Tired of traditional stuffing that leaves you feeling heavy and guilty? Get ready to transform your holiday table with this game-changing Cauliflower Rice and Sausage Stuffing! This innovative recipe takes the classic comfort food and gives it a healthy, delicious makeover that will have everyone asking for seconds. By swapping out bread for nutritious cauliflower rice and adding savory sausage, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that's not just diet-friendly, but absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, grated
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing and cutting it into florets. Use a food processor or box grater to create rice-like cauliflower pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and completely cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet, leaving behind the rendered fat. In the same skillet, add diced onions and celery. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the grated cauliflower to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cauliflower begins to soften but remains slightly crisp.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle dried sage, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and seasoned.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cauliflower to reach desired tenderness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Let the stuffing rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Tips
- Rice Consistency is Key: When grating cauliflower, aim for uniform, rice-like pieces to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
- Don't Overcook the Cauliflower: Keep it slightly crisp to prevent mushiness. The goal is a tender but not soggy stuffing.
- Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage provides most of the flavor, so choose a well-seasoned variety like Italian or sage-infused sausage.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with herbs and seasonings. The dried sage is crucial for that classic stuffing flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stuffing to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and improves overall taste and texture. Pro Tip: This stuffing is not just for holidays! It makes an excellent low-carb side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or as a standalone meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg