Umami Stuffing Recipe

Conquer Thanksgiving dinner with this unforgettable Umami Stuffing! Born from a 2008 Thanksgiving showdown between sweet and savory, this recipe delivers a rich, earthy flavor that perfectly complements any Thanksgiving main course – turkey, ham, tofurkey, or even turducken! The savory sausage (adjust the spice to your liking!), tender mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables create a symphony of flavor that will leave your guests wanting more. This isn't your grandma's stuffing; it's a flavor explosion that elevates your Thanksgiving meal to the next level. Perfect as a side dish or even a hearty vegetarian main!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 316.5 kcal
Protein 24g
Rating Be the first
Umami Stuffing 54

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Umami Stuffing

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How to Make Umami Stuffing

  1. If using link sausage, remove casings and finely mince. (approx. 1 lb)
  2. In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add 4 tbsp butter, 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, 2 stalks celery (finely chopped), and 1 medium onion (finely chopped).
  4. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
  5. Stir in 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste).
  6. **Do not drain** the butter and vegetable juices from the pan. This adds flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
  7. In a large bowl, combine 6 cups of croutons (day-old bread is best) with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat the croutons.
  8. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Avoid adding too much broth at once to prevent a mushy stuffing.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more broth for desired moisture level; stop when the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
  10. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 2-quart baking dish.
  11. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

42 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

44g

Carbs

7g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Umami Stuffing?

Umami Stuffing takes about 85 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 65 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Umami Stuffing?

Umami Stuffing has approximately 316.5 calories per serving, with about 24 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates and 30 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Umami Stuffing?

The key ingredients for Umami Stuffing are Italian Sausage, Unsalted Butter, Mushroom, Celery, White Onion, Ground Cumin. See the full list with measurements above.

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