Are you craving a mouthwatering stuffing recipe that's both delicious and guilt-free? Look no further! This Low Fat Sausage Stuffing is about to become your new favorite holiday side dish. Packed with flavor, lean protein, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a stuffing so good, they'll never believe it's a lighter version of the classic recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb low-fat sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 4 cups whole wheat bread cubes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the low-fat sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and celery to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle dried thyme and sage over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs and allow their flavors to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the whole wheat bread cubes. Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add low-sodium chicken broth to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure the bread cubes are evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Season the stuffing with salt and pepper to taste, mixing carefully to distribute the seasoning.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for lean turkey or chicken sausage to keep the fat content low while maintaining maximum flavor.
- Bread Matters: Use day-old whole wheat bread for the best texture. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes to help them absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
- Don't Oversaturate: Add chicken broth gradually and mix carefully. The goal is to moisten the bread, not create a soggy mess.
- Herb Freshness: While dried herbs work great, consider using fresh thyme and sage if available for an extra flavor boost.
- Crispy Top Secret: The key to a perfect stuffing is the crispy top. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that golden, crunchy surface.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add chopped apples, cranberries, or nuts for additional texture and taste variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
