Elevate Your Thanksgiving: The Ultimate Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomato Tuscan Stuffing Recipe
As the aroma of autumn fills the air and the days grow shorter, our thoughts inevitably turn to Thanksgiving – a time for gratitude, gathering, and, of course, a spectacular feast. While the roasted turkey often takes center stage, it’s the beloved side dishes that truly complete the holiday spread. Among these, stuffing reigns supreme, a comforting classic that evokes warmth and tradition.
This year, why not transcend the ordinary and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your holiday table with our Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomato Tuscan Stuffing? This extraordinary dish artfully combines the robust, savory notes of premium sausage, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the intense, sweet-tart burst of sun-dried tomatoes, all nestled within a perfectly seasoned bread base. It’s a modern twist on a timeless favorite, designed to impress even the most discerning palates.
Why This Tuscan Stuffing Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite
I recently had the incredible opportunity to develop this very recipe for Jones Dairy Farm, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality and delicious, all-natural products. This recipe is proudly featured on their comprehensive new stuffing website – stuffingandmore.com. If you’re seeking inspiration for your holiday meal, you’ll find an abundance of creative ideas there, with over 25 unique and mouth-watering stuffing recipes to choose from. It’s a treasure trove for anyone looking to perfect their Thanksgiving spread.
Our Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomato Tuscan Stuffing isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement. It begins with a robust bread base, elevated by the rich flavor of Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Pork Sausage. The journey continues with sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a fragrant medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, all brought together with savory chicken broth and, finally, the irresistible creaminess of goat cheese. When I first began experimenting with these ingredients, I admit I was curious about how sun-dried tomatoes, sausage, and goat cheese would harmonize in a stuffing. The result? Pure culinary magic – they are truly a match made in heaven, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly comforting.
The Star Ingredients: A Deep Dive into Tuscan Flavors
What makes this stuffing so special and gives it its distinctive “Tuscan” character? It’s the thoughtful selection and harmonious combination of ingredients, each playing a crucial role:
Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Pork Sausage
The foundation of this savory stuffing. Using a high-quality pork sausage, like Jones Dairy Farm’s all-natural variety, ensures a robust and authentic flavor. The sausage adds a rich, meaty depth and a satisfying texture that stands up beautifully to the other vibrant ingredients. Its natural seasonings complement the herbs and vegetables, creating a well-rounded savory base. You can choose a mild sausage for a subtle flavor or a spicier Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of a kick, tailoring the dish to your preference.
Sweet and Tangy Sun-dried Tomatoes
These intense, concentrated tomatoes are the heart of the “Tuscan” experience. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a profound umami flavor, along with a delightful sweetness and a chewy texture that rehydrates slightly during baking. They provide a vibrant color and a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the sausage and cheese, infusing the entire dish with a bright, Mediterranean essence.
Creamy Goat Cheese
This is arguably the secret weapon in this stuffing. Goat cheese, with its distinctive tangy and slightly earthy flavor, melts into creamy pockets throughout the stuffing, adding a luxurious texture and a surprising pop of bright flavor. It cuts through the richness of the sausage, balancing the entire dish and elevating it from a simple side to a gourmet offering. The creaminess ensures the stuffing remains moist and tender.
The Perfect Bread Base
While any bread can be used, the choice of bread is paramount to a successful stuffing. A rustic loaf, such as sourdough, French, or Italian bread, offers an excellent foundation. The bread cubes absorb the rich flavors of the broth and other ingredients without becoming overly soggy. The slightly chewy crusts and airy interiors of these types of bread create an ideal texture.
Aromatic Vegetables and Herbs
Classic stuffing requires a fragrant blend of aromatics. Sautéed onions, celery, and garlic form the savory backbone of this dish. For the Tuscan touch, fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary are essential, lending their earthy, aromatic qualities that are synonymous with both Thanksgiving and Italian cuisine. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of color.
Mastering the Art of Stuffing: Essential Tips for Perfection
Making truly exceptional stuffing involves a few key techniques. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of crispy edges and a moist, flavorful interior, ensuring your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomato Tuscan Stuffing is a resounding success:
- 1) Day-Old Bread is Your Best Friend: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Whether you buy pre-dried bread cubes, let your fresh bread sit out overnight uncovered, or gently toast it in a low oven, slightly stale or dried bread is essential. Why? Fresh bread is too soft and will quickly absorb liquid, turning your stuffing into a dense, mushy mess. Day-old bread is firmer, allowing it to absorb the broth and flavors beautifully while retaining its structure, ensuring a delightful texture that’s tender but not soggy. Cubing the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces is ideal for consistent texture.
- 2) The Flavor Test is Non-Negotiable: Before your stuffing goes into the oven, always taste a small spoonful of the raw mixture. This might seem unconventional, but it’s the best way to determine if it needs additional seasoning. You can adjust salt, pepper, or add more fresh herbs to achieve your desired flavor profile. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away!
- 3) Master the Mushy Test & Broth Control: Nobody wants overly mushy stuffing. The key is to add chicken broth gradually. I always err on the side of caution, starting with less broth than I think I’ll need. Mix everything thoroughly, then assess the consistency. The bread should be moist and flavorful but not swimming in liquid. If it feels too dry, add a bit more broth, one splash at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach the perfect balance – moist enough to bind, but still with discernible bread pieces. This careful approach prevents the dreaded soggy bottom and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 4) Achieve Golden Brown Perfection: For that irresistible crispy top, bake your stuffing uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Before that, covering the baking dish with foil helps keep the stuffing moist and ensures it cooks evenly without drying out. A total baking time of 30-45 minutes at 375°F (190°C) is generally a good starting point, but always check for doneness and a beautiful golden crust.
- 5) Don’t Forget the Heat: Ensure your sausage is fully cooked and nicely browned before adding it to the bread mixture. This step adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture to the stuffing. Also, allow the aromatics (onions, celery, garlic) to soften and become fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness and savory notes.
Bringing Tuscan Elegance to Your Thanksgiving Table
This Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomato Tuscan Stuffing is not just savory; it’s a culinary journey. It offers a creative, sophisticated twist on traditional stuffing that will become the talk of your holiday gathering. Its vibrant flavors and appealing texture make it a standout dish, offering a fresh perspective on familiar holiday fare. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as they discover the tangy creaminess of goat cheese mingling with the savory sausage and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ready to embark on this delicious adventure? Head over to stuffingandmore.com to get the full, detailed recipe. While you’re exploring the site, take a moment to watch insightful recipe demonstrations from Philip Jones, the 6th generation President and CEO of Jones Dairy Farm. You can also participate in their fun “Stuffing vs. Dressing” poll – it’s always a lively debate!
Connect with Jones Dairy Farm & Save!
Stay connected with Jones Dairy Farm and discover even more delicious ideas and promotions by following them on social media. Join their community on their Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. They frequently host fantastic giveaways throughout the month of November, offering you a chance to win some great prizes!
And for an extra treat, don’t miss out on a special offer: grab a $1.00 off Jones Dairy Farm Sausage Roll coupon by heading here. It’s a perfect opportunity to try their quality products and start crafting your own memorable holiday dishes.
This post and recipe was sponsored and created for Jones Dairy Farm. As always, opinions are 100% my own.