Make your Thanksgiving feast even more memorable with this mouthwatering chestnut stuffing. Imparting a rich and nutty flavor to your holiday turkey, this recipe is a must-try for any American home cook. The combination of toasted bread, savory herbs, and the earthiness of roasted chestnuts creates a stuffing that is both hearty and indulgent. Prepare this simple yet sensational dish in just a few easy steps and watch your guests savor every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chestnuts
- 12 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, make an 'X' shaped incision on the flat side of each chestnut.
- Place the chestnuts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the chestnuts, remove the outer shells, and chop them into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, chopped chestnuts, cooked onion and celery mixture, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture, stirring until all the ingredients are evenly moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Take the stuffing out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish for your holiday meal.
Interesting Facts
Chestnuts have been a staple in American holiday recipes for generations.
The art of chestnut stuffing can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe.
Chestnuts are not only delicious but also a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
This chestnut stuffing pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey or chicken.