Mushroom Stuffing: A Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish

Stuffing and mushrooms are a match made in heaven. Stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetiser, and mushrooms are a great addition to stuffing, providing a savoury, umami flavour. There are many different ways to make mushroom stuffing, and it can be adapted to suit vegetarians and vegans. Mushrooms can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and meat. When making mushroom stuffing, it's important to use a high-quality loaf of bread, and to season well.

Stuffing recipes with mushrooms

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stuffing. Here are some recipes for mushroom stuffing:

Wild Mushroom Stuffing

This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. It is packed with flavour, thanks to the use of wild mushrooms and an earthy blend of herbs. The key to this recipe is to use a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster, and to toast the bread until it is completely dry before adding the other ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Wild mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and oyster)
• Bread (French loaf, baguette, or sourdough)
• Butter
• Leek
• Celery
• Eggs
• Broth
• Thyme

Instructions:

• Heat the oven and prepare a baking dish by coating it with butter.
• Toast the bread cubes until completely dry.
• Cook the leek and celery until tender.
• Melt butter in a skillet and add the mushrooms, cooking until golden.
• Add the celery, leek, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes.
• Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and add the vegetable mixture, tossing to combine.
• Whisk the eggs and broth in a medium bowl and add to the stuffing, along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until golden brown and crisp.
• Sprinkle with thyme leaves before serving.

Vegan Mushroom Stuffing

This vegan mushroom stuffing recipe is a delicious and easy option that can be made ahead of time. It uses a variety of mushrooms and herbs to create a flavourful dish that even meat-eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms (cremini and shiitake)
• Bread (white, rustic loaf, or sourdough)
• Onion
• Celery
• Herbs (sage and parsley)

Instructions:

• Cook the mushrooms in olive oil until browned.
• Stir in the onion, celery, herbs, and garlic, and let them soften.
• Add the broth and bread cubes, and mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake the stuffing covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the top.

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms

These cheesy stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customised with your favourite cheese.

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms
• Butter
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese
• Parsley
• Thyme

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet.
• Remove stems from mushrooms and chop them finely.
• Melt butter in a skillet and add the chopped mushroom stems, cooking until most of the moisture is evaporated.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add bread crumbs and cook until slightly toasted, then season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the bread crumb mixture to a bowl and add Parmesan, cream cheese, parsley, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
• Fill mushroom caps with the filling and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
• Bake the stuffed mushrooms for about 20 minutes, until softened and golden.

How to prep mushrooms for stuffing

Preparing mushrooms for stuffing is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep mushrooms for a delicious and flavorful stuffing:

Cleaning the Mushrooms:

Start by selecting fresh mushrooms with a good texture. Mushrooms tend to have dirt stuck to them, so cleaning them before cooking is crucial. Give them a quick rinse in a colander under cold running water to remove any visible dirt. Then, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the mushrooms and remove any remaining dirt or debris from the caps and stems. Ensure you don't soak the mushrooms in water for too long, as this can lead to soggy mushrooms when baking.

Chopping the Mushrooms:

After cleaning, you can choose to chop the mushrooms into your desired size. For a finer texture, use a sharp knife to chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a chewy texture, you can leave the mushroom pieces larger. You can also use a food processor to quickly chop the mushrooms into small pieces, but be careful not to overprocess them.

Sautéing the Mushrooms:

Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and their moisture is released and evaporated. This step deepens the flavor of the mushrooms and adds a savory note to your stuffing.

Adding Aromatics and Herbs:

Once the mushrooms are cooked, it's time to build flavor. Add aromatics such as onions, shallots, or garlic to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant. You can also include celery at this stage for added texture and flavor. Then, stir in your choice of herbs, such as sage, thyme, or parsley. Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and a pop of color.

Combining with Other Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the cooked mushroom mixture with your choice of bread cubes. You can use plain or seasoned bread, but a rustic loaf or sourdough works well. Add broth or stock to the mixture, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy. You can also add eggs to the broth for a custardy texture. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking the Stuffing:

Grease a baking dish and transfer the mushroom and bread mixture to it. Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

With these steps, you'll have delicious mushroom stuffing that's flavorful, savory, and a perfect side dish for your meal. Enjoy the wonderful combination of mushrooms, herbs, and crispy bread!

Bread types for mushroom stuffing

When making mushroom stuffing, it's important to use dry, slightly stale, and sturdy bread. The bread should be cut into bite-sized cubes to make it easy to eat. The bread absorbs the juices from the mushrooms and vegetables, so it's a crucial part of the dish.

There are several types of bread that work well for mushroom stuffing. Sourdough is a popular choice for its sturdiness and flavour. A French loaf, baguette, or any other type of hearty bread will also work. Rustic bread or a plain or seasoned loaf can be used, and some recipes specifically call for country-style French bread.

It's best to avoid soft, enriched breads like brioche. However, cornbread can be used to add a different flavour, and you can even make your own. White bread can also be used, especially if combined with sourdough.

Some recipes call for specific types of bread, such as rosemary roasted garlic bread, or white hamburger buns. You can also experiment with different types of bread to find your preferred flavour and texture.

Herbs and spices for mushroom stuffing

When it comes to herbs and spices, there are several options to consider for mushroom stuffing. Firstly, let's talk about herbs. Sage is often considered the star ingredient in mushroom stuffing, providing a strong herbal flavour. Parsley is also commonly used, adding colour and freshness to the dish. If you're looking for a more subtle herb flavour, you can opt for parsley or basil. Thyme is another herb that pairs well with mushrooms, and it can be used alongside or in place of rosemary, which has a strong flavour, so it should be used sparingly. Fresh herbs are typically preferred, but dried herbs can also be used if that's all you have on hand. Just remember to use less dried herb than you would fresh, as their flavour is more concentrated.

Now, let's discuss spices and other flavourings. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning any dish, including mushroom stuffing. You can also add garlic to your stuffing, which will complement the mushrooms nicely. If you're looking for a savoury, umami flavour, chicken broth or stock is a great option. Vegetable broth is perfect if you're catering to vegetarians or vegans. For a touch of sweetness, you might consider adding maple syrup or apple to your mushroom stuffing. Mushrooms also pair well with nuts, so you could try adding some coarsely chopped walnuts to your recipe.

Additionally, mushrooms can be paired with various cheeses, especially Parmesan, which adds a salty, savoury note to the dish. Other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even feta can be used to add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. If you want to enhance the mushroom flavour even more, you can add mushroom powder to your recipe. Lastly, eggs can be whisked into the broth to create a custardy, tightly packed texture in your mushroom stuffing.

Vegan mushroom stuffing

A delicious vegan mushroom stuffing is a great option for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. This recipe is simple to make and will be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Use a high-quality loaf, preferably a day old. Options include wheat, white, sourdough, French bread, or a rustic loaf. Vegan brioche is an option but can be hard to find.
• Mushrooms: A variety of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms will add a well-rounded flavor to your stuffing.
• Vegetables: Onion, celery, and garlic are classic choices, but you can also add leeks.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley will enhance the flavor and are recommended over dried herbs.
• Broth: Vegetable broth is essential for moisture and flavor.
• Wine: White wine is optional but adds depth to the dish.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add texture and a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
• Fat: For a vegan option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of traditional butter.

Instructions:

• Start by cubing or toasting your bread. You can do this ahead of time and store it for up to four days.
• Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil or vegan butter until browned.
• Add the onions, celery, garlic, and herbs to the mushroom mixture and cook until softened.
• Pour in the wine, if using, and cook until absorbed.
• Combine the bread cubes with the vegetable mixture in a large bowl.
• Add the broth and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• For crispy edges, uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Enjoy your vegan mushroom stuffing! It's a flavorful and festive dish that will impress your guests and satisfy all dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions