Infuse your holiday table with the rich flavors of this aromatic stuffing, a must-have for Thanksgiving. This savory bread pudding, typically enjoyed around the holidays, combines the traditional taste of challah bread with the sweetness of apples and the earthiness of walnuts. As you prepare this dish, the fragrance of celery, onion, thyme, and rosemary will envelop your kitchen, creating a classic Thanksgiving ambiance.
To create this culinary delight, start by drying out your bread. Cut a loaf of challah or brioche into inch-sized cubes and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake at 250°F, stirring occasionally, until dry, which should take about 30 minutes. Increase the oven’s heat to 350°F once done.
Next, on medium heat, melt butter in a skillet and sauté chopped celery, apple, and onion for about eight minutes until they’re soft. Combine these cooked ingredients in a large bowl with challah, walnuts, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is well-mixed.
Prepare the liquid mixture by whisking together broth and eggs. Pour this over the challah mixture, ensuring even absorption into the bread before transferring to a greased baking dish.
Bake the stuffing for about 30 minutes until the top becomes golden and crispy. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme for added flavor.
For convenience, you can dry the bread three days in advance or leave it out to dry for a day. The vegetables should be chopped a day prior and stored in the fridge. This ease of preparation makes it a practical choice for holiday feasts.
