Sourdough Bread Stuffing
This recipe crafts a savory sourdough bread stuffing, featuring toasted bread cubes, sautéed cremini mushrooms, celery, and onion, all infused with fresh thyme and sage in a rich chicken broth. Baked until golden brown, it offers a hearty, aromatic side dish, perfect for holiday meals.
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 2 Baking Sheets
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 2-Quart Baking Dish
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main
- 1- pound loaf sourdough bread
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced 1/2-inch thick in both directions
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 to 4 stalks celery with leaves halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- About 10 sprigs fresh thyme leaves stripped from the stems
- 10 to 12 fresh sage leaves chopped
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
- Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread it evenly on 2 baking sheets. Toast the bread in the oven until completely dry and beginning to crisp and brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and a few pinches of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add celery, onion, 2 tablespoons butter, and thyme. Once the butter has melted, cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add sage and remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine until the bread cubes absorb the liquid. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle with parsley. Bake in the center of the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Toasting the bread thoroughly is crucial for texture; under-toasted bread can lead to a soggy stuffing. Ensure mushrooms are well-caramelized for deep umami flavor before adding other vegetables. Adjust broth quantity based on sourdough's dryness, as it varies. For an extra aromatic stuffing, consider sautéing a finely minced shallot with the onion and celery. Browning the top effectively is key for visual appeal and a slight textural contrast; if needed, a quick broil at the very end can achieve this, but watch carefully. Fresh herbs are vital; do not substitute with dried.