Sausage and Sage Stuffing

Serves 8 Hands-On Time: 35m Total Time: 1hr 45m Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound Italian or breakfast sausage, casings removed • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish and foil • 1 large loaf Italian bread (about 1 pound), cut into 3⁄4-inch pieces (about 16 cups) • 2 medium onions, chopped • 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced • kosher salt and black pepper • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Directions 1. Heat oven to 375° F. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and reserve skillet. 2. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Divide the bread between 2 rimmed baking sheets and bake until dry and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, wipe out the skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender and beginning to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the wine and cook until evaporated, 2 to 4 minutes; transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. 4. Add the bread, broth, eggs, sausage, parsley, sage, and ½ teaspoon salt to the vegetables and toss to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with buttered foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Tip Don’t be tempted to upgrade your bread for this recipe. Sourdoughs and crusty country breads will yield dense, heavy cubes that can weigh your dish down. Soft, thin-crusted loaves from the supermarket make the best stuffing