Are you searching for the ultimate Christmas stuffing recipe that will impress your guests and leave them craving more? Look no further than our delectable Christmas Stuffing with Bacon! This mouthwatering dish combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, aromatic herbs, and savory bread cubes to create a stuffing that’s sure to steal the show at your holiday table. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this festive dish that will become a new holiday tradition for years to come!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- One loaf day-old bread, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- One egg, beaten
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Prepare Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Bread Cubes:
- Cut Bread: Cut the day-old bread loaf into cubes, ensuring that they are roughly bite-sized.
- Toast Bread Cubes: Spread the bread cubes out onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread cubes are dry and lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the Stuffing:
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the bacon, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Saute Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet, and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked bacon, sautéed onion and celery, poultry seasoning, beaten egg, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Stuffing:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Bread Varieties: Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavor profiles. Traditional white bread, sourdough, or whole wheat bread all work well in this recipe.
- Additional Ingredients: Feel free to add in extras such as chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or fresh herbs to customize the stuffing to your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffing up to one day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply remove from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this stuffing ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffing mixture up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for holiday meal prep.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? A: Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon and can be used interchangeably in this recipe without compromising on flavor.
Q: Is this stuffing suitable for vegetarians? A: While this particular recipe contains bacon, you can easily omit it to make a vegetarian version of the stuffing. Simply increase the amount of butter or use a vegetable-based alternative to add richness and flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto or low-carb version of this Christmas stuffing, you can make the following substitutions:
- Replace the day-old bread with low-carb bread or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
- Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
- Omit the onion and celery, or use them sparingly to reduce the carb content.
- Add keto-friendly ingredients such as chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
With its irresistible combination of smoky bacon, tender bread cubes, and aromatic herbs, our Christmas Stuffing with Bacon is sure to become a beloved holiday favorite. Whether served alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or as a standalone dish, this stuffing is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave your guests begging for seconds. So, why wait? Add this festive recipe to your holiday menu and spread joy and cheer with every savory bite!
