Embrace the hearty and rustic flavors of this sourdough rye stuffing, brimming with savory ham and a touch of cheese. This recipe meshes traditional sourdough rye bread, country ham, and a variety of vegetables and spices for a stuffing that bursts with flavor in every bite. It's perfect for a family dinner or a festive holiday feast.
Country ham may not be a staple in every household, but it's a key ingredient in this recipe. It's a variety of ham that's dry-cured and smoked, offering a unique flavor that's both salty and slightly sweet. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, any type of smoked ham can be a good substitute. Sourdough rye bread, another main component, is a type of bread made from rye grain and sourdough starter, giving it a distinct, hearty flavor. If it's not readily available, you can use any type of rye bread.
Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese Ingredients
Sourdough rye bread: This provides the hearty, rustic base for our stuffing recipe.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the stuffing together.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, umami flavor to the stuffing.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor when cooked.
Scallions: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Celery ribs: Adds a crisp texture and earthy flavor.
Country ham: The main protein, giving the stuffing a smoky, savory taste.
McIntosh apples: Adds a sweet-tart flavor and moistness to the stuffing.
Thyme: Gives a subtle, earthy flavor.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Chicken stock: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
Eggs: Helps bind the stuffing together and adds richness.
One reader, Lari Maas says:
This sourdough rye stuffing with ham and cheese recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is incredible, and the texture is perfect. The savory ham and cheese complement the tangy sourdough rye bread beautifully. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, comforting dish.
Techniques for Making Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
How to prepare the sourdough rye bread: Cut the bread into cubes and toss with melted butter and parmesan, then bake until browned and crisp.
How to cook the onion, scallions, and celery: Cook over low heat until softened, stirring occasionally.
How to cook the ground country ham: Cook over high heat until golden, stirring occasionally.
How to incorporate the apples and thyme: Stir in the apples and thyme into the ham mixture and let it cool before adding to the bread cubes.
How to assemble the stuffing: Toss the apple and ham mixture with the bread cubes, then season with salt and pepper. Whisk the stock with eggs and pour over the stuffing, mixing thoroughly.
How to bake the stuffing: Divide the stuffing between buttered baking dishes, cover with foil, and bake until heated through. Uncover and bake until browned and crisp.
How to make ahead: The stuffing can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
How To Make Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
This sourdough rye stuffing is made with cheesy bread pieces tossed with a mix of ham, celery, and apples for a savor and sweet dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbssourdough rye bread,(1 loaf)
- 6ozunsalted butter,(1½ stick)
- ¼cupParmesan cheese,plus 2 tbsp, freshly grated
- 1large onion
- 6medium scallions
- 2celery ribs
- ½lbground country ham,or minced prosciutto
- 2large McIntosh apples
- 1tbspthyme,minced
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4cupschicken stock,or canned low-sodium broth
- 2large eggs
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a very large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, then spread on 3 large baking sheets.
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Sprinkle with the Parmesan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned and crisp. Let cool, then return the bread to the bowl. Leave the oven on.
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Melt the remaining 1 stick of butter in a large skillet.
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Add the onion, scallions, and celery and cook over moderately low heat for about 12 minutes, stirring until softened.
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Add the ham and cook over moderately high heat for about 4 minutes, stirring until golden.
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Stir in the apples and thyme and let cool.
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Scrape the apple mixture over the bread cubes and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
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In a large bowl, whisk the stock with the eggs and pour over the stuffing. Mix thoroughly.
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Butter 2 large, shallow baking dishes and divide the stuffing between them. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes until heated through.
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Uncover and bake for about 15 minutes until browned and crisp.
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Serve at once.
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Make-Ahead: The stuffing can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition
- Calories: 442.12kcal
- Fat: 21.15g
- Saturated Fat: 11.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.56g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.75g
- Carbohydrates: 45.73g
- Fiber: 5.91g
- Sugar: 9.90g
- Protein: 17.85g
- Cholesterol: 95.05mg
- Sodium: 1235.09mg
- Calcium: 129.27mg
- Potassium: 480.17mg
- Iron: 2.95mg
- Vitamin A: 149.44µg
- Vitamin C: 5.99mg
Pro Tip for Making Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
When preparing the sourdough rye bread for this stuffing recipe, it's important to cut the bread into uniform cubes. This ensures even toasting in the oven and a consistent texture throughout the stuffing. Additionally, when adding the chicken stock and eggs mixture to the bread, do so gradually while stirring to allow the bread to absorb the liquid evenly. This prevents the stuffing from becoming too soggy or too dry. Lastly, remember to give the stuffing time to rest after baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting to cook. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is sautéing, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Prep in advance: Prepping ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or pre-measuring spices, can significantly reduce the time needed to assemble the recipe when you start cooking.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like food processors, mandolines, and stand mixers to speed up tasks like slicing, shredding, and mixing.
Opt for simple recipes: Choose recipes that require minimal prep and cooking time, such as one-pot meals or sheet pan dinners, to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese Recipe
sourdough rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread has a similar hearty texture and nutty flavor, which can work well as a substitute for sourdough rye bread in the stuffing.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a rich flavor and moisture to the stuffing.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese has a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor, which can complement the ham and rye bread in the stuffing.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the stuffing.
scallions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor and a slightly sweeter taste.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb can add a similar crunchy texture and a hint of anise flavor to the stuffing.
ground country ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky and savory flavor to the stuffing, complementing the other ingredients.
mcintosh apples - Substitute with granny smith apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart and crisp flavor, which can balance the richness of the stuffing.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a slightly piney and earthy flavor to the stuffing.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative, adding depth of flavor to the stuffing.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs, providing a similar texture to the stuffing.
Presenting Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sourdough rye stuffing with ham and cheese, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use fresh herbs and edible flowers to add color and vibrancy to the dish. Consider incorporating a variety of textures and shapes to make the presentation visually striking.
Incorporate artistic elements: Utilize artistic elements such as sauce drizzles or carefully placed microgreens to add a touch of sophistication to the dish. The presentation should reflect attention to detail and artistic flair, showcasing the culinary expertise behind the creation of the stuffing.
Highlight the ingredients: Showcase the key ingredients of the dish by arranging them thoughtfully on the plate. Highlight the rich, earthy tones of the sourdough rye bread, the savory country ham, and the subtle sweetness of the apples. Each component should be presented with precision and care.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced and symmetrical presentation, ensuring that the components are arranged in a harmonious manner. Pay attention to the placement of each element to create a visually pleasing arrangement that demonstrates a high level of culinary finesse.
Emphasize elegance: Infuse an element of elegance into the presentation by incorporating delicate garnishes and meticulously arranged components. The overall presentation should exude refinement and sophistication, capturing the attention of the culinary professionals with its graceful aesthetic.
Essential Tools for Making Sourdough Rye Stuffing
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing large quantities of food.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and tossing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
- Baking sheets: Baking sheets, also known as cookie sheets, are flat metal pans used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. They provide a flat surface for even baking and can also be used for roasting vegetables.
- Skillet: A skillet, or frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It's a versatile tool for cooking a wide range of dishes and is available in different materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings.
- Large baking dishes: Large baking dishes, such as casserole dishes or roasting pans, are used for baking and roasting larger quantities of food. They are typically made of glass or ceramic and are oven-safe for cooking a variety of dishes.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It's commonly used for mixing liquids, incorporating air into batters, and emulsifying dressings and sauces.
- Foil: Aluminum foil is a versatile kitchen essential used for wrapping, covering, and lining pans during cooking and baking. It helps to retain moisture, prevent food from sticking, and can be used for easy cleanup.
- Butter: Butter is a dairy product used for cooking, baking, and flavoring dishes. It adds richness and flavor to the stuffing and helps to achieve a golden brown crust when baking.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients. It's important to have a reliable chef's knife for prepping the bread, onions, celery, and apples in this recipe.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients. It helps to protect countertops and keeps knives sharp during food prep.
Storing and Freezing Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
- Let the stuffing cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled stuffing to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the stuffing:
- Divide the cooled stuffing into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the stuffing in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the stuffing:
- If frozen, thaw the stuffing overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the stuffing seems dry, add a little chicken broth or water before reheating.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of stuffing in the microwave:
- Place the desired amount of stuffing in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the stuffing from drying out.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through the reheating process.
How To Reheat Leftover Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
For a quicker method, reheat individual portions of stuffing in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the stuffing halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the stuffing in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffing and stir occasionally, breaking up any large clumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the stuffing is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a unique twist, transform leftover stuffing into crispy stuffing cakes. Mix the stuffing with a beaten egg and form the mixture into small patties. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
If you have a waffle iron, try making stuffing waffles. Preheat the waffle iron and grease it lightly with cooking spray. Spoon the leftover stuffing onto the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Serve the stuffing waffles with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy for a delicious and creative meal.
Interesting Trivia About Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
The rye bread used in this stuffing recipe is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut. Additionally, the combination of ham and cheese provides a rich and savory flavor profile, making this dish a delicious and satisfying option for a hearty meal.
Budget-Friendly Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
This sourdough rye stuffing with ham and cheese recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of simple, readily available ingredients like sourdough rye bread, ham, and apples makes it budget-friendly. The addition of parmesan cheese and chicken stock may slightly increase the cost. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying dish, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it an affordable option for a delicious and hearty meal.
Is Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese Healthy?
This sourdough rye stuffing recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The high amount of butter used (6 oz) contributes to increased saturated fat content
- Ground country ham is typically high in sodium and fat
- The use of chicken stock and eggs adds to the overall cholesterol levels
- White bread, even if it's sourdough rye, is less nutritious than whole grain alternatives
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients like onions, scallions, celery, and apples, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this stuffing healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as turkey ham or chicken sausage, to decrease the fat and sodium content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the mix, like mushrooms, carrots, or kale, to boost the nutrient profile
- Use a low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth to control salt intake
- Experiment with whole grain bread options, such as whole wheat sourdough or multigrain bread, for added fiber and nutrients
- Decrease the amount of cheese used or choose a lower-fat variety like part-skim mozzarella
Editor's Opinion on Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese
The sourdough rye stuffing with ham and cheese recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sourdough rye bread, country ham, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of apples adds a touch of sweetness. The use of thyme and scallions provides a lovely herbal aroma, and the overall dish is well-balanced and comforting. The make-ahead option adds convenience, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a traditional stuffing with a unique and delicious twist.
Enhance Your Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sourdough Rye Stuffing with Ham and Cheese Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the art of sourdough baking. The combination of sourdough rye bread with ham and cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of thyme and apples adds a delightful twist, while the parmesan cheese brings a rich umami depth. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof outcome, and the option to prepare it ahead of time adds convenience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it embodies the essence of comfort and satisfaction.
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