This Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing brings together the savory flavors of sausage with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes, complemented by the crunch of pecans and tartness of cranberries. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday dinner.
The majority of ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, be sure to locate the fresh herbs, specifically those that are in season, as they really help to enhance the flavor of the stuffing. The Italian sausage can usually be found in the meat section, but if not, you can substitute it with another type of ground sausage.
Ingredients for Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
Italian sausage: This forms the base of our stuffing, adding a hearty and savory touch.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and sausage, contributing to a richer flavor.
Sweet potatoes: Adds a layer of sweetness and creaminess to the stuffing.
Leeks: Brings a mild onion-like flavor.
Celery stalks: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.
Apple: Brings a natural sweetness and a bit of tartness.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the stuffing with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Crusty bread: Soaks up all the wonderful flavors, and provides a satisfying texture.
Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch.
Dried cranberries: Brings a tangy sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
Fresh herbs: Enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.
Chicken stock: Adds moisture and flavor, helping to bind the stuffing together.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
One reader, Lanna Pedraza says:
This sausage and sweet potato stuffing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and the crunch of pecans is simply divine. The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is a hit every time I make it. It's a must-try for any holiday gathering!
Key Techniques for Making Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
How to brown the sausage: In a large non-stick sauté pan, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon or spatula as it cooks until it is browned and cooked through.
How to sauté sweet potatoes: In the same sauté pan, add olive oil and stir in the sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
How to sauté the leek mixture: In the sauté pan, add olive oil and sauté the leeks, celery, apple, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the leeks have softened a bit. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
How to whisk together the chicken stock and eggs: In a medium mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken stock and eggs until smooth.
How to bake the stuffing: Spread the stuffing out evenly in the prepared baking dish, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and bake covered for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes until the top is lightly toasted and golden. Keep an eye on the stuffing as it bakes to prevent burning.
How to serve the stuffing: Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs and black pepper, and enjoy!
How To Make Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
Enjoy the harmony between sweet and savory with this sweet potato stuffing, also packed with savory Italian sausage, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground Italian sausage,or preferred kind of sausage
- 2tbspolive oil,divided
- 2medium sweet potatoes,peeled, diced
- 2medium leeks,halved, thinly sliced, white and pale green parts only
- 2celery stalks,thinly sliced
- 1apple,cored, diced
- 5garlic cloves,minced
- 6cupscrusty bread,stale, roughly-diced
- ½cuppecans,chopped
- ⅓cupdried cranberries
- 3tbspfresh herbs,chopped, *
- 2½cupschicken stock,or vegetable stock
- 2eggs
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
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In a large non-stick sauté pan, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
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Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, transfer it with a slotted spoon to a separate plate, and set aside.
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Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or leftover grease from the sausage to the same sauté pan, and stir in the sweet potatoes.
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Season with salt and pepper, then sauté for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a separate plate, and set aside.
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the sauté pan, and add the leeks, celery, apple, and garlic.
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Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the leeks have softened a bit. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken stock and eggs until smooth.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, add the sausage, sweet potatoes, leek mixture, bread, pecans, cranberries. and herbs.
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Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture, and toss until evenly combined.
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Spread the stuffing out evenly in the prepared baking dish, and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
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Bake covered for 40 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 more minutes until the top is lightly toasted and golden. Keep an eye on the stuffing as it bakes, so that the top does not burn.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs and black pepper, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Use a combination of fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
- If using fresh bread, pop it in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until it is dried out a bit (but not too toasted or golden). Otherwise, the stuffing may get a little mushy if the bread is too soft.
- For drier stuffing, feel free to bake covered for 10 to 15 minutes longer before baking uncovered.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310.04kcal
- Fat: 19.14g
- Saturated Fat: 5.39g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.43g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.26g
- Carbohydrates: 24.37g
- Fiber: 2.83g
- Sugar: 7.52g
- Protein: 10.83g
- Cholesterol: 56.89mg
- Sodium: 480.85mg
- Calcium: 64.57mg
- Potassium: 355.26mg
- Iron: 2.06mg
- Vitamin A: 183.94µg
- Vitamin C: 5.81mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting the Texture of Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
When browning the Italian sausage, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and integrates well with the other ingredients in the stuffing. Additionally, when sautéing the sweet potatoes, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Giving each piece enough space will allow them to brown nicely and add a depth of flavor to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stuffing Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Multitask: While the sausage is browning, chop the vegetables and sweet potatoes to maximize efficiency.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut sweet potatoes and pre-chopped vegetables to cut down on prep time.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook multiple components simultaneously, saving time on washing dishes.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Organize your workspace: Set up your ingredients and tools in an organized manner to streamline the cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize cleanup time at the end.
Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor or mandoline to quickly chop or slice ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing Recipe
ground italian sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a healthier alternative to pork sausage. It also has a mild flavor that can easily be seasoned to mimic the taste of Italian sausage.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and can provide a delicious alternative in the stuffing recipe.
leeks - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for leeks, providing a slightly stronger flavor but still adding a delicious savory element to the stuffing.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can be used as a substitute for celery, providing a similar crunchy texture and a hint of anise flavor to the stuffing.
apple - Substitute with pear: Pears can be a great substitute for apples, providing a sweet and juicy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stuffing.
crusty bread - Substitute with cornbread: Cornbread can be used as a substitute for crusty bread, adding a slightly sweet and crumbly texture to the stuffing.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the stuffing.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins can be used as a substitute for dried cranberries, adding a sweet and chewy element to the stuffing.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock, providing a flavorful base for the stuffing while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed mixture: A flaxseed mixture can be used as a substitute for eggs, providing binding properties and adding a nutty flavor to the stuffing.
How to Beautifully Present Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sausage and sweet potato stuffing, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use a large, white, or neutral-colored platter to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with a generous amount of freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, sage, and thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of sophistication and a visually stunning element to the presentation.
Utilize unique serving vessels: Consider serving individual portions of the stuffing in mini cast iron skillets or ceramic ramekins to create a memorable and visually striking presentation.
Artfully arrange the dish: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the sausage and sweet potato stuffing is artfully arranged on the plate to create an enticing visual composition.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Create an elegant finishing touch by drizzling a small amount of reduced balsamic glaze or sage-infused brown butter over the plated dish for a touch of sophistication and added depth of flavor.
Incorporate textural contrast: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried shallots on top of the dish to introduce a delightful textural contrast and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Stuffing Recipe
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the sausage and sweet potato stuffing.
- Non-stick sauté pan: Use a non-stick sauté pan to brown the sausage and sauté the sweet potatoes, leeks, celery, apple, and garlic.
- Spoon or spatula: A spoon or spatula will be used to crumble the sausage as it cooks.
- Slotted spoon: This will be used to transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate.
- 9x13-inch baking dish: You will need a 9x13-inch baking dish to bake the stuffing.
- Cooking spray: Use cooking spray to grease the baking dish.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup will be used to whisk together the chicken stock and eggs.
- Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil will be used to cover the stuffing while baking.
- Whisk: A whisk will be used to mix the chicken stock and eggs until smooth.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl will be used to combine the sausage, sweet potatoes, leek mixture, bread, pecans, cranberries, herbs, and egg mixture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Leftover Stuffing
- Let the stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the fridge, transfer the cooled stuffing to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled stuffing to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the stuffing for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the stuffing overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed stuffing to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the top, if desired.
- Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions of stuffing in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- For best results, consume the reheated stuffing within 1-2 days of thawing.
How To Reheat Leftover Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
The best way to reheat leftover sausage and sweet potato stuffing is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the stuffing in the microwave. Place the desired amount of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the stuffing is heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the stuffing to dry out.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the stuffing in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffing and press it down into an even layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Flip the stuffing over in sections and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp up the other side.
If you have a lot of leftover stuffing, consider repurposing it into a new dish. Stuffing can be used as a filling for stuffed peppers, mushrooms, or even acorn squash. Simply fill the hollowed-out vegetables with the stuffing, bake until heated through, and enjoy a new twist on your leftovers.
When reheating stuffing, be sure to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is especially important if your stuffing contains eggs or meat.
Interesting Trivia About Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
Is Making Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing at Home Cost-Effective?
This sausage and sweet potato stuffing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, italian sausage, and celery, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four, with an approximate cost of $20. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish creates a delightful experience, earning it a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
Is This Stuffing Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sausage and sweet potato stuffing recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, leeks, celery, apple, garlic, and herbs. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The recipe also incorporates whole grain bread and heart-healthy pecans, which offer additional fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components. The Italian sausage is likely high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess. The recipe also calls for a significant amount of bread, which can add refined carbohydrates and calories. Additionally, the use of eggs and chicken stock may be a concern for those following a plant-based diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken sausage, or use a plant-based alternative like crumbled tempeh or tofu
- Reduce the amount of bread and increase the proportion of vegetables to create a more nutrient-dense stuffing
- Use a low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth to decrease the overall sodium content
- Experiment with using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a vegan-friendly alternative to eggs
- Incorporate additional herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excess salt or fat
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious and well-balanced stuffing that still delivers on taste and texture.
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors of This Stuffing Dish
This sausage and sweet potato stuffing recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, apples, and pecans creates a rich and satisfying dish. The addition of dried cranberries adds a pop of sweetness, while the fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness. The use of chicken stock and eggs helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing. This recipe is a perfect addition to any holiday feast or a comforting side dish for a cozy family dinner.
Enhance Your Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Stuffing Recipe
Why trust this Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The Italian sausage provides a rich and savory base, complemented by the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apple. The addition of pecans and dried cranberries introduces a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. Furthermore, the use of fresh herbs and garlic enhances the overall aroma and taste. With the careful balance of ingredients and the step-by-step instructions, this recipe guarantees a delicious and comforting stuffing that will surely impress your guests.
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