Imagine a side dish so incredibly aromatic and flavorful that it becomes the star of your holiday table. This Mushroom and Sage Stuffing isn't just another boring side—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines earthy mushrooms, fragrant sage, and perfectly toasted bread cubes into a mouthwatering symphony of textures and tastes. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just under an hour!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
- 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 an additional 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in fresh chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to release the sage's aromatic oils.
- Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the mushroom and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure bread cubes are evenly moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- • Use day-old bread for the best texture—slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more consistent stuffing. • Don't skip toasting the bread cubes; this step adds crucial crispness and prevents a soggy final dish. • For extra richness, consider using part butter and part olive oil when sautéing vegetables. • Make sure to chop mushrooms and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. • Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to fully develop and settle. • For a vegetarian version, the recipe is already perfect! For non-vegetarians, you can add cooked, crumbled sausage for extra flavor. • If the stuffing seems too dry when adding broth, add a little more; if too wet, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
