Delicious Chicken and Sausage Dressing for Holidays
Key Takeaway
- Chicken and sausage dressing is made with bread, sausage, and herbs.
- It is perfect for holiday meals and can be made in a large batch.
- Many variations exist to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
How to Make Chicken and Sausage Dressing
Credits : Swine Life
Key Ingredients
Chicken and sausage dressing has some important ingredients. Here’s what is needed:
- Bread: You can use stale bread like sourdough or cornbread. Stale bread is best because it soaks up the flavors well. Fresh bread can work too, but it might not hold the flavors as well. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave fresh bread out overnight to dry a little. This helps it absorb the broth and spices when mixed.
- Chicken Sausage: This adds protein and yummy flavor. It can be any kind you like! Chicken sausage comes in many flavors, from spicy to sweet. Choosing your favorite kind can change the taste of the dressing. You can even use turkey and Italian sausage if you want a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Diced onion and celery are the usual choices. They give the dish a nice crunch. Onions bring sweetness and flavor, while celery adds a nice crispness. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots if you want to try something different.
- Herbs: Fresh sage or dried sage makes the dish smell and taste great. Sage is a key herb for this dish, but feel free to add others like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist. Fresh herbs can add a burst of flavor that dried ones might not provide.
- Broth: Chicken broth is typically used to moisten the bread. It helps bring all the flavors together. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. If you want a richer taste, try using turkey broth!
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind everything together. They make sure the dressing holds its shape when baked. This is important for a good texture, keeping it fluffy and moist.
Preparing Chicken and Sausage Dressing
Making this savory dressing is easy when you follow these simple preparation steps:
Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven is an essential first step, as it allows the dressing to bake evenly throughout. Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat before baking. Preheating takes around 10-15 minutes.
Brown the Sausage
Remove sausage from its casings and crumble into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is entirely browned and has released its flavorful juices. Browning the sausage first builds a flavor base for the dressing.
Sauté the Vegetables
After removing the sausage from the pan, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender. Allowing them to cook in the leftover sausage drippings adds an extra punch of flavor.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables with the cubed bread pieces. Then add in the fresh or dried herbs, beaten eggs, chicken broth, and any other seasonings you desire. Gently mix together until thoroughly combined and moistened but not saturated.(1)
Transfer to a Baking Dish
Scoop the seasoned bread mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, smoothing it evenly into the pan. At this point, you can choose to refrigerate it overnight and bake the next day for maximum flavor.
Bake the Dressing
Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until the top is crispy and golden brown. The interior should be perfectly soft and flavorful. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.Follow these simple steps for irresistibly delicious chicken and sausage dressing!
Chicken and Sausage Dressing Variations
There are many fun ways to change up this classic dressing recipe. Feel free to get creative with different ingredients!
Apple Chicken Sausage Dressing
Adding diced apples gives this dressing a sweet flavor. The apples soften and become sweeter as the dressing bakes. Their sweetness balances nicely with the savory chicken sausage. Any type of apple works well, like tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji. Just dice the apples small so they blend into the other ingredients. This twist makes the dressing special and different.
Cornbread Dressing
Using cornbread instead of regular bread gives the dressing a slightly sweet taste and different texture.(2) Many people enjoy the light, fluffy texture that crumbly cornbread provides. You can buy cornbread or make it from scratch. Let it cool and dry out a bit before mixing it in so it soaks up the broth and sausage flavors better.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or cornbread. Many stores sell soft, tasty gluten-free breads that work perfectly in this recipe. Or make your own gluten-free bread from a simple recipe. That way, everyone can enjoy the delicious chicken and sausage dressing flavors without worrying about gluten.The options are endless! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make this classic dressing your own. The important thing is enjoying time with loved ones around the dinner table.
Tips for a Perfect Dressing
Here are some easy tips for a perfect dressing:
- Use Stale Bread – Stale bread works great for dressing because it soaks up all the delicious flavors better than fresh bread. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, simply leave fresh bread out overnight before using. The extra time out helps the bread better absorb the broth and spices, resulting in super tasty dressing with a nice soft texture.
- Mix Thoroughly – Make sure to mix all the ingredients very well so each bite is packed with flavor. Take your time mixing so every piece of bread gets an equal amount of sausage, veggies and herbs. Insufficient mixing can lead to some bites tasting better than others. Proper mixing allows all the components to mingle together into a cohesive, tasty blend.(3)
- Add Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley can really take the dressing up a notch. Their bright, fresh flavor and aroma adds something special. Simply chop and mix into the other ingredients. This simple addition can hugely impact the overall taste and smell of the dressing in the best way possible.
Popularity of Chicken and Sausage Dressing
Chicken and sausage dressing is a beloved dish for many families during the holidays. The flavors bring back warm memories of gatherings past. Nowadays, chicken sausage is often used instead of pork to make a healthier version. Chicken sausage contains less fat and sodium than pork varieties. You can still enjoy the comfort food flavors with a lighter twist.The dish can be made ahead of time which helps during the busy holiday season. With multiple dishes to coordinate, having one ready to go is a real time saver. Families enjoy customizing the dressing to their tastes – switching up sausage flavors, adding fruits or different breads like cornbread. With around 200-300 calories per serving, you can indulge without overdoing it.Chicken and sausage dressing is flexible and fun to customize for your family’s preferences. It keeps everyone happy around the holiday table with its delicious flavors and lighter ingredients. This hearty, nostalgic dish truly brings comfort and joy to any festive meal.
FAQ
How long is the prep time and total time for making this chicken and sausage dressing?
The prep time takes about 45 minutes to chop ingredients and prep the bread cubes. Total time, including cooking, is around 2 hours. Feel free to prep ingredients a day ahead to save time on the holiday meal.
What’s the best bread to use and how should I prepare it?
The best bread options include white bread, french bread, or corn bread. Use stale bread or store bought bread cubes. If using fresh bread, cut into small pieces, spread on a baking sheet, and toast until golden brown.
How do I cook the meat and vegetables properly?
Start by cooking pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. After you add sausage and break it into small pieces, add onion (yellow onion works great) and diced celery. Gently stir with a wooden spoon until vegetables are soft.
What’s the proper way to combine and season the dressing ingredients?
In a large bowl, mix well the bread pieces with beaten eggs, fresh sage (or dried sage), fresh herbs, and chopped sage. Pour mixture of chicken broth or turkey broth over top. Give everything a good stir to combine.
What’s the best way to cook and serve this dressing?
Pour into a baking dish or dutch oven. For crisp on top results, dot with melt butter. It pairs perfectly with roast turkey, turkey gravy, green beans, and pumpkin pie as side dishes. Cover with plastic wrap if making ahead.
Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
You can make this stuffing mix gluten free by using appropriate bread. For added flavor, use high quality olive oil instead of saturated fat. For the base, choose between chicken stock, chicken soup, or pot chicken broth – they all work great.
How do I ensure my chicken is properly prepared for the dressing?
If using fresh chicken, cook skin side down until the chicken skin is golden brown. Remove to let cool, then cut into small pieces. For convenience, store bought rotary chicken works well too – just give it a quick chop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken and sausage dressing is a delightful side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for holiday meals, and it allows families to enjoy a warm, comforting treat together.
References
- https://www.everydaymadefresh.com/sausage-dressing/
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a24570573/cornbread-dressing-recipe/
- https://www.seriouseats.com/classic-sage-and-sausage-stuffing-or-dressing-recipe
Related Articles
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-dressing-recipe/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/apple-maple-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-vs-pork-sausage-taste/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
