Sourdough Oyster Dressing

Another recipe from Southern Living which my family has "tweaked" over the years.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8  cups  sourdough bread, cubed (about 8 slices)
• 1⁄3 cup butter
• 1  cup  vidalia onion, finely chopped
• 5  celery ribs, finely chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2  dozen  oysters, shucked, drained and coarsely chopped (8 ounce container)
• 10  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1⁄3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) jar  marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

Directions

1. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 baking sheets.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until dry and golden.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet and saute the onions, celery and garlic for 6-8 minutes on medium high heat.
4. Add the salt, pepper and oysters and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, oyster mixture, bacon, parsley and artichokes and toss well.
7. Spoon the dressing into a lightly greased 11 X 17 baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.