When it comes to holiday meals, stuffing is often the unsung hero. But store-bought options can be a nutritional nightmare, packed with preservatives and unhealthy ingredients. By making your own using high-quality sourdough bread, you can take control of what goes into your dish and create a truly special flavor profile.
Flavorful Ingredients for a Better Stuffing
The key to a great stuffing is using the right bread. Sourdough’s tangy flavor and chewy texture provide a perfect base for a savory and satisfying side dish. Combine that with fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. Add in some grass-fed butter and chicken broth for added richness, and you’re on your way to a truly unforgettable stuffing.
The Benefits of Sourdough
Sourdough bread is more than just a tasty ingredient – it’s also a healthier choice than many commercial breads. The slower fermentation process used to make sourdough breaks down some of the gluten and makes the bread easier to digest. Plus, using sourdough in your stuffing helps to reduce food waste by repurposing stale bread into a delicious new dish.
A Recipe for Success
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1 loaf of homemade or high-quality sourdough bread, cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cups diced celery
- 3 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
- 2 cups chicken or bone broth
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a glass or ceramic baking dish to avoid any toxic coatings. Cube your sourdough bread and spread it on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, just enough to make it slightly crisp.
Heat the butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
Whisk the eggs and chicken broth in a separate bowl, then pour over the bread mixture. Gently toss until the bread absorbs the liquid. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
A Holiday Tradition in the Making
This sourdough stuffing recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s the perfect side dish for any gathering. Plus, by using high-quality ingredients and avoiding preservatives, you can feel good about what you’re serving your loved ones.
References:
- “The Benefits of Sourdough Bread” by Healthline
- “The Importance of Using Fresh Herbs” by Epicurious
- “The Nutritional Value of Grass-Fed Butter” by Nutrition Advocate