Garlic Butter Tossed Heavenly Waffles Holiday Stuffing Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Butter Tossed Heavenly Waffles Holiday Stuffing is a rich, aromatic side dish perfect for your Thanksgiving or winter gatherings. Crisp waffle cubes are coated in warm garlic herb butter, combined with sautéed vegetables and spicy sausage, creating a cozy and savory showstopper your guests will love.
Ingredients
- 8 cooked Heavenly Waffles, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 garlic clove, pasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon minced sage
- Maldon salt (to taste)
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, small diced
- 5 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups turkey stock
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 Heavenly Waffles (about 4×4 inches each) and let them cool slightly. Cut into 1-inch cubes and set aside to dry slightly while prepping other ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the pasted garlic clove, fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add diced yellow onion and celery to the herb butter. Season lightly with Maldon salt. Cook until onions are translucent and celery softens.
- Step 4: In a separate skillet, brown the Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage. Drain off the rendered fat, then add the cooked sausage to the pan with the vegetables and herb butter. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Place the waffle cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sausage-vegetable mixture over them and gently toss to coat without crushing the waffle pieces.
- Step 6: Butter a 12×8-inch casserole dish and add the stuffing mixture evenly. Slowly pour 2 cups of turkey stock over the top and stir lightly to distribute without breaking the waffle cubes. Cover with foil.
- Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is hot and tender. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, use mild sausage or turkey sausage instead of hot sausage.
- Add chopped mushrooms or dried cranberries for extra texture and holiday flair.
- Use homemade turkey stock for the richest flavor, or substitute with quality store-bought stock if in a pinch.
- Let the waffle cubes dry out a bit to help them hold their shape and absorb the flavors better.
Storage
Store leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through, adding a splash of turkey stock if it feels dry. This stuffing can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake it just before serving to save time on holiday day.
Can I use regular bread instead of Heavenly Waffles?
While you can substitute regular bread cubes, the unique texture and flavor of Heavenly Waffles add a special touch that makes this stuffing stand out.
PrintGarlic Butter Tossed Heavenly Waffles Holiday Stuffing Recipe
A rich and aromatic holiday stuffing featuring crisp Heavenly Waffles cubes tossed in warm garlic herb butter, sautéed vegetables, and spicy sausage. This cozy and savory casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an impressive centerpiece for Thanksgiving or winter gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Stuffing
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 cooked Heavenly Waffles, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1 garlic clove, pasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon minced sage
- Maldon salt (to taste)
- 1 package Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, small diced
- 5 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups turkey stock
Instructions
- Prepare the Heavenly Waffles: Cook 8 Heavenly Waffles (each about 4×4 inches). Let them cool slightly, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside to dry slightly while preparing the other ingredients.
- Make the Herb Butter Base: In a large sauté pan, melt 1 stick of salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the pasted garlic clove, fresh thyme, minced rosemary, and minced sage. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and celery to the herb butter. Season lightly with Maldon salt. Cook until onions are translucent and celery begins to soften.
- Brown the Sausage: In a separate skillet, brown the Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Strain off the rendered fat. Add the cooked sausage to the pan with the vegetables and herb butter, stirring to combine.
- Combine Everything: Place the Heavenly Waffles cubes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sausage-vegetable mixture over the cubes. Toss gently to coat without crushing the waffle pieces.
- Assemble the Stuffing: Butter a 12×8-inch casserole dish. Add the stuffing mixture evenly to the pan. Slowly pour 2 cups of turkey stock over the top and give a light stir to distribute the stock without breaking the waffle cubes. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is hot and tender. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Allowing the waffle cubes to dry slightly before mixing helps them absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy.
- Using fresh herbs elevates the aroma and flavor of the stuffing considerably.
- For a milder option, substitute spicy sausage with mild or turkey sausage.
- For extra crispiness, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Keywords: Holiday stuffing, Heavenly Waffles stuffing, garlic butter stuffing, sausage stuffing, Thanksgiving side dish, baked stuffing, savory waffle stuffing
