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The Best Thanksgiving Italian Sausage Stuffing Recipe

As Thanksgiving approaches, the aromas of roasted turkey and cranberry relish start to fill the air, signalling the arrival of one of the most cherished feasts of the year. While the turkey often takes centre stage, the stuffing—or “dressing,” as it’s commonly referred to in some parts of the world—holds its own as a beloved side dish. This year, elevate your Thanksgiving table with a delightful Italian twist: Italian sausage stuffing. Bursting with flavours and textures, this recipe combines the rich, herbal notes of Italian sausage with traditional stuffing ingredients, creating a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

To serve about eight people, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 450g Italian sausage meat (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g crusty bread, cut into cubes (preferably a day or two old)
• 100g fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 250ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: 100g dried cranberries or chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for added texture and flavour

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a large baking dish by greasing it lightly with oil or butter.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Sausage:
   Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. In the same pan, add the Italian sausage meat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes, mixing the sausage with the vegetables as it cooks.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. If you’re using cranberries or nuts, add them in at this stage. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add Stock and Egg:
   Pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the stuffing mixture and add the beaten egg. Gently toss everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not soggy; add more stock if needed.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavour.

7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

8. Serve:
   Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with your roasted turkey and gravy, adding a hearty and aromatic element to your Thanksgiving spread.

Conclusion

This Italian sausage stuffing recipe is a fantastic way to introduce some new flavours into your traditional Thanksgiving celebration. The combination of savoury sausage, fresh herbs, and crispy bread creates a stuffing that is not only delicious but also satisfying. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time—just assemble it the day before and bake it right before your feast begins. With its mouthwatering taste and delightful aroma, this dish is sure to become a staple at your Thanksgiving gatherings for years to come. Enjoy and Buon Appetito!