Stuffing is often the shining star of fall and winter holiday meals, as far as we're concerned. It's amazing how many different ways you can prepare stuffing and how it can be sweet or savory ...
Here are three stuffing recipes, tried-and-true in Macaroni KID publisher kitchens. There likely won't be any leftovers.
 MSPhotographic via Canva |
Crispy Apple, Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing
My kiddos LOVE crispy baked stuffing, so we took one of their favorite sides and added a few festive fall ingredients. Feel free to add all three ingredients to your recipe or just one or two. It is even tasty with the simple addition of tart apples! This recipe can also be made in muffin tins for individual-size "stuffing muffins." — Heather Wirtz
Ingredients:
- 4 cups prepared stuffing/dressing (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced small
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
- Spoon evenly into a lightly greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until crispy.
- Carefully remove from oven and serve immediately.
 mphillips007 via Canva |
Sausage and Wild Rice Thanksgiving Stuffing
I'll let you in on a little family secret…our stuffing recipe is “semi-homemade,” simple (only 3 ingredients!), and is simply delicious. This is a tasty recipe that is a perfect addition to your own Thanksgiving table, reheats beautifully if you’re bringing it potluck style to another family member’s home, and it’s also a good side dish to add to your regular winter weeknight meals! If you choose, you can add celery or apples to this versatile stuffing. — Elisa Rispoli
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes or 1 full bag of your favorite store bought stuffing mix (we like the cornbread one in the large bag)
- 2 cups of cooked wild rice mix (in a pinch, you can even use the prepared bag that can be microwaved for 90 seconds)
- 1 lb. of good Italian sausage (we purchase ours from our local butcher, but taking the sausage meat out of links will work too!), cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp. olive oil, for cooking sausage
Directions:
- Cook the wild rice according to directions and until tender. Wild rice usually takes about 30-45 minutes to cook, so start this before the rest!
- Cook stuffing according to directions on the packaging.
- Meanwhile, cook the sausage in a large frying pan in olive oil.
- When all is cooked, combine gently and fold in all ingredients evenly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Seth's Caesar Stuffing (say that 3 times fast)
Getting the Mac "KIDS" involved in holiday cooking is not only a blast but it is a great way for them to be more independent and likely eat better. We tend to eat more of what we have actually prepared ourselves! -Elisa Posniack
Ingredients:
- 16oz. bag of Organic Caesar Croutons (has all the savory flavors already built in)
- 4 cups of Turkey Broth
- 2 cups of Vegetable Broth
- 1 cup of cooked carrots
- 2/3 cup of cooked celery
Directions:
- Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees
- Empty the Caesar croutons into a large bowl
- Slowly add the two types of broth and mix until wet but not soaked
- Add the carrots and celery and mix well.
- Spoon the Caesar stuffing mix into a copper or ceramic pan (9x13).
- Cook on the middle rack for 30-40 minutes. For crunchier stuffing- place on low broil for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly but serve warm.
*Great for turkey and holiday dinners! You can also freeze the stuffing and reheat for lunch, or bring your stuffing creation to friends/family gatherings as a stand-alone side dish!
Enjoy!
