Cranberry Sausage Dressing Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Thanksgiving Fare
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsUsesIngredients- 1 pound of cranberries, fresh or frozen- 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed- 1 small onion……
Guide or Summary:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Cranberries**: If using fresh cranberries, rinse them thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. If using frozen cranberries, thaw them completely before proceeding.
2. **Cook the Sausage**: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it is fully browned and cooked through. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, followed by the rinsed cranberries, chicken broth, white wine (if using), brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. **Simmer**: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Finish with Olive Oil**: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and whisk in the olive oil. This will give the dressing a glossy finish and enhance its flavor.
7. **Season and Garnish**: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Uses
This cranberry sausage dressing is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to use it:
- **Thanksgiving Dressing**: Serve it as a side dish to your turkey or as a topping for your stuffing.
- **Roasted Vegetables**: Drizzle it over roasted root vegetables for a sweet and savory twist.
- **Salads**: Add it to your green salads for a festive and flavorful touch.
- **Sandwiches**: Spread it on your favorite sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
This cranberry sausage dressing recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make addition to your holiday table. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the festive colors of cranberries, make it a perfect choice for Thanksgiving and other festive occasions. Whether you're looking to elevate your traditional Thanksgiving dishes or try something new, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!