Old-Fashioned German Stuffing: A Hearty Holiday Side Dish
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Are you tired of the same old Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes? Looking for something a little different, something with a bit of history and a whole lot of flavor? Look no further than this Old-Fashioned German Stuffing!
This hearty and comforting dish is a nod to the past, inspired by a recipe popular among German farmers in the 1800s. It’s a perfect pairing for roasted goose, but it also complements other holiday main courses like turkey or ham.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic Flavor: The combination of sauerkraut, bratwurst, and rye bread gives this stuffing a truly authentic German taste.
- Easy to Make: While it may seem like a lot of ingredients, the preparation is quite simple.
- Perfect Side Dish: This stuffing is the ideal accompaniment to any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1-pound) rye bread with seeds, stale or lightly toasted, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth, warmed
- 1 pound fresh sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 4 Bratwurst, diced up in small cubes
- 1 pound of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
- Toast the Bread: Cut the stale rye bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
- Sauté the Veggies: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the apples, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl with the bread cubes. Pour in the warmed chicken broth, sauerkraut, diced bratwurst, and crumbled bacon. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
- Bake the Stuffing: Spoon the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and golden brown.
Tips for the Best German Stuffing:
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your stuffing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the stuffing can cause the bread to become mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. You can also add other spices like thyme, sage, or nutmeg for additional flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This stuffing is best served hot, right out of the oven.
A Bit of German History
German stuffing, often called “Germknödel,” is a traditional German dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s typically made with a sweet dough filled with fruit, such as plums or apricots, and served with a sweet sauce.
How to Make a Giant Jam-Filled Steamed Dumpling | Germknödel
However, the savory version we’re sharing today is a hearty and delicious variation.
So, the next time you’re planning your holiday meal, consider adding this Old-Fashioned German Stuffing to your menu.
It’s a unique and flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.