There are some foods that just taste better after they’ve been sitting for a few days. Somehow, the flavours mellow and mingle while hanging out in the fridge together, and the leftovers surpass the freshly made dish. Stew is one of these foods, and I’m of the mind that Thanksgiving stuffing is too. This is the main reason that I’ve already cooked our stuffing, although our feast is still more than 48 hours away. It also serves the dual purpose in eliminating at least one dish from competing for oven space with the ever-important turkey. I covet the kitchens with two (or more!) ovens, but I don’t think I am going to own one any time soon.
It was remarkably simple to convert a regular stuffing recipe to low carb. I simply made a loaf of my Rosemary Olive Oil Quick Bread, leaving out the rosemary to give it a more neutral flavour, and subbed it in for the Italian loaf listed in the recipe. I took the time to dry it out really well in a warm oven so that it would soak up the broth and the flavours from the other ingredients. And I think some time sitting in the refrigerator will allow the stuffing to meld and intensify even further. The bread held up very well and I can tell from my little taste test that it’s as good as any high-carb stuffing I’ve ever made. I’d even venture a guess that no one would know it was not made with regular bread, unless I told them.
The quick bread itself is a cinch to make, and the extra step is not much trouble at all. So here’s to enjoying all that the Thanksgiving feast has to offer! I wish you and yours the best of the day.
Artichoke, Sausage and Parmesan Stuffing – adapted from Bon Appetit, November 2002
1 loaf Olive Oil Quick Bread (recipe here, omit rosemary)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 teaspoon fresh time, chopped
½ cup grated parmesan
1 ½ cups chicken broth
Preheat oven to 300F. Slice bread into ½ inch slices and lay on a baking sheet. Place in oven for 10 minutes, then flip slices and bake 10 minutes more, until quite dry. Cut into ½ inch cubes, and if inside of bread is still soft, continue to bake for 5-10 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking up chunks with the back of a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Add onions, celery and garlic and saute until celery is soft, about 10 minutes.
Mix in artichokes and thyme, saute a few minutes longer. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add bread and toss to combine well. Mix in parmesan and ¾ cup broth.
Butter a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and preheat oven to 350F. Transfer stuffing to baking dish and pour remaining broth over the top. Cover with buttered foil (butter side down) and bake until steaming, 30-40 minutes. Remove foil and bake until top is golden and slighly crisp, about 20 minutes longer.
I’ve submitted this to the Holiday Recipe Exchange on Goodlife Eats. Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Swanson Broth.
Donna says
LUCKY ME…Finding this in time for Thanksgiving…I am absolutely LOVING the artichoke element to this option of your stuffings!..Do you think I could add sage?…Or would this de-nature the yum-factor of this offering?
Also…as far as nutritional information…how would this compare with your cheddar stuffing in terms of caloric considerations?…I must watch calories as well as carbs I am afraid!..Thank you for sharing your culinary knowledge so generously!
The Mom Chef says
I'm not a bread stuffing fan, but adding the artichoke and sausage may just turn the tide for me. It looks and sounds amazing.
BakingWithoutaBox says
Wow, a step beyond with that quick bread! Stuffing is always my favorite dish at the holiday table. You make it elegant yet so homey comfort food!!
Lauren Zabaneh says
this looks amazing! I love stuffing. It really is my favorite side at thanksgiving. I've never had it with sausage, though i know that's very tradtional, so I have to try that. And artichokes? OH, yum!
thank you so much for your sweet comment, Carolyn. My tears are dry and I'm ready for what's next! hugs.
Stella says
Yum! This is the best looking stuffing I've seen this season. I love the addition of artichoke-will try for sure:)
Green Girl @ A little bit of everything says
Is the first time I read about using artichoke in stuffing but sounds pretty yummy.
Hope you had a wonderful day
Kimberly Peterson says
This stuffing looks AMAZING and I bet it is bursting with great flavors!!
honey82 says
Una deliziosa e invitante ricettina Cara e stupende anche le foto,bravissima!!! 😉
Un bacio:-*
Liv Wan says
I love your photo and this dish sounds so healthy and tasty. Artichoke is one of my favorite food in the world but I've never know how to cook it. Thank you for sharing this recipe. 😀
Beth says
This looks delicious! Being Canadian, we've already celebrated our Thanksgiving, so I'll have to keep in mind for next year's feast!
Spicie Foodie says
Wow what a scrumptious stuffing! I love your photos and they are making my mouth water. I hope you have a beautiful holiday, Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
Emily Z says
You had me at "artichoke"… and at "stuffing"… Stuffing is one of my Thanksgiving favorites but I have NEVER had it with artichokes! Mmmm. Sounds mouthwateringly delicious!
TheFlavorJunkie says
After seeing this recipe I'm wishing more than ever that tomorrow was my Thanksgiving holiday. Looks fantastic! Well done Caarolyn.
imwaytoobusy says
Artichoke stuffing!? Perfect!
Carolyn says
Sam – for 12+ people, I would definitely make two pans! You never know who is going to be a stuffing fiend, and the leftovers are always delicious. I'd say my version makes 8-10 servings.
And nope, haven't tried it with different cheese. If you do, go with something aged and dry like parm, otherwise it might get gooey and cheesey…unless you want gooey and cheesey!
blackbookkitchendiaries says
this is a beautiful dish!! thanks for sharing it.