12 CupsBread (cut into cubes)I like to use at least 2 types of bread: French, Italian or wheat. You can choose how much of each you'd like to add.
1Sweet onionchopped
2cupsCelerychopped
1TeaspoonMinced Garlic
1 1/2SticksSalted Butter12 Tablespoons
4-8OuncesBaby Bella or button mushroomsThis is optional but really delicious! You can add all or half of the container, washed and chopped.
12OuncesJimmy Dean Regular Pork SausageThis is optional and you can add half or the whole amount if desired. Sautee and brown before adding to bread mixture.
1TablesoonChopped fresh Thyme
1 TablespoonChopped fresh Rosemary
1TablespoonChopped fresh Sage
1TablespoonBeef au Jus or brown gravy powderOptional but adds great depth of flavor!
2 1/2CupsChicken Broth
2Large EggsBeaten
Kosher saltto taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°Prepare a 9x13 baking dish (or two smaller dishes) by spraying with non-stick spray.Slice your bread into small cubes. Place on a baking sheet and toast at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until bread is crouton texture. You can also leave bread out to become stale overnight on a baking sheet tented with foil.In a large pan, melt butter and add onions, garlic, celery and mushrooms. Sprinkle with a good pinch of kosher salt. At least 1 teaspoon. Sautee 10-12 minutes or until softened. Add fresh herbs (dried and ground may be substituted in 1/2 teaspoon of each). Add 1 cup of chicken broth and (optional) 1 tablespoon beef au jus or beef gravy powder. In another pan, brown sausage and set aside.Add bread crumbs to a large bowl and toss with veggie mixture. Add ground sausage. In a small bowl, beat 2 eggs into the remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Pour over bread mixture. Fold quickly and carefully until all bread cubes are covered.Pour stuffing into a 9x13 pan or two smaller baking dishes. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center temperature reads 160°. Tent the stuffing if the bread is becoming too dark on top. This dish can be doubled to serve a larger crowd, but you may need to bake 10-15 extra minutes.
Optional Ingredients
The mushrooms and sausage are totally optional in this dish. I really love the way they dress up the stuffing! If you do not have access to fresh herbs, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of each in ground and dried. The beef au jus or gravy powder is optional as well, but really adds a great depth of flavor!