Can I use store-bought focaccia?

Absolutely. While homemade focaccia is wonderful, high-quality store-bought focaccia works perfectly for this recipe. We look for focaccia that's thick, well-structured, and preferably made with good olive oil.

How do I know when the stuffing is done?

The stuffing is done when the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the top is golden brown and crispy. If the top is browning too quickly, we tent it loosely with foil for the final minutes of baking.

Can I freeze stuffing focaccia?

Yes, we can freeze the unbaked stuffing for up to one month. Prepare the recipe through combining all ingredients in the casserole dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I serve with stuffing focaccia?

This stuffing complements any roasted poultry or pork beautifully. We love it with herb-roasted turkey, garlic and rosemary chicken, or honey-glazed ham. It's also delicious alongside braised short ribs or roasted lamb.

Can I make this stuffing gluten-free?

We can substitute gluten-free focaccia bread for the regular focaccia. Ensure all other ingredients, particularly the broth and sausage, are certified gluten-free as well.

Stuffing Focaccia Recipe, The Amazing Italian-Inspired 2025

Name: Stuffing Focaccia The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz Italian sausage, casings removed; ¼ cup butter; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup onion, diced; 1 cup apple, cored and diced; 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste; 8 cups focaccia bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 large egg, beaten; 3 cups chicken or turkey broth

Stuffing Focaccia The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

16 oz Italian sausage, casings removed

¼ cup butter

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup apple, cored and diced

1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

8 cups focaccia bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large egg, beaten

3 cups chicken or turkey broth

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-6 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat behind.

Return the skillet to the stove and add ¼ cup of butter. Once melted, add the diced celery, onion, and apple, along with the fresh sage, dried thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 9-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Place the cubed focaccia in a very large mixing bowl. Add the cooked sausage and the sautéed vegetable mixture to the bowl. Toss everything together until it’s well combined.

Add the 1 beaten large egg and 3 cups of broth to the focaccia mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the liquid is evenly absorbed by the bread cubes.

Pour the stuffing mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and crisp and the center registers 165°F.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip:You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead. Follow the steps up to combining the focaccia, sausage, and vegetables. Cover and refrigerate. Do NOT add the egg and broth until you are ready to bake to prevent sogginess.

🌱 Vegetarian:

Omit the sausage and substitute with 16 ounces of sautéed cremini mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

🥜 Sweet & Nutty Crunch:

Toss in ½ cup of toasted pecans or dried cranberries along with the focaccia cubes.

🌶️ Spicy Kick:

Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 325

Find it online: https://www.recipescommunity.com/stuffing-focaccia-side-dish-recipe/