📋 The Best Italian Sausage Stuffing Wrapped in Bacon

Sausagemeat and Chestnut Stuffing Wrapped in Bacon

📋 The Best Italian Sausage Stuffing Wrapped in Bacon

This Italian sausage stuffing recipe brings you a delightful holiday classic inspired by Italian traditions. In Italy, chestnut stuffing is a cherished part of holiday meals, especially during Christmas. These sausage and chestnut stuffing rolls are a perfect addition to your holiday table. You can make them in advance, freeze, and defrost as needed.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword sausage stuffing, sausagemeat, stuffing rolls

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Resting time 1

Total Time 12 55

Servings people

Calories 649kcal

Author Laura Tobin

Equipment

Ingredients

12 oz freshly minced lean beef
12 oz sausage casings removed or minced pork
1 carrot diced
1 celery stalk diced
1 onion diced
3.5 oz stale bread
1 cup milk
3.5 oz Boiled and peeled chestnuts
2.5 oz dry cranberries
1 fresh eggs
1 cup Cognac
2 teaspoon salt
black pepper
21 oz sliced bacon (about 21 slices to use for wrapping)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making the stuffing

Steep the bread into milk for 30 minutes/1 hour until the milk is absorbed.
3.5 oz stale bread, 1 cup milk
Mix the rest of the ingredients for the filling with the bread
12 oz freshly minced lean beef, 12 oz sausage casings removed, 1 carrot diced, 1 celery stalk diced, 1 onion diced, 3.5 oz Boiled and peeled chestnuts, 2.5 oz dry cranberries, 1 fresh eggs, 1 cup Cognac, 2 teaspoon salt, black pepper

Wrap them in bacon

Wrap a ball of filling in each bacon strip
21 oz sliced bacon
Either wrap in parcels to freeze, or let them rest overnight so the flavours have time to amalgamate.

Bake

Lay the rolls over a baking tin
Bake at 355 F - 180 C for 30 minutes.
Serve with your roast or a risotto

Video

Notes

Top Tips

Bread Selection: Opt for denser bread like sourdough or French bread. Their sturdy texture holds up better during baking and absorbs flavors more effectively.
Proper Soaking: Ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked in milk but not overly soggy. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your stuffing.
Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian, chicken, or turkey sausage for the best flavor. The sausage is a key component, so its taste will significantly influence the overall dish.
Seasoning Balance: Balance your seasonings. If your sausage is heavily spiced, adjust the additional seasonings accordingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
Even Cooking: Spread the rolls evenly in the baking dish to ensure they cook uniformly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Resting Time: If time permits, let the prepared rolls rest before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Cranberries vs. Raisins: Choose between cranberries and raisins based on the occasion and your flavor preference. Cranberries add a tartness suitable for Thanksgiving, while raisins offer a traditional sweet touch.
Oven Watch: Keep an eye on the oven temperature and baking time. Overcooking can dry out the rolls, so it’s important to bake them just until they’re golden brown.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these rolls with complementary sides like mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Advance Preparation: These rolls can be prepared ahead and frozen, making them a convenient option for busy holiday cooking. Remember to thaw them properly before baking.

Nutrition