BREAD STUFFING WITH MUSHROOMS AND BACON

Bread Stuffing With Mushrooms And Bacon image

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 lb sourdough bread, 1/2-inch cubes or 2 bags stuffing cubes
12 slice bacon, 1/2-inch pieces
2 medium leeks, chopped
3 c celery, chopped
1 pkg mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 Tbsp dried sage
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 1/2 c chicken broth
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Spread bread cubes on 2 baking sheets. Bake until bread cubes are dry and crisp, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Transfer bread to large bowl.
2. Saute bacon in heavy skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels and drain.
3. Pour off all but 1/4 cup drippings from skillet. Add chopped leeks and celery to skillet and saute until tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt and pepper and saute until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Pour mushroom mixture over bread cubes. Add bacon and toss to blend. Mix in 2 cups broth. (Stuffing can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
5. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter 13x9x2" glass baking dish.
6. Beat eggs and baking powder in small bowl to blend. Mix eggs into stuffing; moisten stuffing with more broth if stuffing is dry.
7. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake stuffing until cooked through and golden brown on top, about 1 hour.
8. Note: I have also microwaved this at 50% power for 20 minutes too.