Hey, fellow foodies! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of stuffing, but not just any stuffing. We're talking about a delicious fusion of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread, cornbread, tart apples, savory sausage, aromatic onions, and crisp celery (your new go-to homemade stuffing recipe).
After all, nothing beats the warm and cozy aroma of bread stuffing baking in the oven. From cornbread to challah, bread stuffing is the perfect complement to your main course. Plus, tasty additions like herbs, fruits, nuts, and meats allow for endless creativity, so you can customize your recipe to meet everyone’s tastes and preferences.
What kind of bread is best for stuffing?
Bread forms the base and texture of stuffing, so choosing the right option for stuffing is essential. Some popular choices for bread stuffing include white bread, sourdough, and French bread.
If you’re new to homemade bread stuffing recipes, King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread is incredibly versatile. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs well with both savory and sweet ingredients, making it a perfect canvas for creative stuffing recipes. Whether you're preparing a traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe or experimenting with a sweet and savory fusion for Christmas Eve, this bread adapts beautifully to a variety of flavor profiles.
Should you toast the bread before making stuffing?
It depends on your personal preferences. Toasting the bread can give it a slightly crisp texture on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside, which helps prevent the bread from becoming overly mushy when mixed with liquid ingredients.
For the best results, we recommend leaving fresh bread cubes out to dry for a day or two or lightly toasting them in the oven to achieve the desired texture.
Can you make bread stuffing without meat?
Of course! You can make delicious and flavorful homemade stuffing without meat for a vegetarian or vegan stuffing recipe. We recommend using extra seasonings (think: sage, thyme, garlic, and other herbs) to infuse your stuffing with a burst of flavors, along with vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
This bread stuffing isn’t your average side dish—it’s a culinary experience that embodies the essence of the holidays. So, gather around the table with your loved ones with a dish that will elevate your holiday feast to new heights!
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat up the oil. Add the chopped onions and celery to the pan, along with the pork sausage and Portuguese sausage. This aromatic base will infuse the bread stuffing with rich, mouth-watering flavors.
To cook the sausage, break it into small crumbles with a spoon and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary, but make sure to keep the oil in the pan to cook your apples.
2. Add the Apples
Once the sausage has browned, it’s time to add the cored and cubed apples. Continue cooking over medium heat for 3 minutes.
When it comes to choosing apples for bread stuffing, it's best to choose varieties that strike a balance between sweetness and tartness. For example, Honeycrisp apples introduce a pleasant sweetness to the stuffing and hold their shape when cooked, providing a delightful contrast to the savory sausage and bread. Meanwhile, Fuji apples add a subtle sweetness and their tender texture complements the overall dish.
3. Mix in the Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread cubes with crumbled cornbread stuffing with the sautéed sausage, apples, and vegetables. Gently toss the mixture until everything is well combined. The cornbread will absorb all the savory goodness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
We know what you’re thinking: King’s Hawaiian and cornbread? Hear us out—King's Hawaiian Sweet Bread is famous for its sweetness and unparalleled softness. This sweetness adds a unique dimension to the stuffing, balancing the savory elements of the dish. Meanwhile, the soft and tender texture of the bread ensures that the stuffing turns out moist and fluffy, creating a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
At the same time, cornbread has a crumbly texture that lends a rustic and satisfying feel to the stuffing. When baked, cornbread forms delectable, golden-brown edges that provide a delightful contrast to the softer interior for a delicious sweet and savory bread stuffing.
4. Moisten with Broth
Slowly pour the chicken stock over the stuffing mixture, ensuring it's evenly moistened. Both cornbread and King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread absorb and hold moisture, ensuring that your dish remains moist and flavorful—even after baking. This way, you won’t have to worry about your stuffing becoming dry.
5. Get Spicy
Next, it’s time to add the seasonings to the stuffing mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure to mix the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a buttered 9x13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake the stuffing mix in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to become beautifully golden and crispy around the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once your stuffing is out of the oven, let it breathe for a moment. Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, or add some chopped mac nuts on top for extra flavor.
8. Enjoy the Feast!
Congratulations! Once the top layer of your bread stuffing has formed a golden-brown crust, it’s ready to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
With every bite, you'll experience the sweetness of apples, the savory richness of sausage, and the comforting crumble of cornbread. So, whether you're gathering for a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or a special celebration, let King’s Hawaiian bread stuffing be the star of your table. It's a delicious journey that’s sure to leave you craving more!
PRODUCTS
King's Hawaiian Bread Stuffing
Prep: 20 min.
Cook: 40 min.
Serves: 6
- 8 cups KING'S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Round Bread cut into 1 inch cubes (let dry out for at least a day in bowl with paper towel cover)
- 4 cups Cornbread stuffing
- 1 pound Portuguese sausage cut into 1/4
- 1 pound pork sausage roll
- 1 Onion, diced
- 5 stalks Celery, chopped
- 2 Apples, cored and cubed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste