CLASSIC BREAD STUFFING FOR A CROWD

CLASSIC BREAD STUFFING FOR A CROWD image

Yield 16 - 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

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12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), plus extra for baking dish
4 medium ribs celery, chopped fine
2 medium onions, minced
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
3 tablespoons minced fresh sage leaves or 2 teaspoons dried
3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme leaves or 2 teapoons dried
1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
3 pounds high-quality sandwich bread (white), cut into 1/2-inch cubes and dried (see note)
5 cups chicken stock or low-sodium canned chicken broth
4 large eggs, beaten lightly
2 teaspoons table salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
**1 -11/2 lbs Sages ausage or mild Italian, Casings removed.

Steps:

1. Adjust oven rack to center position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat butter in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. I, melt butter over medium high heat until foaming subsides (don't allow butter to brown), about 2 minutes. ** if using sausage Add sausage and mash with stiff whisk or potato masher to break up into fine pieces (largest pieces should be no greater than 1/4-inch). Cook, stirring frequently until only a few bits of pink remain, about 8 minutes. using a slotted spoon transfer to plate** Then.... Add the celery and onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in parsley, sage, thyme, and marjoram and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to a very large mixing bowl. 2. Add the dried, cooled bread, stock or broth, eggs, salt, and pepper (and to the vegetables and toss gently to distribute dry and wet ingredients evenly. Turn mixture into buttered 15-x 10-inch baking dish. 3. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until golden, about 30 minutes longer. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.