Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing
Ingredients ~
1 pound loaf good quality, firm textured, soft bread, cubed
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups sweet onion, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
6 ounces fresh mushrooms, very finely chopped
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup fresh parsley, stems removed, chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)
Additional 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Preparation ~
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Place the bread cubes in a colander and moisten with water. Using your hands, squeeze out the water (as you would a sponge). Place the moistened bread in a mixing bowl and set aside.
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the sweet onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 2 more minutes. Add the celery and green onions and cook for 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add vegetable mixture, parsley, sage, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the bread. Using your hands, mix thoroughly. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the beaten eggs and combine well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 1-1/2 to 2 quart casserole. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and if the top of the stuffing looks dry, drizzle the chicken broth over the top. Dot with the additional butter if desired and return to the oven for 10 minutes, uncovered. Remove from the oven and replace the cover to keep warm until served.
