Pumpernickel Sausage Stuffing

Galateadia's Note:

I've gotten tons of raves over this recipe, and I only just made it this last Thanksgiving! I baked one version covered and one uncovered, both were perfectly good (and not a whole lot different wetness-wise).

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lb chicken-apple sausages , chopped
• 2 large celery ribs , chopped
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 1 loaf pumpernickel bread , cut into 1-inch cubes and dried (1 pound)
• 1 sleeve multi-grain saltine crackers , crushed (4 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme , chopped
• 4 eggs , lightly beaten
• 2 cups stock (vegetable, chicken or turkey)
• ¼ cup flat leaf parsley , chopped
• kosher salt
• ground pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the sausage and cook for 5 minutes. Add the celery and onion and cook until the vegetables are tender and the meat is browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool.
2. Add the bread cubes, crackers, thyme, eggs, stock and parsley to the bowl and mix well. The mixture should be moist but not soggy; add a little more stock if you like your stuffing wetter. Season the stuffing with salt and pepper. Place in a 9-by-13-inch buttered baking dish and bake for 1 hour. (To keep the stuffing moist, cover the top loosely with foil while it bakes.).