Name: Roasted Chestnut and Mushroom Stuffing – Elegant Holiday Side
Ingredients: 10 cups cubed rustic bread (day-old preferred; sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread); 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (for toasting); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free); 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 ribs celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 10 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 1½ cups roasted chestnuts, coarsely chopped; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper for kick; 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 2 large eggs, beaten (optional for firmness); ¼ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base

10 cups cubed rustic bread (day-old preferred; sourdough, ciabatta, or French bread)
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (for toasting)

Vegetable and Chestnut Mix

3 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1½ cups roasted chestnuts, coarsely chopped

Herbs and Seasoning

1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper for kick

Binding and Moisture

1½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 large eggs, beaten (optional for firmness)
¼ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)

Instructions

1. Toast the Bread

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Spread bread cubes on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
Toast for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Heat butter in a large skillet. Add onion and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic, then mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
Stir in chestnuts, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 more minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Stuffing

In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk broth, wine, and eggs (if using). Pour over bread mixture and toss gently.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
Pour stuffing into the dish and press down lightly.
Cover with foil.

5. Bake

Bake at 375°F covered for 25 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.