Bread Filling

There are times when we find comfort in familiarity, in repetition, especially when it comes to food. We all have our family favorites: recipes that don't have to be fancy to be delicious. When tradition flavors a dish, no matter how humble, there is just no substitute.

When a friend becomes ill, or someone passes away, we often make food to show our love. We fall back upon those dishes that have nourished and comforted us in the past, in hopes of doing the same for others. I have a few family favorites that I love to share in times like these. Even though they may be rustic, they are comforting.

This week's recipe comes from my friend and neighbor, Lisa. Lisa made the recipe below for us when a loved one died, a few years back. This dish was not only delicious but it was comforting. I am grateful that Lisa shared her mother-in-law's family recipe (Thanks Mrs. Ruth!). Here's Lisa!

When I spent my first Thanksgiving with my in-laws, I had no idea what bread filling was. My mother-in-law looked at me with a smile and told me that bread filling was better than stuffing, and that once I tasted it, I would realize what I had been missing all these years. As I am not one to stray from tradition, I was a little disappointed, because I was looking forward to traditional stuffing.

While I was helping her set the table, she asked me to place a casserole dish on the table. Curiously, I asked what it was, as it smelled incredible. She laughed and told me that it was the bread filling. She went on to explain that it is a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite, and the recipe dates back to her great-grandmother. Needless to say, it was delicious! I helped myself to not one, not two, but three helpings! I could have made a meal out of that alone.

Bread filling is a cross between mashed potatoes and stuffing, baked to crispy perfection. You can stuff a turkey with it or bake in a separate casserole, and it goes well with any kind of meat or poultry. It is a wonderful comfort food, especially on chilly days. My kids love it, it is simple to make, and it also freezes well (freeze before cooking). It has become a family favorite of ours for many years now. Enjoy!  

Bread Filling

3/4 cup butter

1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)

1/2 - 1 cup chopped celery

3 cups plain bread cubes - NOT seasoned

3 cups mashed potatoes (my mother-in-law uses 2-3 red potatoes)

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup milk, heated

2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in large pan over medium heat, then sauté onion and celery. Add bread cubes, tossing frequently so they don't burn.

Into large bowl, add bread cube mixture, mashed potatoes, eggs, milk, parsley, pepper and salt, combine well.

Spray a casserole dish large enough to hold filling with non-stick spray. Pour filling into dish and bake about an hour.