Savory Sausage and Dried Cherry Stuffing
This delightful Savory Sausage and Dried Cherry Stuffing is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Featuring sweet Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and the addition of sweet dried cherries and crunchy pecans, this stuffing elevates the traditional recipe. It’s moist yet hearty, providing a wonderful complement to your roasted turkey or holiday feast. Easy to prepare and great for large groups, this dish is sure to become a staple at your festive celebrations.
15
Servings
240
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
Butter
1/2 cup
Onions
3 cups (chopped)
Celery
2 cups (chopped)
Fresh sage
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Croutons
6 cups
Allspice
1/2 teaspoon
Maple syrup
1/4 cup
Dried cherries
2 cups
Pecans
1 cup (toasted and chopped)
Chicken stock
2 cups
Fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, sauté the sweet Italian sausage over medium-high heat until cooked through and crumbled, approximately 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving the fat in the pan.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In the same skillet, add the butter, onions, and celery. Sauté until they are tender and fragrant, about 10-15 minutes.
4
Combine the sautéed mixture with the cooked sausage in the mixing bowl.
5
Stir in the chopped sage, parsley, croutons, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
6
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the allspice, maple syrup, dried cherries, chopped pecans, and chicken stock until combined.
7
Pour the stock mixture over the crouton mixture and gently toss until everything is well combined. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy; add additional chicken stock if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
8
Transfer the stuffing to a large baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this festive stuffing alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
Nutrition Information
13.3g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sausage and Dried Cherry Stuffing?
It is a hearty holiday side dish that combines sweet Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy pecans for a unique flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 15 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be sautéed for approximately 7-10 minutes until cooked through and crumbled.
How much butter is needed for the vegetables?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter to sauté the onions and celery.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Which fresh herbs are included in this stuffing?
The recipe includes fresh sage, fresh parsley, and fresh thyme.
What kind of bread base is used?
The recipe uses 6 cups of croutons as the bread base.
What ingredients provide sweetness in this dish?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 2 cups of dried cherries.
Are there nuts in this stuffing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of toasted and chopped pecans.
What liquid is used to moisten the stuffing?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken stock, plus more if necessary to reach the right consistency.
What spice is added to the liquid mixture?
1/2 teaspoon of allspice is whisked into the stock mixture.
How do I know if the stuffing is moist enough?
The stuffing should be moist but not soggy; you can add extra chicken stock if it appears too dry.
How long is the total baking time?
The stuffing bakes for a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Should the stuffing be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first hour of baking.
How do I get a crispy top on my stuffing?
Remove the aluminum foil for the final 20 minutes of baking until the top is golden and crispy.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 13.3g of fat per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides about 5.3g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I drain the sausage fat?
The instructions recommend leaving the fat in the pan after cooking the sausage to use for sautéing the vegetables.
What should I do after the stuffing finishes baking?
Remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
What are the preparation requirements for the onions and celery?
Both the 3 cups of onions and 2 cups of celery should be chopped.
How are the pecans prepared?
The pecans should be toasted and chopped before being added to the mixture.
What type of gathering is this recipe best for?
It is ideal for large groups, holiday feasts, and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste during the mixing stage.
In what order do I combine the ingredients?
Mix the sausage, vegetables, herbs, and croutons first, then pour the whisked liquid and fruit mixture over them.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this stuffing moist or hearty?
It is described as being moist yet hearty, providing a great complement to roasted meats.