1. Sourdough and sausage stuffing
This trending side dish is prepared separately, so plan an extra hour or so of cooking time. If you’re planning a healthy Thanksgiving Day, then replacing white bread with sourdough in this recipe is a great option. The dish is also full of flavor thanks to the addition of celery, onions, thyme and mushrooms. For this recipe, you will also need some butter, salt and pepper, and a helping of chicken broth. The dish involves both sautéing and baking.
2. Sage, onion, and smoked bacon stuffing
This hearty stuffing is also scrumptious, delicious, and will entice your guests with its delightful aroma. The recipe calls for bread crumbs instead of cubes and uses fresh herbs instead of dried. The addition of bacon and whole egg give this dish extra calories, but hey, it’s Thanksgiving. So, if you’re wondering how to start Thanksgiving Day, start by preparing this dish by combining chopped sage and bread crumbs in melted butter with the beaten egg and seasoning. The cooked sausage meat is optional.
3. Butternut squash, kale and quinoa stuffing
If you want a really healthy stuffing this Thanksgiving, then this unique vegetarian recipe may do the trick. For this dish, you will need plenty ingredients all of which give this dish its unique flavor. Some of the ingredients are celery, garlic, leeks, dried cranberries, walnuts, and of most importantly – butternut squash, kale, and quinoa. Studies on the health benefits of quinoa have recognized the unique properties of this superfood. Adding quinoa to your Thanksgiving dinner will give you a balance but light meal and keep you and your guests from dozing off post-dinner.
4. Cornbread-brown butter stuffing
This recipe is best prepared with leftover cornbread. The dish is also fairly easy to make, and you only need a couple of simple ingredients such as sage, scallions, eggs, butter, chili powder, and stock. To make the flavors stand out, you need to let the butter brown and sprinkle over the cornbread mixture before transferring into the oven. This will make the stuffing crisp and tasty. If you find that the stuffing is too lean for your liking, then you may add some bacon strips, sausage, or cuts of meat.
5. Simple is the best dressing
If you prefer to go simple this year, then rely on this all-time classing for a homely Thanksgiving side dish. For this recipe, you’ll need day-old white bread, onion, some butter, chicken broth, two large eggs, and classic Thanksgiving herbs and spices. You can stuff the turkey (or other poultry for that matter) or prepare the dish separately. You can also prepare the dish in advance and warm it up just before serving – it will taste just as good.
6. Simple applesauce stuffing
The addition of applesauce makes this stuffing particularly succulent. Using store-bought seasoned bread cubes will make things easier on you, and when you think about it – the bread doesn’t matter if your other ingredients are meant to dominate the dish. The recipe is similar to traditional stuffing recipes containing ingredients such as sage, celery, butter, stock, etc. but with a twist of 1 ½ cups of applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened). Another plus is that it only takes 20 minutes of baking time, so you’ll be sparing on your electricity bills and precious time with this one.
7. Low-carb Thanksgiving sausage stuffing
The problem with Thanksgiving stuffing is that when using white bread, you end up with a high carb meal that will also cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Replacing your regular loaf of white bread with Mahler’s low carb bread can make a healthier version of classic Thanksgiving stuffing. The recipe also includes black olives, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and fresh herbs which add to the unique taste of this side dish.
8. Herbed wild rice and quinoa stuffing
If you’re feeling adventurous this year, then trying this unique stuffing recipe may give just the surprise you need to spice things up this Thanksgiving. Other than wild rice and quinoa, the recipe includes apples, cranberries, and white wine for a punch of flavor and sweetness. You’ll also have to include pecans in this unique side dish for added crunch.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is one of those rare occasions when you get to indulge in guiltless gluttony and not think about your high fiber diet. Although Turkey is at the center of the dinner table, what everyone is anticipating for Thanksgiving is the stuffing and you probably already know that. Try some of the stuffing recipes described here, and you’ll have a happy Thanksgiving. Featured photo credit: theveglife.com via google.com
