Panera Bread Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

In a bind to find the best stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving? Check out this Panera Bread original stuffing recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving, or any time after!

All Purpose Panera Bread Stuffing

• 3 cups of Panera Sourdough bread, cut into ½” cubes
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped celery, stalks and leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ¾ teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3-1/2 cup melted butter

Optional Additions

• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup chopped water chestnuts
• ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
• ½ cup currants
• ½ cup wild rice
• ½ cup gently sautéed chopped oysters

Directions:

To make the Bread Cubes, start with 1/2 loaf of leftover bread. Remove the crusts and cut the bread into 1/2" cubes until you have about 3 cups. Spread cubes out on a cutting board and allow them to dry, if possible, overnight. The next day, place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add onion, celery, thyme, sage, pepper and your favorite secret ingredient. Toss until they are well mixed. Add the melted butter, using the larger amount if you like your stuffing very moist, and toss gently. Stuff your 3 - 4 pound chicken or turkey and roast as directed. To prepare stuffing on its own, place it in a shallow baking dish, cover with foil and bake at 350° F for 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If the stuffing dries out, you may wish to add a little chicken broth as it cooks.

MAKES 6 - 8 SERVINGS