Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe

Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this delectable recipe for Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari. These tender squid are generously filled with a mouthwatering mixture of sweet Italian sausage, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Paired with a rich Italian tomato sauce, this dish is a true showstopper that will impress even the most discerning of palates.

As you take your first bite of these Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari, you’ll be transported to a cozy Italian kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and parsley, reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. The combination of the juicy sausage filling and the tender calamari creates a harmonious blend of land and sea that truly captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.

Whether you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Italy, these stuffed calamari are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you longing for more. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Quick Benefits

• Impress both seafood fans and comfort food lovers with juicy sausage filling and flavorful tomato sauce.
• Perfect harmony of sea and savory comfort in every bite, making any gathering feel special.
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient swaps like hot Italian sausage for extra heat or vegetarian options with mushrooms and walnuts.
• Can be enjoyed as a main course over buttered noodles, with crusty Italian bread, or as appetizers for holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Flavor Profile: The juicy sausage filling combined with the flavorful tomato sauce creates a dish that will impress both seafood enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike.
• Nostalgic and Festive: With each bite, you’ll be transported to memories of family celebrations, crowded tables, and the aroma of garlic and parsley in the air.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe based on your preferences – swap the sausage for a different meat, use different types of sausage for varying heat levels, or even make a vegetarian version with mushrooms and walnuts.
• Make-Ahead Option: Perfect for planning ahead, the stuffed calamari can be made in advance and reheated gently in the oven with extra sauce to preserve its texture and flavor.
• Celebratory Dish: Whether served as a main course for a special dinner or as appetizers for holiday gatherings, this dish will elevate any occasion and make it feel special.
• Cultural Significance: Embrace the southern Italian and Sicilian traditions by enjoying this dish, which symbolizes the unity of land and sea in the coastal towns’ resourceful cooking.
• Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The combination of sweet Italian sausage, tender calamari, and savory sauce creates a harmonious blend of sea and comfort, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Easy Preparation: While the dish may sound intricate, the recipe provides helpful tips for successful execution, ensuring that even beginners can create this showstopper dish with confidence.

Ingredients for Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe

Seafood

• 10–15 medium to large whole squid, cleaned, or prepared tubes and tentacles

Meat

• 225 g ground sweet Italian sausage

Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Binding & Cheese

• 60 ml grated parmesan cheese or pecorino romano
• 60 ml plain breadcrumbs

Herbs & Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Fat & Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 720 ml Italian tomato sauce or marinara

Pro Tips for Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe

Pro tip 1: To ensure the stuffed calamari stays juicy and flavorful, avoid overcooking them. Sear briefly and bake just until the calamari is cooked through and still tender.

Pro tip 2: For a personalized touch, feel free to swap the sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage if you prefer more heat. You can also experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version, or use a vegetarian option with sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a different twist.

Pro tip 3: Thaw the calamari thoroughly and pat dry before stuffing and cooking to avoid excess moisture. This step will help the filling stick better and prevent the dish from becoming watery.

How to Make Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Squid

Separate cleaned squid into tubes and tentacles. Chop tentacles into small pieces and pat dry tubes with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook Italian sausage for 5 minutes, breaking it up until cooked through.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Filling

Combine the cooked sausage mixture with chopped tentacles, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Blend for an additional 30-60 seconds.

Step 5: Stuff Squid Tubes

Fill each squid tube with stuffing using a small spoon or your fingers, then pinch ends to seal.

Step 6: Sear Stuffed Calamari

If needed, wipe skillet clean and add olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Place stuffed calamari tubes in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

Step 7: Simmer in Sauce

Cover the calamari with tomato sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 175°C and bake for 15–20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the internal temperature of the filling reaches 74°C.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Take out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the delicious baked Italian stuffed calamari, store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a shallow airtight container. The stuffed calamari can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover the dish in the oven and add extra spoonfuls of sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving the calamari for the best texture.

For variations on the recipe, consider swapping sweet Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick. Ground chicken or turkey can also be used as a lighter substitute for pork. If whole squid is not available, ready-to-use tubes can be found at many grocery stores. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty bite. These stuffed calamari can be served as a main course with buttered noodles or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce, making for a satisfying meal.

The combination of sausage and squid in this dish reflects the resourceful cooking traditions of coastal towns in southern Italy and Sicily. This dish is often shared on Christmas Eve as part of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a celebration where seafood takes the spotlight. The harmony of flavors from the sea and savory elements makes this stuffed calamari a showstopper that will elevate any gathering, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can easily swap out the sweet Italian sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and chopped walnuts. This substitution will provide a similar hearty texture and umami flavor to the dish without the meat.

If you prefer a spicier flavor profile, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage. The heat from the sausage will add an extra kick to the dish and can be a great option for those who enjoy more intense flavors.

In case whole squid is not available, you can use prepared squid tubes readily found in many grocery stores. This substitution will still allow you to enjoy the delicious flavors of the sausage filling and tomato sauce without the hassle of cleaning and preparing whole squid.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, arrange the baked Italian stuffed calamari on a platter, drizzle with extra marinara sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve alongside a mound of buttered noodles or a basket of warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair this dish with a crisp, chilled bottle of pinot grigio to complete your Italian feast. These tender stuffed calamari make for a showstopping main course that will impress seafood lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

To elevate your holiday gatherings, serve the baked Italian stuffed calamari as elegant appetizers. Slice the stuffed calamari tubes into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving. Arrange them on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These pretty and flavorful bites will surely be a hit at any festive occasion, adding a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread.

FAQs for Delicious Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe

Can I use a different type of sausage for the stuffing?

Yes, you can swap sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage if you prefer more heat. Additionally, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to pork sausage.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts. This substitution provides a similar hearty texture and flavor profile.

How should I store leftovers?

After allowing the stuffed calamari to cool completely, transfer them to a shallow airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s recommended to gently warm them in the oven with extra sauce to prevent drying out, rather than using a microwave.

What type of sauce should I serve with the baked calamari?

A classic Italian gravy or marinara sauce pairs beautifully with the seafood and savory filling of the stuffed calamari. The sauce complements the dish’s flavors and adds a delicious touch to the final presentation.

Conclusion

When you serve Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari at your table, you’re not just sharing a meal; you’re sharing a piece of cherished tradition and the warmth of family gatherings. The delectable combination of tender squid, flavorful sausage, and aromatic herbs is sure to delight your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, these stuffed calamari are bound to be a hit with everyone.

So, embrace the spirit of Italian cooking and bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your home with this delightful Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari recipe. The harmonious blend of land and sea flavors in each bite will transport you to the sunny shores of Italy, where food is not just sustenance but a celebration of life. Gather your loved ones, savor the flavors, and let the magic of this dish fill your home with joy and togetherness. Enjoy the process of creating this culinary masterpiece, and let the delicious aroma of Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari inspire you to create more unforgettable meals in your kitchen.