Sourdough Bread Stuffing

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
• Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread it evenly on 2 baking sheets.
• Toast the bread in the oven until completely dry and beginning to crisp and brown, about 20 minutes.
• Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the optional mushrooms and a few pinches of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add celery, onion, 2 tablespoons butter, and thyme.
• Once the butter has melted, cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add sage and remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add chicken broth to skillet and stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Transfer toasted bread cubes to a large bowl.
• Pour the chicken broth mixture over the bread cubes and toss to combine until the bread cubes absorb the liquid.
• Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, and sprinkle with parsley.
• Bake in the center of the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown, about 40 minutes.
• Remove the stuffing from the oven and allow to cool about 15 minutes before serving.