Reinvent Your Holiday Feast: Introducing the Irresistible Pizza Stuffing!
As the holiday season draws near, many of us find ourselves pondering the annual culinary dilemma: do we embrace cherished family traditions and prepare the tried-and-true recipes, or do we dare to introduce something new and exciting to the Thanksgiving table? This year, I faced the same delightful challenge, and a spark of inspiration led me to create a dish that promises to become a new favorite: Pizza Stuffing. It’s an innovative twist on a classic, offering all the comforting flavors of stuffing with the universally loved essence of pizza.
Fortunately, preparing an entire Thanksgiving spread isn’t solely my responsibility. Our large family lives close by, making the holiday a true communal celebration. This potluck style gathering is precisely why Thanksgiving remains one of my absolute favorite times of the year! Each family member contributes a cherished dish, ensuring a diverse and delicious feast. While some staples, like our traditional Cranberry Salad, the beloved Goodman Fruit Salad, the festive green beans, and creamy mashed potatoes, always make an appearance, my mom and siblings often get creative with the remaining side dishes, always bringing something fresh and unexpected to the table.
The Heart of the Holiday Table: Stuffing’s Enduring Appeal
Among the various side dishes, one recipe consistently offers the most room for culinary creativity: the stuffing. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing – a debate as old as Thanksgiving itself – there’s no denying its integral role in the holiday meal. For me, it’s simply “good,” a quintessential component that ties the entire feast together with its savory, aromatic goodness. Its ability to absorb flavors and textures makes it a blank canvas for innovative ideas, transforming simple bread into something truly extraordinary.
This endless versatility is why I’m thrilled that Jones Dairy Farm has once again launched their fantastic “Stuffing and More” website this year! It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to elevate their Thanksgiving stuffing game. This comprehensive site is brimming with inspiring recipes, catering to every palate and preference. You can explore delightful options ranging from a rich Butternut Squash Stuffing with Jones Sausage, offering a hint of seasonal sweetness, to the indulgent Jones Ham and Cheese Croissant Stuffing. For those who appreciate classic flavors with a premium touch, there’s always the satisfying Traditional Herb Stuffing with Jones Bacon and Sausage. Each recipe on their site showcases the exceptional quality of Jones Dairy Farm products, promising a stuffing that’s both memorable and delicious.
The Inspiration Behind Pizza Stuffing: A Delicious Crossover
And then there’s this culinary masterpiece: Pizza Stuffing with Jones Canadian Bacon. You might wonder where such an unconventional idea came from. The answer is simple: my family’s unwavering love for pizza! It’s practically a weekly staple in our home, so pizza is never far from my thoughts. When this unique concept of combining the comforting flavors of pizza with the hearty texture of stuffing popped into my head, I knew I had to bring it to life. This dish is certainly a departure from traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, much like the BBQ Bacon Stuffing I proudly created last year. I firmly believe that even if you’re a staunch traditionalist, it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone for one or two side dishes each year. You might just discover your next holiday must-have!
The beauty of experimenting with your holiday menu lies in the delightful surprises it can bring. While the main turkey, gravy, and certain family favorites remain sacred, the side dishes offer a wonderful opportunity to infuse new life into the festive meal. Imagine the joy of your guests as they discover a familiar, beloved flavor profile unexpectedly woven into a classic Thanksgiving accompaniment. This Pizza Stuffing is designed to do just that – to spark conversation, delight taste buds, and add a playful, yet incredibly delicious, element to your holiday spread. It’s a testament to the fact that tradition can evolve, embracing new inspirations while still honoring the spirit of togetherness and great food.
Quality Ingredients Make the Difference: Featuring Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon
To craft this exceptional Pizza Stuffing, I chose Jones Canadian Bacon as a star ingredient, perfectly complementing the rich pizza sauce and generous amounts of melted cheese. The result is a truly remarkable dish that delivers the authentic taste of pizza in a comforting, stuffing form. For years, I’ve consistently raved about the unparalleled quality of products from Jones Dairy Farm. When you’re feeding your family, especially during special occasions, you naturally want to serve nothing but the best. Jones Dairy Farm consistently delivers on that promise with their commitment to premium ingredients and time-honhonored preparation methods.
What sets Jones Dairy Farm apart is their dedication to crafting superior meat products, rooted in a rich history spanning over 130 years. Their Canadian Bacon, used in this recipe, is lean, flavorful, and free from artificial ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and delicious addition to your dish. This commitment to quality translates directly into the taste of your finished meal, transforming an ordinary stuffing into an extraordinary culinary experience. Finding Jones Dairy Farm products is convenient, as they are available at many fine retailers nationwide. To locate the nearest store carrying their excellent selection, simply use their handy product locator here. Investing in high-quality ingredients like those from Jones Dairy Farm is not just about taste; it’s about sharing a meal prepared with care, integrity, and a tradition of excellence, making every bite of your holiday feast truly special.
Pizza Stuffing
Ingredients
- 12 oz French bread (day old works best)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup prepared pizza sauce
- 1 egg
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 (6 oz) package Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden, about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken broth, pizza sauce, and egg. Add toasted bread cubes, mozzarella, and Canadian Bacon, reserving some cheese for topping.
- Spray a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour the mixture into it. Top with the reserved cheese. Bake until cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
- Top with fresh basil to serve.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Stuffing
To ensure your Pizza Stuffing turns out perfectly, consider a few key tips. First, the French bread: using day-old bread is crucial as it’s drier and will absorb the liquids more effectively without becoming soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can cut it into cubes and let it sit out for several hours, or even overnight, to dry slightly. Secondly, don’t be shy with the cheese! Mozzarella is a must for that classic pizza stretch and flavor, but feel free to add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra depth. When baking, keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese on top gets beautifully golden and bubbly without over-browning the edges of the stuffing.
For those who love to customize, this Pizza Stuffing is incredibly forgiving. You could add diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a few black olives to the mix before baking. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed with the sauce would be delightful. While I’ve used Jones Canadian Bacon for its lean, savory profile, you could also experiment with crispy bits of Jones sausage or even crumbled, cooked pepperoni for an extra layer of pizza authenticity. Remember, the goal is to make it your own, ensuring it resonates with your family’s flavor preferences.
Beyond Thanksgiving: Serving Your Pizza Stuffing
While this Pizza Stuffing is an exceptional contender for your Thanksgiving side dish lineup, its appeal extends far beyond the holiday season. It makes a fantastic addition to any potluck, family gathering, or even a hearty weeknight dinner when you’re craving something comforting and unique. Serve it alongside a simple roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal if you omit the bacon and focus on the cheesy, herby bread. Its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors ensure it will be a hit with both kids and adults alike, offering a satisfying and memorable culinary experience any time of year.
So, this year, why not trade a bit of the traditional for something wonderfully new? This Pizza Stuffing with Jones Canadian Bacon promises a delightful journey for your taste buds, combining the best of two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. It’s an easy way to infuse excitement into your holiday meal planning and create new, delicious traditions with your loved ones. Give it a try – you might just discover that your new favorite side dish is just a pizza-inspired twist away!