Sausage Leek "Bread Pudding" Stuffing

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with bread stuffing, featuring browned bread cubes, sausage, carrots, celery, and herbs. The top is golden and crispy.

5 from 1 vote

Sausage Leek "Bread Pudding" Stuffing

This stuffing is rich and flavorful without being heavy. The miso and soy add umami depth, the sausage and vegetables build a flavorful base, and the custard keeps it soft and creamy inside with a golden, crisp top. The semolina bread holds it all perfectly.

Prep Time25

Cook Time1 5

Total Time1 29

Course: dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday cooking, thanksgiving

Servings:

Ingredients

8 cups cubed semolina bread
1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion diced
1 leek white and light green parts only, sliced
4 celery stalks diced
2 carrots peeled and finely chopped
8 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 cups chicken stock
¾ cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
2 tbsp white miso paste
1 –1½ tsp soy sauce
¾ tsp kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Olive oil or neutral oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

Dry the Bread

Preheat oven to 275°F. Spread the bread cubes on a sheet tray and bake for about 30 minutes, tossing halfway, until dry but not browned. Let cool slightly.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Transfer to a bowl and leave the fat in the pan.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the onion, leek, celery, and carrot with a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, 6–8 minutes.
Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 6–8 minutes.
Add Herbs & Sausage
Stir in the sage and half the parsley. Return the sausage to the pan and toss to combine. Cook 1 minute, then remove from heat.

Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, heavy cream, eggs, miso, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the dried bread with the sausage-vegetable mixture. Pour the custard over top and toss until evenly coated. Add remaining parsley.
Let sit 20 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid, or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer the mixture to a greased 11x9-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, then uncover and bake another 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp and the center has a gentle wobble.

Rest & Serve

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. The custard will finish setting as it cools.

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