Ciabatta Stuffing with Sausage and Chestnuts Recipe
Nov 18, 2024, Updated Nov 28, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
You’ll want to add this delicious ciabatta stuffing to your list of cozy side dishes! The contrast between the crunchy toasted ciabatta, savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and chewy chestnuts makes this an award-winning side dish everyone will love.
Serve with turkey tenderloin, crispy Brussels sprouts, and classic apple pie.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
The ciabatta bread is the perfect foundation for the stuffing. Its airy, open crumb and sturdy crust absorb the savory broth and flavors from the sausage, herbs, and vegetables without becoming mushy. When lightly toasted before mixing, the ciabatta retains a delightful mix of textures—crispy edges with a tender, flavorful interior.
A well-made stuffing is incredibly comforting, and this one is no exception. The warm, savory flavors and the satisfying mix of textures make it the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day or a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving menu, bringing warmth and joy to any meal. It’s one of our favorite homemade stuffing recipes of all time.
Try our vegetarian stuffing for a meatless version and serve with Thanksgiving turkey.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Homemade stuffing is worth the effort for your Thanksgiving table or special occasions. This stuffing mixture requires a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients from your grocery store.
- Butter: Rich and creamy, butter adds a luscious flavor and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- Pork Sausage, Italian Style: Savory and seasoned with classic Italian spices, this sausage brings a hearty and flavorful element to the stuffing.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, the onion provides a sweet, aromatic base, adding depth to the stuffing’s flavor.
- Carrots: Peeled and finely chopped, carrots bring a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery Stalks: Finely chopped, celery adds a satisfying crunch and subtle earthiness to the mix.
- Fresh Thyme and Rosemary Leaves: Chopped fresh herbs infuse the stuffing with a fragrant, woodsy aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: Chopped garlic provides a pungent, savory note that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Roasted Peeled Whole Chestnuts: Coarsely broken, these chestnuts add a nutty sweetness and unique texture that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
- Fresh Italian Parsley Leaves: Chopped parsley brings a burst of freshness and a hint of peppery flavor, brightening the dish.
- Day-Old Ciabatta Bread: Cut into cubes, this rustic Italian bread becomes the hearty base of the stuffing, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Parmigiano Cheese: Freshly grated, this cheese adds a nutty, salty richness that ties all the ingredients together.
- Canned Low-Salt Chicken Broth: Used to moisten the stuffing, the broth enhances the savory flavors without overpowering them. Vegetable broth is also great.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the stuffing together, ensuring it holds its shape while baking.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Ciabatta Stuffing
Despite its rich and complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward to prepare. For more, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Toast the cubbed ciabatta bread on a baking sheet in a preheated oven.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked sausage.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan.
Add the herbs and garlic to the onion mixture.
Toss in the cubed bread and cheese.
Add the broth to the ciabatta bread mixture.
Mix in the beaten egg white to the stuffing mixture.
Arrange the stuffing in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Whether you’re serving this as a side dish for a Thanksgiving feast or holiday meal or enjoying it as a main course on a cozy evening, this stuffing fits the occasion.
Substitutions
Sausage:
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage. You can find Italian-seasoned varieties that will still provide that classic flavor.
- Vegetarian Sausage: If you’re looking for a meatless option, try a plant-based sausage. Many brands offer Italian-flavored vegetarian sausages that would work well in this recipe.
- Ground Meat: Ground pork, beef, or turkey can be seasoned with Italian herbs and used as a substitute if you don’t have sausage on hand.
Ciabatta Bread:
- Gluten-Free Bread: If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free ciabatta or another sturdy gluten-free bread.
- Sourdough Bread or French Bread: If ciabatta isn’t available, these can be substituted. They have a similar texture and will hold up well in the stuffing.
Chestnuts:
- Pecans or Walnuts: If chestnuts aren’t available, pecans or walnuts can add a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Dried Fruit: For a sweeter touch, dried cranberries or apricots can be substituted for the chestnuts, adding a different flavor dimension.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: From Fridge: Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes. Microwave: Heat on medium in 1-minute intervals until warm.
From Freezer: Thaw: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as above. Directly from Frozen: Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, covered with foil.
Tip: Add a little broth if the stuffing seems dry when reheating.
How to Make Ahead
Bake: When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Prepare: Follow the recipe by mixing all ingredients.
Store: Cover and refrigerate the unbaked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old ciabatta absorbs flavors better and maintains a great texture.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread cubes for a perfect balance of crunchy and tender textures.
- Cook the Sausage Separately: Brown the sausage first to maximize flavor and remove excess fat before combining it with other ingredients.
- Don’t Over-Saturate: Add broth gradually to avoid making the stuffing too soggy. The bread should be moist, not drenched.
- Add Eggs Last: Stir in the beaten eggs just before baking to help bind the stuffing without making it too dense.
- Cover, Then Uncover: Bake covered with foil for even cooking, then uncover to crisp the top for the final 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Yes! Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Yes, ciabatta bread is excellent for stuffing. Its sturdy texture holds up well to absorbing flavors while maintaining a satisfying bite. Read more about the best bread for stuffing.
More Recipes
Here are similar recipes you will love.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your ciabatta bread stuffing with these main dishes.
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Print
Ciabatta Bread Stuffing with Sausage and Chestnuts Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
You’ll want to add this delcious ciabatta stuffing to your list of cozy side dishes! The contrast between the crunchy toasted ciabatta, savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and chewy chestnuts makes this an award-winning side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
- 8 ounces pork sausage, Italian style
- 2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 cup celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 (7.4-ounce) jars roasted peeled whole chestnuts, coarsely broken
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, chopped
- 1 pound day-old ciabatta bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese (parmesan cheese)
- 2 cups (or more) canned low-salt chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare the Bread: Spread the ciabatta cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they are lightly golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and let cool.
-
Cook the Sausage: In a large pan or skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon to a large mixing bowl.
-
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the sausage. Stir in the chestnuts, parsley, and dried bread cubes. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
-
Add Cheese and Broth: Sprinkle in the grated parmigiano cheese and mix. Gradually pour enough broth in the chicken broth, stirring as you go until the mixture is moistened but not soggy. You may need to add more broth if it seems too dry. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
-
Add the Eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs until the mixture is fully combined.
-
Bake: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top of the stuffing is golden brown and crisp.
-
Serve: Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a hearty side dish for your holiday table.
Enjoy this rustic and flavorful Italian twist on a classic stuffing! Buon appetito!
Notes
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old ciabatta absorbs flavors better and maintains a great texture.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread cubes for a perfect balance of crunchy and tender textures.
- Cook the Sausage Separately: Brown the sausage first to maximize flavor and remove excess fat before combining it with other ingredients.
- Don’t Over-Saturate: Add broth gradually to avoid making the stuffing too soggy. The bread should be moist, not drenched.
- Add Eggs Last: Stir in the beaten eggs just before baking to help bind the stuffing without making it too dense.
- Cover, Then Uncover: Bake covered with foil for even cooking, then uncover to crisp the top for the final 10-15 minutes.
Make Ahead of Time:
Prepare: Follow the recipe by mixing all ingredients.
Store: Cover and refrigerate the unbaked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Bake: When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: American
Hearty stuffing with the perfect balance of flavors! You’ll love this one!