Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces pancetta bacon , diced
2 onions , chopped
7 large stalks celery , chopped
4 cloves garlic , minced
6 cups day-old French bread , cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups crumbled cornbread
1 1/2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pine nuts
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 ounce shaved Parmesan cheese
Thanksgiving is not complete without a delicious stuffing, and this twist on the classic recipe is a winner. Southern Italian Thanksgiving Stuffing combines the best of both worlds, with the hearty flavors of Italian sausage and pancetta bacon, and the comfort of buttery bread and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for any holiday feast or potluck, and can also be served as a main course with a side salad or vegetable. And best of all, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3.Add the olive oil, pancetta bacon, onions, celery and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
4.In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with French bread, crumbled cornbread, dried sage, poultry seasoning, salt, pine nuts, chicken broth, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5.Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh sage.
6.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7.Serve hot, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.

PROS

This stuffing is full of flavor and texture, with the perfect balance of savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and buttery bread.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests on Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.

CONS

This stuffing is high in calories, fat, and sodium, and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It’s not suitable for vegetarians or those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this stuffing is not particularly healthy, it does provide a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
The vegetables in this recipe are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
The pine nuts in this stuffing are a good source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and essential minerals like magnesium and selenium.

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