Enjoy this Sage, Fig, and Pancetta Stuffing this holiday season. A classic elevated side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s filled with fresh bread, sweet dried figs, delicata squash and all the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. It’s one of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

While I enjoy classic holiday dishes, sometimes I do like to elevate them just a bit, like with this sage, fig, and pancetta stuffing. The classic flavors of sage and thyme are still there, but with the added subtle sweetness of the dried figs combined with the saltiness of the pancetta.

Ingredients Needed

To make this sage, fig, and pancetta stuffing, you’ll need the following ingredients.

• 1 large loaf Italian bread
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Tree Sage & Onion Olive Oil (If you don’t have access to order this brand, I have instructions below on how to substitue with ingredients right at home.)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 ½ cup chopped delicata squash
• ½ tsp. dried thyme
• ¼ tsp. dried sage
• 1 tsp. salt
• 8 oz. diced pancetta
• ½ cup chopped dried figs
• 2 cups chicken stock

How to make sage, fig, and pancetta stuffing

1. Cut the Italian bread into ½ inch cubes. Lay flat onto a baking sheet, cover loosely with parchment or wax paper, and let sit for 24 hours. Transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl when you’re ready to start assembling the stuffing.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
3. Add the Olive Tree Sage & Onion Olive Oil to a large skillet and warm over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the onion, celery, squash, thyme, sage, and salt. Cook until slightly softened, then remove from heat and pour over the bread cubes.
4. In a separate skillet, add the diced pancetta and cook until it begins to crisp. Add the chopped figs and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over the bread cubes, including all of the fat and drippings from the pan.
5. Add the chicken stock to the bread crumbs ½ cup at a time, using your hands to mix it all together.
6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13 dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Sautéing the vegetables in this Sage & Onion Olive Oil allows them to soak up those seasonal flavors. Rather than relying solely on the dried herbs and seasoning, the flavors become infused in the fresh onion, celery, and delicata squash. Then, add in the crispy pancetta and dried figs, and you have a savory dish with a hint of sweet.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?

So, technically stuffing is traditionally cooked while “stuffed” inside the turkey, and dressing is cooked outside of the turkey. As you can see with this stuffing recipe, it’s cooked outside of the turkey, so really it’s what term you’re most familiar with.

Does stuffing need eggs?

No, stuffing does not need eggs in order for it to bind together. If you like your stuffing tightly bound together, you could consider adding an egg to the mixture.

Can I make sage, fig, and pancetta stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you could mix the stuffing together right up until the baking portion of the directions and then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator overnight. Then, on Thanksgiving day, remove and cook following the baking instructions in the recipe card.

Recipe Variations

• If you cannot order the Sage and Onion Olive Oil, simply swap in 3 Tbsp. of regular olive oil and increase the dried sage to 1 tsp.
• If you do not have pancetta, you could add in thick-cut bacon or Italian sausage.
• If you do not have dried figs, you could sub in dried cranberries.
• Acorn squash can be substituted for the delicata squash

Recommended kitchen tools for this recipe

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More recipes for your Thanksgiving menu!

• Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey – the flavors on this turkey rub are incredible
• Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole – this elevated sweet potato dish has amazing flavors
• Cinnamon Honey Sweet Potatoes – a simple yet elegant side dish
• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Tarts – individual-sized pecan pies for your guests

Grab a copy of Gather – A Thanksgiving Cookbook to create a memorable holiday meal!

Sage, Fig, and Pancetta Stuffing Recipe