Irresistible Keto Sausage Stuffing Recipe: The Ultimate Low-Carb Thanksgiving Side!

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, the thought of giving up traditional Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing can be disheartening. This keto sausage stuffing recipe offers a delicious and satisfying alternative that captures the essence of the classic dish without the carbs. Using keto bread as a base and combining it with flavorful Italian sausage, low-carb vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this stuffing is sure to be a hit with both keto and non-keto eaters alike.

Why Choose Keto Stuffing?

Traditional bread stuffing is often high in carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for those adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle. This keto sausage stuffing provides a guilt-free way to enjoy a beloved holiday classic. With only 2.8g net carbs per serving, this recipe allows you to indulge in the flavors of Thanksgiving without compromising your dietary goals.

Ingredients

The key to a successful keto stuffing lies in using the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Keto Bread: The foundation of this stuffing is keto bread, such as Keto Franz bread. This low-carb bread is essential for keeping the carb count down while still providing a bread-like texture.
Italian Sausage: Opt for a pound of mild Italian sausage, ensuring it doesn't contain added sugars or excessive additives. Hot Italian sausage or breakfast sausage can also be used, depending on your preference.
Onion: A medium-sized diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the stuffing.
Celery: Celery is a must-have for classic stuffing flavor and provides a satisfying crunch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended for its robust flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Dried Italian Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds a savory and aromatic element to the stuffing.
Dried Poultry Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a traditional Thanksgiving taste.
Broth: Chicken bone broth is ideal for moistening the stuffing while keeping it low-carb.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping the stuffing maintain its texture.
Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the stuffing. Broth can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
Butter: Used for buttering the casserole dish and adding richness to the sautéed vegetables.
Optional Add-ins: Pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts can be added for extra texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme can also be incorporated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making keto sausage stuffing involves a few steps, but the process is straightforward and yields delicious results.

Preparing the Keto Bread Cubes

Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 250°F (121°C).
Cube the bread: Cut the keto bread into ½-inch cubes.
Dry the bread cubes: Spread the bread cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Bake: Bake the bread cubes for 30 minutes, or until they are completely dried out and crisp. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the final dish.
Remove and set aside: Once the bread cubes are dried, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.

Sautéing the Vegetables and Sausage

Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
Remove the sausage: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet, leaving some grease behind. Set the sausage aside in a large bowl.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Combine: Transfer the cooked onions and celery to the bowl with the sausage.

Assembling the Stuffing

Combine dry ingredients: Add the dried bread cubes to the bowl with the sausage and vegetables. Sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning and dried poultry seasoning.
Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, eggs, heavy cream (or additional broth), salt, and pepper.
Pour and combine: Pour the wet ingredients over the sausage and bread cube mixture, and combine thoroughly.
Prepare the baking dish: Generously butter a 9x9 or 11x7 casserole dish.
Add stuffing to the dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Dot the top with the remaining butter.

Baking the Stuffing

Preheat the oven: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the top has a nice golden crust.
Tent with foil (optional): If the top of the stuffing starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cool and serve: Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Stuffing

Dry out the bread: Properly drying the keto bread cubes is essential to prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy.
Don't oversoak: When adding the broth mixture, add it gradually to ensure the stuffing is damp but not overly wet.
Customize the flavor: Adjust the seasonings and herbs to suit your personal taste. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
Make ahead: This stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze for later: Keto stuffing can be frozen for several weeks. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Thaw completely before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as hot Italian, breakfast sausage, or chicken sausage.
Vegetables: Add other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, fennel, or bell peppers.
Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or pine nuts, or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
Herbs: Use a combination of your favorite fresh herbs, such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, to create a unique flavor profile.
Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with additional broth or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This keto sausage stuffing is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Thanksgiving dinner: Serve it alongside roast turkey, keto cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and keto cauliflower mashed potatoes for a complete keto Thanksgiving feast.
Everyday meals: Enjoy it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or baked ham.
Stuffed dishes: Use it to stuff chicken breasts or pork chops for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Stuffing waffles: Transform leftover stuffing into delicious waffles by cooking it in a waffle iron.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (approximately ½ cup) of this keto sausage stuffing contains:

Net Carbs: 2.8g

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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