Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing: A Savory Sensation for Your Holiday Table
Thanksgiving is a time for traditions, family, and, of course, food! While turkey often steals the show, the side dishes are just as important in creating a memorable holiday feast. Among the most beloved sides is stuffing, also known as dressing, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level with a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite: Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing.
This isn’t your average stuffing recipe. We’re talking crispy, savory bacon infused throughout, adding a depth of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Combining the classic comfort of traditional stuffing with the irresistible allure of bacon, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving table with this easy-to-follow, incredibly delicious bacon stuffing recipe.
## Why Bacon Stuffing? What Makes it Special?
Let’s face it: bacon makes everything better. But why does it work so well in stuffing? Here’s why this bacon stuffing recipe is a game-changer:
* **Unparalleled Flavor:** Bacon’s smoky, salty, and savory notes penetrate every bite of the stuffing, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that surpasses traditional recipes.
* **Texture Contrast:** The crispy bacon bits offer a delightful textural contrast to the soft, moist bread, adding another layer of enjoyment to each forkful.
* **Aromatic Delight:** The aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that will have your guests salivating before they even sit down.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Appeal:** Bacon is universally loved, making this stuffing a safe bet for satisfying even the pickiest eaters at your Thanksgiving gathering.
* **Elevates the Ordinary:** This recipe transforms a classic Thanksgiving side dish into something truly special and memorable, making your holiday meal stand out.
## The Ultimate Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing Recipe
Ready to create the best stuffing you’ve ever tasted? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing:
**Yields:** 10-12 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
### Ingredients:
* 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 1 large apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old sourdough, French bread, or a combination works well)
* 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
### Equipment:
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Bacon:**
* Place the diced bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
* Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet; discard the rest (or save it for another use!).
**2. Sauté the Vegetables and Apple:**
* Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the diced apple to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
* Stir in the dried sage, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
**3. Prepare the Bread:**
* If your bread isn’t already stale, you can dry it out by spreading the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them in a 250°F (120°C) oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly crisp. Alternatively, leave the bread cubes uncovered at room temperature overnight.
* Place the dried bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
**4. Combine the Ingredients:**
* Pour the cooked vegetables and apple mixture over the bread cubes in the mixing bowl.
* Add the cooked bacon to the bowl.
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, and lightly beaten eggs.
* Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and bacon mixture.
* Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing mushy.
**5. Bake the Stuffing:**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
* Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**6. Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing
* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread is crucial for good stuffing. It absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry it out in the oven as described above.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the stuffing can lead to a mushy texture. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
* **Adjust the Liquid:** The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the dryness of the bread. If the stuffing seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it seems too wet, bake it uncovered for a longer period of time.
* **Customize the Flavors:** Feel free to add other ingredients to customize the stuffing to your liking. Some popular additions include: cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, sausage, mushrooms, or different herbs and spices.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the stuffing a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the liquid mixture just before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Bake Inside the Turkey:** If you prefer, you can bake the stuffing inside the turkey. However, be sure to stuff the turkey loosely and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Crispy Top:** For a crispier top, try brushing the top of the stuffing with melted butter before the last 15 minutes of baking.
## Variations and Additions to Elevate Your Bacon Stuffing
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch. Here are some ideas to get you started:
* **Sausage:** Add cooked and crumbled sausage (such as Italian sausage or breakfast sausage) for an extra layer of savory flavor. Brown the sausage with the bacon for a more intense flavor.
* **Cranberries:** Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and tartness that complements the bacon and savory herbs. Use about 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
* **Nuts:** Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch to the stuffing. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet or in the oven before adding them to the mixture.
* **Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy and savory flavor. Use about 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms.
* **Oysters:** For a truly decadent stuffing, add shucked oysters. Oysters add a briny and rich flavor that is perfect for special occasions.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Rosemary, oregano, or poultry seasoning are all great options.
* **Cheese:** Add shredded Gruyere, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the stuffing during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** Replace the bacon with vegan bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and flax eggs instead of chicken eggs. Use a vegan butter substitute.
## Serving Suggestions
Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and other sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Classic Thanksgiving Dinner:** Serve it alongside roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
* **Roast Chicken or Pork:** It also complements roast chicken or pork beautifully.
* **Holiday Leftovers:** Use leftover stuffing to make delicious stuffing waffles or stuffing-topped shepherd’s pie.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Crumble cooked bacon stuffing over scrambled eggs or omelets for a savory breakfast or brunch treat.
* **Stuffing Balls:** Roll the stuffing into balls and bake them or fry them for a fun and festive appetizer.
## Make Ahead Instructions
Thanksgiving can be a hectic time, so making some dishes ahead of time can save you a lot of stress on the big day. This bacon stuffing can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
* **Assemble the Stuffing:** Prepare the bacon, sauté the vegetables, and combine all the ingredients as directed in the recipe.
* **Store in the Refrigerator:** Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake:** When you’re ready to bake the stuffing, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the stuffing from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure that the stuffing is heated through.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the stuffing, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffing in a baking dish, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth to keep it moist, and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze leftover stuffing for up to 2-3 months. Let the stuffing cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing: A Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Bacon Stuffing recipe is a delicious and crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday meal. The combination of crispy bacon, savory herbs, and moist bread creates a flavor and texture that everyone will love. With its easy-to-follow instructions and make-ahead options, this recipe is perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners.
So, this Thanksgiving, ditch the traditional stuffing and try this bacon-infused version. You won’t be disappointed! Your guests will thank you for adding this savory sensation to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy!