Challah, Wild Mushroom & Herb Stuffing
A delightful stuffing that combines the rich flavor of challah bread with earthy wild mushrooms and fresh herbs, perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large loaf challah (about 1 pound) Adds a sweet, rich base to the dish.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, plus more for buttering baking dish Enhances flavor and richness.
- 2 cups yellow onion, diced (from 2 medium onions) Provides depth to the dish.
- 2 cups celery, diced Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 2 cups wild mushrooms, diced Imparts a luxurious touch.
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) Adds a bright and peppery flavor.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or ¼ teaspoon dried and crumbled) Enhances the stuffing beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage (or ¼ teaspoon dried) Brings an aromatic quality.
- 1½ teaspoons salt Enhances and balances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. Butter a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-cm) baking dish.
- Cut the challah into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes and spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until dry and lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Cooking
- In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the diced celery, mushrooms, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the celery is slightly softened and the mushrooms release their moisture.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the onion and vegetable mixture. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, tossing the mixture to ensure it's well-coated.
- Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with buttered foil and refrigerate until ready to bake (this can be done up to overnight).
Baking
- When you're ready to bake, place the covered dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden, about 25 minutes more.
- Serve immediately, diving into the warm, aromatic stuffing.
Notes
For added flavor, consider sautéing the mushrooms with garlic or adding a splash of chicken broth while they cook. You can use day-old bread for the best texture. Experiment with different mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for depth and variety. To store leftover stuffing, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.