Prepare to transform your holiday table with the most mouthwatering stuffing recipe that will have your guests begging for seconds! Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's Christmas stuffing isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines crispy toasted bread, succulent sausage meat, and a burst of festive cranberries. This isn't just another stuffing recipe; it's a guaranteed showstopper that will elevate your Christmas feast from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 100g butter
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 100g dried cranberries
- 100g sausage meat
- Fresh herbs (sage, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter.
- Cut the bread into small, even cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, cooking until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add sausage meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs (sage and thyme). Add them to the skillet along with dried cranberries, stirring to combine.
- Remove the toasted bread cubes from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring the bread is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- • Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more robust stuffing. • Toast bread cubes thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that holds up to the moisture of the other ingredients. • Don't overmix when combining ingredients – gently fold to keep the texture light and prevent the stuffing from becoming dense. • Fresh herbs are key! If possible, use freshly picked sage and thyme for maximum flavor impact. • Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and settle, creating a more cohesive dish. • For extra richness, you can add a splash of chicken or turkey stock when mixing the ingredients. • If you prefer a moister stuffing, cover with foil for the entire baking time; for a crispier top, uncover for the last 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
