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
dried rosemary
3/4 teaspoon (crushed)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (none)
chicken broth
3-3 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by tossing the cubed rye breads in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the sage sausage until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter (or margarine), and then add the chopped onions, peeled and chopped apples, celery, minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
4
Combine the sautéed mixture and the cooked sausage with the bread cubes in the large bowl. Add in the chopped nuts, dried parsley, salt, thyme, rubbed sage, crushed rosemary, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
5
Gradually pour in enough chicken broth until the mixture is evenly moistened but not soggy. Stir gently until combined.
6
Cover the stuffing mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
7
Stuff your turkey just prior to baking. For baking separately, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
8
Spoon the stuffing into a greased 2-quart casserole dish or a 13x9x2 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a nice golden top.
9
Serve hot alongside your holiday favorites and enjoy the compliments!
Nutrition Information
18.3g
Fat
25.4g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Rye Bread Stuffing with Sage Sausage?
It is a holiday side dish featuring a mix of light and dark rye breads, sage-flavored sausage, apples, and a blend of savory herbs.
Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread and gluten-free broth.
What type of bread is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of day-old light rye bread and 1/2 lb of day-old dark rye bread, both cubed.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of sage-flavored sausage, cooked and crumbled.
Which vegetables are included in the stuffing?
The stuffing includes onions, celery, and minced garlic cloves.
Are there fruits in this stuffing recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes two large cooking apples that are peeled and chopped.
Can I add nuts to the stuffing?
Yes, you can add 3/4 cup of chopped salted mixed nuts or pecans for added texture.
What herbs and spices provide the flavor?
The seasoning includes dried parsley, salt, dried thyme, rubbed sage, crushed rosemary, pepper, and ground nutmeg.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
How much chicken broth do I need?
You should use 3 to 3.5 cups of chicken broth, adding it gradually until the mixture is moist.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Cook and crumble the sage sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, then drain the fat.
How should the vegetables and apples be cooked?
Sauté the chopped onions, apples, celery, and garlic in butter for 5-7 minutes until tender.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
If baking separately from a turkey, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the stuffing need to bake?
Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a greased 2-quart casserole dish or a 13x9x2 baking dish.
Can I use this recipe to stuff a turkey?
Yes, you can stuff your turkey with this mixture just prior to baking.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 333 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25.4g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
How much fiber is in the stuffing?
There are 2.5g of fiber per serving.
Should the bread be fresh or day-old?
The recipe recommends using day-old bread for the best texture.
Why is the stuffing baked uncovered for the last 10 minutes?
Baking it uncovered at the end helps achieve a nice golden top.
Can I prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake or stuff the turkey.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the amount of dried thyme needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
Is the nutmeg ground or whole?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much celery is used?
You will need 1 cup of chopped celery.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as ideal for holiday feasts and is a popular choice for Thanksgiving.
What happens if I add too much broth?
The instructions advise adding broth gradually to ensure the mixture is moistened but not soggy.