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Classic Italian Sausage and Cherry Bread Stuffing Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

This Classic Stuffing recipe combines savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and tart dried cherries for a flavorful and comforting side dish. Perfectly baked to achieve a tender interior with a crispy golden top, this stuffing is an ideal complement to holiday meals or any special occasion feast.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Bread

  • 10 cups Italian or French bread, cut into 1-inch chunks

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups milk

Vegetables

  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Fruits

  • 5 ounces tart dried cherries

Instructions

  1. Dry the Bread: Break up the Italian or French bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Let them sit at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours to dry out and become slightly stale; for best results, allow the bread to dry overnight.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large saucepan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess grease, reserving a small amount for flavor, then transfer the cooked sausage to a small mixing bowl.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced celery and diced yellow onion, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Remove the pan from heat and add the dried bread cubes to the sautéed vegetables. Then, add the beaten egg along with all the dried herbs and spices including basil, oregano, celery salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley. Toss everything well to combine evenly.
  5. Add Milk and Cherries: Pour in the milk and add the tart dried cherries to the mixture. Toss again to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated and the bread is evenly moistened.
  6. Transfer to Casserole: Spoon the stuffing mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the top to set.
  9. Broil for Crispiness: For a crispier golden top, turn the oven to low broil and broil the stuffing for 5 to 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the top is lightly browned and crispy.

Notes

  • Drying the bread beforehand is essential for the best stuffing texture; stale bread absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
  • Using Italian sausage adds a savory depth; you can substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the amount of dried cherries based on your preference for sweetness and tartness.
  • Covering the stuffing during the first part of baking keeps it moist; uncovering later helps develop a crusty top.
  • Broil carefully and stay close to the oven to avoid burning the top.
  • This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 2-4 hours to dry bread
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/classic-italian-sausage-and-cherry-bread-stuffing-recipe/