Looking for a show-stopping side dish that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal? Look no further than this delectable Mushroom and Chestnut Vegetarian Stuffing! Bursting with rich flavors and hearty textures, this stuffing is not only a perfect complement to your main course but also a delightful dish on its own. With a medley of sautéed mushrooms, savory chestnuts, and aromatic herbs, every bite is a celebration of comfort food that even meat-lovers will crave. Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create a stuffing that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in chopped chestnuts, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vegetable broth over the bread to slightly moisten it.
- Add the sautéed mushroom, chestnut, and vegetable mixture to the bread cubes. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy top layer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, opt for a crusty artisan bread or a sourdough loaf. This will give your stuffing a delightful crunch and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Don’t Skimp on Toasting: Toasting the bread cubes is essential for achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and moisture. Make sure to keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent burning.
- Sautéing is Key: Take your time when sautéing the onions, celery, and mushrooms. Allow them to cook until they are soft and fragrant, as this will enhance the overall flavor of your stuffing.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to add your personal touch. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish even more!
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the stuffing to rest for a few minutes after baking. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that enhances the dish's appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
