Filling for stuffing: cooking options

1. Choose bread

Cut the bread of your choice into 1/2-inch cubes to make 16 cups. Stale bread works best for the filling. If using fresh bread, spread the cubes on baking sheets and toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes.

• White
  
• From sourdough
  
• Potato
  
• Multigrain
  
• Challah
  
• Brioche
  
• From semolina
  
• Rye (use 8 cups with 8 cups of white bread)
  
• Pumpernickel (use 8 cups with 8 cups white bread)

2. Prepare the base

Heat 110g of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups chopped onion, scallions, or leeks, 2 cups diced celery, 1 tablespoon each chopped fresh sage and thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups lightly salted chicken or turkey broth; bring to a gentle simmer and remove from heat.

3. Prepare the ingredients

Meanwhile, prepare 1 or 2 ingredients from the list below. In a large bowl, beat 2 eggs with 1/4 cup chopped parsley; stir in the bread cubes, vegetable mixture with broth, and prepared vegetables/fruit.

Mushrooms: 570 gr., cut into slices and fry in butter.
Fennel: Chop 1 large tuber, mix with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes at 200°C.
Kale: 1 bunch, stems removed and chopped; blanch 2 mins.
Butternut squash: Peel, seed and dice 1 large pumpkin; toss with olive oil and bake for 35 minutes at 200°C.
Wild rice: Boil 1/2 cup as directed on package.
Apples and/or pears: cut into small pieces and fry in butter.

4. Add meat (optional)

Stir in 230 g.

• Ham, cut into cubes
  
• Salami, cut into cubes
  
• Bacon, cut and cook
  
• Pancetta, chopped and cooked
  
• Andouille, chorizo, or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (1 lb.)

5. Additional ingredients (optional)

Mix in no more than 1 tbsp in total.

Cheese: grated Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, or Cheddar
Dried fruits: cranberries, raisins, dried apricots, dates or figs (chopped large)
Nuts: chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or pine nuts

6. Bake the filling

Transfer the mixture to a greased 2.8-3.7-quart baking dish and spread 2 tablespoons of butter on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Remove the foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.