Use leftover sourdough to make this savory stuffing! It's rich and buttery and jam-packed with herbs. The chunks of bread on top get perfectly crisp, and it's flavorful all the way through. Stuffing is a really versatile dish! Feel free to add other fillings to this such as: dried cranberries, up to a pound of cooked sausage crumbles, fennel, cooked bacon, chopped apples, or pecans.If you don't like mushrooms, feel free to leave them out!
1 (1-pound)loafsourdough,cut or torn into ½-inch cubes (see note)
8tablespoonsunsalted butter,divided
8ouncesbaby Bella mushrooms,chopped into ½-inch pieces
Salt + pepper
4medium celery stalks, leaves included,halved and sliced
1medium yellow onion,chopped
Leaves from 10 sprigs of thyme
10-12fresh sage leaves,chopped
3cupschicken broth
3tablespoonschopped Italian parsley
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet (use a second one if needed). Bake until bread cubes are dry and beginning to brown - about 20 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown. Add the celery, onion, thyme leaves, and 2 more tablespoons of butter. Cook about 5 more minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add the sage and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and cook until the butter has melted. Stir in the chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste - remember the seasonings will be slightly diluted by the bread.Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Toss to combine and let sit for a couple minutes to soak up the liquid. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bread cubes to the prepared baking dish, packing the bread cubes in so they're dense. If any liquid remains in the bowl, you can add it to your liking, or reserve it for soups or gravy. Top with parsley. Bake on the center rack for 40 minutes, until heated through and top is golden brown. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
The bread - This recipe was written with artisanal sourdough in mind, but variations such as a rye or whole wheat will work. I keep odds and ends of loaves in my freezer to use in recipes such as this.You should have 8-10 cups of bread cubes for this recipe.