Sourdough Stuffing with Roasted Garlic, Mushrooms, and Pancetta

Ingredients

• 1 crusty sourdough loaf (1 1/2-2 pounds)
• 8-10 ounces of sliced cremini or baby bella muchrooms
• 6 whole cloves of garlic, peeled
• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced (if it isn't already)
• 3 Tablespoons minced fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare...: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. 2

   Slice or tear the bread into 1-1 1/2...: Slice or tear the bread into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces. Place them on a baking sheet.

3. 3

   Put the mushrooms and garlic on another baking...: Put the mushrooms and garlic on another baking sheet and toss in the avocado oil. Place both baking sheets in the oven (mushrooms on a lower rack). Roast for 20-25 minutes until the bread is completely crispy and hard and the mushrooms and garlic are golden brown.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet...: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and pancetta. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pancetta is crispy and the onions and celery are soft and caramelized.

5. 5

   Put the bread cubes in a very large...: Put the bread cubes in a very large bowl along with the sauteed pancetta mixture and fresh herbs. Separate the garlic cloves from the mushrooms and smash them with a fork. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the bowl.

6. 6

   Pour the chicken broth over everything and mix...: Pour the chicken broth over everything and mix it well. Let it sit for 5 minutes or so to let the bread cubes soak up the broth, stirring a couple of times.

7. 7

   Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F....: Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Transfer the stuffing to the 9x13 baking dish and bake it for 35-40 minutes until the top of the stuffing is golden brown with crisp edges and no more chicken broth remains in the bottom of the pan.

8. 8

   Let the stuffing cool for 10 minutes before...: Let the stuffing cool for 10 minutes before serving.