Whispers of Winter Stuffing
This holiday stuffing is the essence of family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a medley of golden-brown bread, crunchy apples, savory herbs, and tender sage dressing that captures the warmth and nostalgia of homecooked meals shared with loved ones. Each bite transports you back to those special days when laughter filled the air, and stories were told around the table.
Allergens
Contains eggs, dairy (butter), and gluten (from bread). May contain traces of tree nuts from celery or other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day
- old bread (preferably sourdough or brioche)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups low
- sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and celery sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in apples, garlic, sage, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and nutmeg cook for an additional 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Gradually pour the sautéed mixture over the bread cubes, mixing gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and beaten egg. Pour this mixture into the bread apple mixture, stirring well to moisten the bread without making it soggy.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 40 45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and heated through.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Insight
The key to a perfect stuffing is using stale bread; it absorbs flavors better and prevents the mixture from becoming too wet. If you don't have leftover bread, you can also use cubed croutons or dried out bread that's been left overnight.
Notes
Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or other vegetables like mushrooms for additional flavor and texture. Adjust seasonings according to personal preference.