This Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing is a delicious alternative to traditional bread stuffing, with bulgur wheat adding a lovely texture while soaking up all the classic flavours of sage, onion and apple. Ground chicken helps keep the stuffing moist and satisfying, while a touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the apple.
You can bake it in one dish and serve it in generous spoonfuls or shape it into stuffing balls if preferred. It is the perfect accompaniment to chicken, turkey, pork or any roast dinner and is especially delicious smothered in rich gravy.
Calories in Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing
This recipe serves 4 and is 221 calories per serving (4 stuffing balls)
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If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Bulgur Wheat: Bulgur wheat forms the base of this stuffing and gives it a lovely texture while soaking up all the flavours from the sage, onion and stock. It is a great alternative to bread-based stuffing and works perfectly in roast dinner recipes.
- Ground Chicken: Ground chicken helps keep the stuffing moist and satisfying without being heavy. It blends beautifully with the herbs and apple while adding extra protein.
- Onion: Sautéed onion adds sweetness and flavour to the stuffing. Cooking it first helps mellow the flavour and prevents any harshness.
- Apple: Apple adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sage and onion. It also helps keep the stuffing moist as it bakes.
- Fresh Sage: Sage is the classic herb for stuffing and gives this recipe its traditional flavour. Fresh sage works best, but dried sage can be used if needed.
- Honey: Just a small amount of honey enhances the sweetness of the apple and balances the savoury flavours.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the stuffing mixture together, whether you bake it in a dish or shape it into stuffing balls.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning is all that is needed to bring out the flavours of the sage, onion and apple.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
There are plenty of ways to adapt this Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing depending on what you have on hand, whether you want to change the protein, add extra flavour or make it suitable for different diets.
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey works perfectly in place of the ground chicken and is especially great for holiday meals. Lean ground pork can also be used for a richer, more traditional stuffing flavour or use your favourite low calorie sausages (remove the skin).
- Grain Swap: Bulgur wheat gives the stuffing its unique texture, but you can swap it for cooked quinoa or couscous.
- Different Fruit: Any sweet eating apple will work well in this recipe. Dried cranberries are also a great swap especially if you want to make these for over the festive period.
- Herbs: Fresh sage is the classic choice, but fresh thyme, rosemary or parsley can be added alongside it for extra flavour. If using dried sage, use less as it has a more concentrated flavour.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Finely diced celery, mushrooms or grated carrot can be added to the onion mixture for extra flavour and texture. I recommend sauteing them first.
- Sweetness: Honey enhances the sweetness of the apple, but maple syrup can be used instead if preferred.
- Make It Nutty: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans or chestnuts for extra texture and a festive feel.
- Seasoning: A pinch of poultry seasoning, garlic powder or onion powder can be added if you want to boost the savoury flavour even more.
Serving Suggestion
These Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing are the perfect accompaniment to any roast dinner and pair beautifully with chicken, turkey, pork, beef or vegetarian roasts. The classic sage and onion flavours work with just about any combination of roast vegetables and gravy.
Personally, I love serving them alongside my Seasoned Chicken with Rich Gravy. They are also delicious with roast potatoes, vegetables and all the traditional trimmings, making them a great addition to both everyday roast dinners and special occasions.
More Side Dishes
Looking for some more side dish ideas? Check out these:
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Recipe Card
Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing
These Bulgur Wheat Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls are packed with classic savoury flavours, combining bulgur wheat, sage, onion and apple into a delicious side dish that is perfect for any roast dinner.
Ingredients
- 120g (4.2oz) uncooked coarse bulgur wheat, rinsed
- 360ml (1½ cups) chicken or vegetable stock
- 300g (10.5oz) extra lean ground chicken (mince) - 5% fat
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 apple, peeled and grated
- 1 large egg
- Handful of fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Spray a frying pan over a medium high heat with olive oil spray and fry the onion until softened. Set aside.
- Add the bulgur wheat and chicken stock to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for approx 10-15 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and leave covered for a further 10 minutes. The trapped steam will continue to cook the bulgur wheat and help absorb any remaining moisture. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 180c fan, 200c or 400f (gas mark 6)
- Add the cooled bulgur wheat, ground chicken, sauteed onion, grated apple, egg and fresh sage to a large bowl. Season well with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Form into 16 equal sized balls or if you prefer place it all in an oven proof dish.
- Place the stuffing balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spray over the top with olive oil spray
- Place in the oven and bake until lightly golden and cooked through, approx 30mins
- They are great served with any roast dinner.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 221Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 128mgSodium 477mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 6gSugar 6gProtein 21g
Nutritional information and valuesetc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Wine Dine says
They must be great just with a yoghurt dip 🙂
lucie42 says
I made these with Joes sausage meat. I got about 15 stuffing balls out of the mixture. Had some with roast beef & some cold with salad. I love them & will make them again. YUM YUM
Jane says
I’m confused why you e synced the Apple?
Shevy (Slimming Eats) says
Hi Jane, only fruit in it's raw form is free, once you cook, puree or blend fruit it becomes synned.