Polenta and Sausage Stuffing

Transform your holiday table with this hearty and flavorful Polenta and Sausage Stuffing, a mouthwatering twist on traditional stuffing recipes. Creamy polenta forms the base of this savory dish, enriched with a medley of colorful vegetables, fragrant fresh herbs like sage and thyme, and the irresistible richness of browned Italian sausage. Baked to golden perfection with a touch of Parmesan cheese, this stuffing boasts a delightful contrast of creamy and crispy textures. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, this gluten-free option offers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups polenta
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (removed from casing)
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
• 3 stalks celery (finely diced)
• 1 large carrot (finely diced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (leaves only)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes or until the polenta is thick and creamy. Stir in the butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, sage, and thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture with the prepared polenta in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

Spread the polenta mixture into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crisp.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2764.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2700.6

Total Fat 203.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 516.2mg	0%
Sodium 12093.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 17.4g
Protein 140.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0.3IU	0%
Calcium 1770.5mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 3266.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.6%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 11.6%