DOWN HOME ITALIAN DRESSING

Down Home Italian Dressing image

Provided by Ruby15

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

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1 1/2 lbs sweet Italian sausage, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
7 large celery ribs, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 ounces pancetta, diced
6 cups French bread, diced day-old French bread
3 cups crumbled unsweetened cornbread
1/2 cup butter, cubed, cold
1 tablespoon ground sage
1 1/2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup toasted pine nuts
4 -5 cups chicken broth or 4 -5 cups turkey broth
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
parmesan cheese, shavings

Steps:

Heat oil in large skillet on medium. Sauté pancetta for 2 minutes.
Add onion and celery and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook another 3 minutes.
Mix together breads and ¾ cup toasted pine nuts in a large mixing bowl. Add cheeses, pancetta and cooked sausage to the breads. Mix together with the dried seasonings.
Add sautéed veggies with any pan drippings.
Slowly add broth and stir until mixed thoroughly. The consistency should not be soupy, but very moist. If not, add more broth.
Test for saltiness and add a dash more if needed.
Place in an extra deep 9-inch-by-13-inch greased pan.
Dot the top with the cubed butter and cover with foil. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until slightly crusted on the edges.
Top with remaining toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh sage. Add shaved cheese just before serving.