1-Getting Started with Mise en Place: Before diving into this focaccia fig and sage stuffing, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to make things go smoothly. Start by preparing the roasted butternut squash, which adds a sweet and creamy element to the dish. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a stuffing that’s full of flavor from chorizo and fresh herbs.

2-Preparation of Butternut Squash: First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the butternut squash on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then toss to coat evenly. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until soft, and reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit afterward.

3-Mixing the Base: Once the squash is roasting, place 4 cups packed focaccia or other bread in a large mixing bowl to prepare the base of your focaccia fig sage stuffing. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 pound chorizo sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain and add it to the bread bowl, reserving the grease.

4-Cooking Onion and Sage Mixture: Next, add 1 medium diced red onion to the skillet with the reserved grease, season with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and cook until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons fresh sage and cook for another minute, then transfer the onion and sage mixture to the bread bowl. Add the roasted butternut squash and gently toss all the stuffing ingredients together for an even mix.

5-Adding the Binder and Baking: In a measuring cup, combine 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup chicken stock, and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, then whisk together and pour over the stuffing mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly before preparing a large casserole dish with nonstick spray. For added variety in your focaccia fig and sage stuffing, you might try linking to similar bread-based recipes, like our banana oat cookies for ideas on using stale bread creatively.

6-Layering and Baking: Layer half of the stuffing mixture in the dish, dollop 1/3 cup goat cheese and 1/3 cup fig jam over the surface, then add the remaining stuffing on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is crispy and browned on top, and let it cool slightly before serving. This method ensures the stuffing has crisp edges and a moist interior, making it a hit for any meal. For more tips on roasting veggies, check out this roasted butternut squash guide to enhance your skills.