I took on the task of hosting Thanksgiving for the very first time with two one-year-olds.
A few years back, my sister was due any day with my second nephew. My family was focused on the impending delivery, so naturally, I had to step up and give my best go at hosting.
I was in a bit of a panic. I was completely unsure of how to host a Thanksgiving dinner with tiny children to care for. Luckily, a dear friend of mine handed me a stack of papers with all of the recipes from her family. Having all of those delicious recipes on hand was a life-saver. I never liked Thanksgiving stuffing before this one! I got creative with this recipe and is hands down, my all-time favorite.
This is also a fan favorite from my huge Italian family. They love this one. LOVE.
Italian style Thanksgiving Stuffing
This recipe has been a hit for many years now. When I take it to a Friendsgiving gathering or am just contributing to our family meal, I am repeatedly asked for the recipe.
Italian Style Thanksgiving Stuffing
- 1 lb Leeks (Sliced thin)
- 1 lb Celery (Diced)
- 1.5 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 Bag Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
- 4 oz Diced Pancetta
Begin by dicing your vegetables.
Thoroughly cook the sausage and transfer to a plate. Add the pancetta to the pan and cook thoroughly. Then cook the celery and leeks in the same pan as the sausage until they are tender. Season your vegetables with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, vegetables, 1 cups of parmesan cheese and stuffing mix.
Begin to slowly pour chicken broth into the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are moist. Be careful not to add too much liquid to the mixture.
Transfer the stuffing into a baking dish, top with remaining parmesan cheese and place into the oven on 350 degrees. Bake for 20 minutes.
If you are using the stuffing in a turkey, set aside the stuffing for your turkey before transferring everything else into a baking dish.
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of the year. Spending time in the kitchen and around a table with loved ones cannot be rivaled. The traditions that we have as a family and the memories we create with our boys are a gift of parenthood.
So this year, whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or you are just looking to spice up your family meal, there is one thing that I can guarantee…this Thanksgiving stuffing will be a hit!
Will you do me a favor? Share with me your favorite Thanksgiving recipes. I love experimenting in the kitchen and finding new things that my family will love. Help me spice up my Thanksgiving meal!
