Looking for a stuffing recipe that’ll make your holiday meals extra special? This pork and chestnut stuffing is a twist on the classic bread stuffing we all grew up with. The combination of savory ground pork and buttery chestnuts creates a flavor that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it alongside turkey, chicken, or just on its own, this stuffing is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pancetta can be replaced with bacon for a similar smoky flavor, or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If using mushrooms, sauté them longer to reduce moisture and concentrate flavor. Chestnuts can be substituted with pecans or walnuts, offering a similar texture and nutty taste. Adjust the quantity slightly, as nuts are denser than chestnuts. For a meat-free version, replace sausages with a plant-based alternative like crumbled tempeh or a commercial meat substitute. Season tempeh with additional herbs and spices to mimic sausage flavors. These substitutions maintain the stuffing’s rich taste and texture while accommodating various dietary preferences.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 90-100 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 g
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
- salt to taste
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 6.7 oz cooked chestnuts (roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp dried sage
- 14 oz sausages (casings removed, meat crumbled)
- black pepper to taste (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 oz breadcrumbs (I use Panko brand)
- 3.5 oz pancetta (diced)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
This will ensure it’s ready to go once your stuffing mixture is prepared.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancetta Mixture
In a food processor, add the pancetta, onion, and chestnuts.
Process these ingredients until everything is finely chopped.
It is fine if there are some larger lumps of pancetta remaining, as they can add texture to the stuffing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
Remove the skins from the sausages and squeeze the sausage meat into a large bowl.
To this bowl, add the pancetta, onion, and chestnut mixture you prepared in the previous step.
Sprinkle in the dried sage, ground nutmeg, and breadcrumbs.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, remembering that pancetta adds saltiness already.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Using your hands for ease, thoroughly mix all the ingredients in the bowl.
Make sure everything is well combined, as this will ensure your stuffing has a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into a 1lb loaf pan or a small roasting tray.
Press it down firmly to ensure it holds its shape while cooking.
Step 6: Roast the Stuffing
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and roast the stuffing for 30-40 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the stuffing is piping hot throughout and has a lovely golden-brown crust on top.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow a few minutes to cool before serving.
