The holidays are a time for cozy comfort foods and impressing guests with delicious dishes. If you’re looking for a savory stuffing that will elevate your holiday meals, this French meat stuffing recipe is sure to satisfy. With its origins in French cuisine, this stuffing combines herbs, spices, sausage, and mushrooms for a mouthwatering meal.
Stuffings and dressings have long been a staple side dish for holiday roasts and poultry. The French put their own spin on stuffing by using crusty bread, meat, and aromatic vegetables. The result is a hearty and flavored accompaniment to your main course. This French meat stuffing recipe will lend a rustic yet elegant touch to your holiday table. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!
In this blog, you’ll learn how to make this easy French meat stuffing recipe packed with flavor. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed For French Meat Stuffing Recipe
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 1 pound bulk sausage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside to dry out slightly. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat. Set aside.
- Wash and prep the vegetables – dice the onion, slice the celery and mushrooms, and mince the garlic. Rinse the herbs and roughly chop the parsley, thyme, and sage.
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the cooked sausage, bread cubes, parsley, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Toss everything together well.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish. Pour over just enough broth to moisten the stuffing, about 1-2 cups.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 minutes more until the top is crispy.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving warm.
Variations
- Substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter stuffing.
- For the vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas.
- Top with crunchy fried shallots or onions for texture.
- Add dried cranberries, raisins, or dried apricots for a bit of sweetness.
- Drizzle with truffle oil or sprinkle grated Parmesan before baking for extra richness.
Tips and Tricks
- Allow the bread cubes to dry out overnight for the best texture. -Cook the vegetables well to remove excess moisture that can make the stuffing soggy. -A skillet allows you to cook the stuffing elements evenly before baking. -Foil cover allows the stuffing to steam and prevents drying out. -Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. -Add broth gradually to prevent over-saturating the stuffing.
Serving Suggestions –
Pair this savory French meat stuffing with roasted turkey, chicken, or beef tenderloin. -Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. -Top with a roasted shallot and garlic gravy for added moisture. -Offer a crisp green salad or roasted green beans on the side. -French baguettes or rolls work nicely.
Nutrition Information
-Serving Size: 1 cup -Calories: 285 -Fat: 12g -Carbs: 32g -Protein: 13g
This meaty stuffing provides protein, fiber, and important nutrients. The herbs and spices also deliver health benefits.
Storage and Leftovers –
Store leftover stuffing in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. -To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes. -The stuffing also freezes well for 1-2 months.
Troubleshooting –
Too dry? Quickly stir in more broth until moistened. It too soggy or mushy? Remove cover earlier while baking to crisp up. -Undercooked? Bake an additional 10-15 minutes until done through. Check the center with a knife. -Burnt top? Cover with foil next time if the top browns too quickly.
FAQ
1) Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare completely the day before and store in the fridge. Bring to room temp before baking.
2) What kind of sausage works best?
A raw pork sausage with herbs works great. Try Italian or breakfast sausage.
3) Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, substitute any gluten-free bread cubed into pieces.
4) What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal, but an 8×8 would also work for a smaller batch.
This French meat stuffing takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember eagerly awaiting this stuffing every Thanksgiving as the aroma filled the house.
My grandmother always made it with day-old baguettes from her favorite French bakery in town. I now carry on her tradition and make it for my own family during the holidays.
Though I tweaked it over the years, it still retains my grandmother’s signature flavor. With each bite, I’m reminded of joyful days gone by. I hope you also create special memories with this recipe!
Conclusion
Give your holiday meals a taste of French rustic elegance with this hearty meat stuffing. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have guests raving over this flavorful dish.
The savory taste and mouthwatering aroma will make your table the centerpiece of any holiday spread. Try this French meat stuffing recipe and start a new tradition your family will look forward to each year. Let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below!
Try this delicious stuffing recipe and share it with friends and family this holiday season. Don’t forget to pin or bookmark the recipe for easy access every year.
Let me know if you have any special stuffing tips or modifications in the comments!
French Meat Stuffing Recipe
Yield: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
French cuisine is renowned for its sophistication and depth of flavor, and French meat stuffing is a prime example of this culinary excellence. This tantalizing dish has a history as rich as its taste, making it a classic choice for enhancing your meals. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the art of creating the perfect French meat stuffing. Learn about the ingredients, equipment, preparation, and cooking process. Discover variations, tips, and even nutritional insights. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will transform your cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp fresh sage
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp pepper
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by finely chopping the onions, celery, and carrots. You can use a food processor for this step to save time.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal.
- Add the finely chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and fresh parsley to the meat mixture.
- Pour in the milk and red wine.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the meat mixture to the skillet and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground meats for a well-balanced flavor.
- Keep the mixture moist by adding the milk and red wine.
- Let the meat stuffing rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 572Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 2175mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 23g
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