Mary Berry’s Sage & Onion Stuffing is a classic and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements roast meats, especially turkey or chicken. Made with fresh sage, onions, breadcrumbs, and butter, this stuffing is rich, aromatic, and simple to prepare. It’s an essential addition to festive meals or Sunday roasts, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste.
What is Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing?
This traditional stuffing combines finely chopped onions and sage with breadcrumbs, butter, and seasoning to create a savory mixture. It’s baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and moist on the inside. Mary Berry’s recipe is straightforward, focusing on classic flavors that enhance any roast dinner.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: A traditional sage and onion stuffing never goes out of style.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe foolproof.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, pork, or even vegetarian roasts.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with additional ingredients like nuts or dried fruits.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: A must-have side for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Sunday roasts.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Onions (2 large, finely chopped): The base of the stuffing, adds sweetness and flavor.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Fresh Sage (2 tbsp, finely chopped): The star herb, provides an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (200g): Forms the body of the stuffing. Use fresh or dried.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind the stuffing.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock (100ml): Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Optional Additions
- Chestnuts (100g, chopped): Adds a nutty crunch.
- Dried Cranberries (50g): For a touch of sweetness.
- Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): For extra herbaceous flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or tray
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Sauté the onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened but not browned.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, chopped sage, beaten egg, and stock. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Shape the stuffing
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, pressing it down lightly. Alternatively, shape the stuffing into small balls for individual portions.
Step 5: Bake the stuffing
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If making stuffing balls, bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the stuffing from the oven and serve warm alongside your roast dinner.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: A classic pairing for stuffing.
- Gravy: Drizzle over the stuffing for extra moisture and flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mash complements the stuffing beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.
- Yorkshire Puddings: A delightful addition to any roast dinner.
- Apple Sauce: Especially good with pork roasts.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Use Fresh Sage: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried sage works in a pinch.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine the ingredients just until they hold together to avoid a dense stuffing.
- Keep It Moist: Adjust the amount of stock to ensure the stuffing isn’t too dry.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and bake it fresh when needed.
- Crisp the Top: For an extra crispy top, drizzle a little melted butter over the stuffing before baking.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Add Sausage Meat: Mix in 200g of sausage meat for a meatier stuffing.
- Include Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried apricots or apples for a hint of sweetness.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with olive oil, and use vegetable stock and a flaxseed egg substitute.
- Cheesy Stuffing: Mix in grated Parmesan or cheddar for added richness.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze the cooked stuffing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and bake it fresh when needed.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing?
Yes, the stuffing can be frozen. Shape the mixture into a dish or stuffing balls, freeze uncooked, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I keep the stuffing from drying out?
To keep stuffing moist, ensure you use enough stock in the mixture. Cover the dish with foil while baking and remove it in the last 10 minutes for a crisp top.
Can I add sausage meat to Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing?
Yes, you can mix in sausage meat with the breadcrumbs and onions to make a meatier stuffing. Ensure it is cooked through if baking inside a bird.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Sage & Onion Stuffing is a classic and versatile recipe that’s guaranteed to elevate any roast dinner. With its rich flavors and perfect texture, this stuffing is a must-have side dish for festive feasts and Sunday lunches. Give it a try and enjoy a timeless culinary delight!
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Mary Berry Sage & Onion Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This traditional stuffing combines finely chopped onions and sage with breadcrumbs, butter, and seasoning to create a savory mixture. It’s baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and moist on the inside. Mary Berry’s recipe is straightforward, focusing on classic flavors that enhance any roast dinner.
Ingredients
- Onions (2 large, finely chopped): The base of the stuffing, adds sweetness and flavor.
- Butter (50g): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Fresh Sage (2 tbsp, finely chopped): The star herb, provides an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (200g): Forms the body of the stuffing. Use fresh or dried.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind the stuffing.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock (100ml): Keeps the stuffing moist and flavorful.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Optional Additions
- Chestnuts (100g, chopped): Adds a nutty crunch.
- Dried Cranberries (50g): For a touch of sweetness.
- Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): For extra herbaceous flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Sauté the onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened but not browned.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, chopped sage, beaten egg, and stock. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Shape the stuffing
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, pressing it down lightly. Alternatively, shape the stuffing into small balls for individual portions.
Step 5: Bake the stuffing
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If making stuffing balls, bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the stuffing from the oven and serve warm alongside your roast dinner.
