Spinach, Fennel, and Sausage Stuffing with Toasted Brioche

By Dixie8686

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Spinach, Fennel, and Sausage Stuffing with Toasted Brioche
The addition of airy brioche gives this aromatic spiced stuffing a less dense texture than most holiday casseroles.

8–10 servings

Recipe by Susan Spungen

Photograph by Christopher Testani

November 2011

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche or challah (about 12 oz.), cut into 1" cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casing removed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more for dish
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and coarsly chopped (about 3 cups)
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed, well squeezed, coarsly chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from bonappetit.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preparation

Preheat to 350°. Scatter bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast until golden brown, tossing once, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely. DO AHEAD: Bread can be toasted 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking up into smaller pieces with the back of a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate; let cool. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 10–12 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a 3-qt. shallow baking dish. Whisk eggs to blend in a large bowel; whisk in broth. Stir in sausage, the onion-fennel mixture, spinach, salt, pepper, and fennel seeds. Add bread; toss until evenly distributed and bread has absorbed the liquid. Transfer to prepared dish; dot with remaining 2 Tbsp butter.

Bake until stuffing is hot and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.

Hungry for More? If you have a question about this recipe, contact our Test Kitchen at [e-mail]. To see more recipes like this one, check out our Thanksgiving Stuffing Slideshow.