Christmas Stuffing with Bacon Recipe Perfect for Your Holiday Table
Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends, and nothing brings everyone together like a hearty meal. One dish that never fails to impress is Christmas Stuffing with Bacon. This flavorful stuffing combines the rich, savory taste of bacon with the classic holiday flavors of herbs, onions, and celery, making it the perfect side dish for your holiday feast.
Whether you’re serving a Christmas roast or pairing it with turkey, this stuffing is sure to be a hit. Moreover, this recipe is simple enough to follow, making it a fantastic option for both experienced cooks and beginners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create the perfect stuffing for your holiday table, including tips to help you make it just right.
Ingredients for Christmas Stuffing with Bacon
To create this flavorful Christmas stuffing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread cubes (day-old) | 8 cups |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 1 pound |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Celery, chopped | 2 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Foil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes
First, begin by cutting your day-old bread into cubes. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the flavors of the stuffing without becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, in a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. After cooking, remove the bacon and crumble it into pieces. Save the bacon fat in the skillet for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Then, use the remaining bacon fat to sauté the diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, crumbled bacon, chopped parsley, sage, and thyme. Pour the chicken broth and melted butter over the mixture. Season everything with salt and pepper, and stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden top.
Serve hot alongside your Christmas turkey, roast, or even a delicious pork crown roast.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Stuffing with Bacon
- Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can be too soft, which might make the stuffing soggy. Day-old bread cubes absorb flavors much better and maintain texture.
- Ensure Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor, make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy before adding it to the stuffing mixture.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Using fresh herbs such as parsley, sage, and thyme enhances the flavor of the stuffing. Although dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs offer a more vibrant taste.
- Customize the Baking Time: If you prefer a crispy top, bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 15 minutes. However, if you like it soft throughout, leave it covered for the entire baking time.
Variations of Christmas Stuffing
You can also customize this stuffing with different ingredients to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:
1. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
- Replace the bacon with crumbled sausage, and toss in diced apples for a sweet and savory version.
2. Vegetarian Stuffing
- For a meat-free option, omit the bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
3. Nutty Stuffing
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the stuffing for added texture and a nutty crunch.
For more ideas on how to elevate your stuffing, check out this guide on perfecting stuffing from Serious Eats.
What to Serve with Christmas Stuffing
Christmas stuffing pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Consider serving it with these sides:
- Roast Turkey: No Christmas dinner is complete without a juicy roast turkey. Pair it with this bacon stuffing for a truly memorable meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the crispy stuffing.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday dish, green bean casserole makes an excellent accompaniment. Check out our recipe for a Green Bean Casserole to add to your table.
FAQs About Christmas Stuffing with Bacon
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I use store-bought bread cubes?
Absolutely! Store-bought bread cubes work well, especially when you’re short on time. Just ensure they are unseasoned so you can control the flavor.
How do I prevent the stuffing from drying out?
To keep your stuffing moist, use enough broth and cover it with foil while baking. If it appears too dry halfway through baking, add a little more broth.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing?
Yes, you can freeze stuffing for up to three months. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven.
Conclusion
Christmas Stuffing with Bacon is a standout dish that will enhance any holiday meal. Its rich flavors, crispy bacon, and herb-infused bread cubes create a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey, roast beef, or even a juicy pork crown roast, this stuffing is sure to become a family favorite.
For more holiday meal inspiration, check out our recipe for Classic Pork Crown Roast or pair your meal with a delightful Homemade Cheesecake for dessert.