Sourdough Stuffing With Sausage and Artichoke Hearts

I make this stuffing every year for Thanksgiving. The sourdough bread gives it a great flavor and the artichoke hearts and mushrooms keep it moist. It's nice to add a little extra broth if you aren't cooking it in the turkey.

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  lb  loaf  sourdough bread
• 1  lb bulk sausage
• 8  tablespoons butter
• 10  ounces  baby bella mushrooms, rough chop
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 -4  stalks celery & leaves, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2 (6 ounce) jars  marinated artichoke hearts, cut into large pieces
• 10 -12  fresh sage leaves, chopped
• 2 1⁄2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 3  tablespoons  chopped Italian parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
3. Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread it evenly on 2 baking sheets.
4. Toast the bread in the oven until completely dry and beginning to crisp and brown, about 25 minutes.
5. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
6. Saute sausage in large pan over medium high heat until browned.
7. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter.
8. Add the mushrooms and a few pinches of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
9. Add celery, onion, and 2 more tablespoons butter.
10. Once the butter has melted, cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts.
11. Add sage and remaining 4 tablespoons butter.
12. Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine.
13. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
14. Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.
15. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine until the bread cubes absorb the liquid.
16. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle with parsley.
17. Bake in the center of the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.
18. Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.