Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bacon Lovers Rejoice: The crispy, smoky flavor of bacon elevates this classic side dish.
• Perfect Pairing: It complements turkey, mashed potatoes, and other Thanksgiving staples beautifully.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 1 loaf French bread or ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until slightly dry. This helps them soak up all the flavors without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels but keep the grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté the onion and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables (with grease), sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and beaten egg. Pour over the bread mixture and gently toss until well combined.

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stuffing alongside:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tangy contrast

Tips for Customization

1. Add Fruits or Nuts: Incorporate diced apples or cranberries for sweetness or chopped pecans for crunch.
2. Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~12g
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
  (Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.