Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing is a flavorful, savory addition to your holiday meal that pairs perfectly with roast turkey or other meats. This stuffing is made with simple, delicious ingredients like breadcrumbs, sausage, herbs, and onions, creating a classic, hearty side dish that everyone at the table will love.
What Is Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing?
Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing is a traditional, savory stuffing made from a mixture of sausage meat, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and onions. This stuffing is baked until golden, resulting in a deliciously crispy top and soft, moist interior. It’s easy to make and can be served as a separate side dish or cooked inside the turkey.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Holiday Flavor: Savory sausage, herbs, and onions bring out the best flavors of the season.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics and fresh ingredients for great taste.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side or as a stuffing for turkey.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This can be prepped in advance and baked when ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A festive favorite that goes well with any holiday meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter – For sautéing the onions.
- 1 large onion (finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) – Enhances the savory taste.
- 400g sausage meat – Provides a rich, meaty base for the stuffing.
- 150g fresh breadcrumbs – Adds texture and structure to the stuffing.
- 1 apple (peeled and grated) – Adds a hint of sweetness and moisture.
- 1 large egg (beaten) – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped) – Adds a festive, earthy flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – Adds freshness.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
Optional
- 50g chopped nuts (such as walnuts or chestnuts) – Adds a crunchy texture.
- Grated zest of 1 lemon – Adds a touch of citrus brightness.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Mixing bowl – For combining all ingredients.
- Baking dish – To bake the stuffing.
- Parchment paper – To line the baking dish if desired.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, grated apple, beaten egg, chopped sage, parsley, and cooled onion and garlic mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. If using nuts or lemon zest, fold them in at this stage.
Step 4: Shape the Stuffing
You can shape the stuffing mixture into individual balls or spread it evenly into a baking dish. If making stuffing balls, roll them to about the size of a golf ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Place the baking dish or tray with stuffing balls in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If cooking in a baking dish, the top should be lightly browned and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve alongside roast turkey or your favorite holiday meats.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing
- Roast Turkey: Complements the flavors of a classic roast turkey perfectly.
- Roast Vegetables: Pairs well with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tart contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: A comforting, creamy pairing for the stuffing.
- Gravy: Pour over the stuffing for extra flavor and moisture.
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Stuffing
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs provide a soft texture; you can make them by pulsing bread in a food processor.
- Choose High-Quality Sausage Meat: Good-quality sausage meat adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Blanch the Apple: Grated apple keeps the stuffing moist, but make sure to drain any excess juice before adding.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage and parsley elevate the stuffing with vibrant flavors.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the ingredients gently to avoid compacting the stuffing, which keeps it light and fluffy.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing
- Vegetarian Stuffing: Replace sausage meat with chestnuts, mushrooms, or a mix of nuts for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Sausage: Use spicy sausage meat or add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.
- Add Dried Cranberries: For a sweet-tart flavor, mix in dried cranberries.
- Herb Medley: Use a combination of sage, thyme, and rosemary for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Cheesy Stuffing: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy twist.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing Healthier?
- Use Lean Sausage Meat: Opt for lower-fat sausage meat to reduce calories.
- Add More Vegetables: Include extra vegetables like celery or mushrooms for more fiber.
- Limit the Breadcrumbs: Use fewer breadcrumbs to make the stuffing lower in carbs.
- Choose Whole-Wheat Breadcrumbs: Adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing in Advance?
Yes, you can make the stuffing a day in advance. Prepare and shape the stuffing mixture, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Freeze Christmas Stuffing?
Yes, Christmas stuffing freezes well. After shaping or baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Stuffing Moist?
To keep stuffing moist, use fresh breadcrumbs and grated apples, which help retain moisture. If it seems dry before baking, add a splash of broth or extra beaten egg to bind the mixture.
Can I Make Christmas Stuffing Without Sausage Meat?
Yes, you can make vegetarian stuffing by replacing sausage meat with additional breadcrumbs, chopped mushrooms, or chestnuts. These ingredients provide texture and add savory flavor without the meat.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing is a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday meal. With a savory blend of sausage, herbs, and a hint of apple, this stuffing is sure to be a favorite on your holiday table.
Enjoy this delicious stuffing with your loved ones this holiday season!
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- Hairy Bikers Roasted Vegetable Lasagne
Mary Berry Christmas Stuffing
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Christmas Stuffing is a traditional, savory stuffing made from a mixture of sausage meat, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and onions. This stuffing is baked until golden, resulting in a deliciously crispy top and soft, moist interior. It’s easy to make and can be served as a separate side dish or cooked inside the turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter – For sautéing the onions.
- 1 large onion (finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) – Enhances the savory taste.
- 400g sausage meat – Provides a rich, meaty base for the stuffing.
- 150g fresh breadcrumbs – Adds texture and structure to the stuffing.
- 1 apple (peeled and grated) – Adds a hint of sweetness and moisture.
- 1 large egg (beaten) – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (chopped) – Adds a festive, earthy flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – Adds freshness.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
Optional
- 50g chopped nuts (such as walnuts or chestnuts) – Adds a crunchy texture.
- Grated zest of 1 lemon – Adds a touch of citrus brightness.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, grated apple, beaten egg, chopped sage, parsley, and cooled onion and garlic mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. If using nuts or lemon zest, fold them in at this stage.
Step 4: Shape the Stuffing
You can shape the stuffing mixture into individual balls or spread it evenly into a baking dish. If making stuffing balls, roll them to about the size of a golf ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
Place the baking dish or tray with stuffing balls in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If cooking in a baking dish, the top should be lightly browned and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve alongside roast turkey or your favorite holiday meats.
