Recipe: Homemade Stuffing

This scratch-made stuffing recipe is packed with intense flavors and dense textures. The key for this pairing is to balance the rich, autumnal flavors with a crisp wine bold enough to meet the savory flavors at the summit. Thanks to Dusky Goose’s Eric Shivey for the recipe and pairing recommendations.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. French bread, 1/2″ cubes, dried
• 1/2 lb. unsalted butter, divided: 6 oz pats + 2 oz small cubes
• 2 1/2 C unsalted chicken stock
• 2 1/2 C vidalia onion, diced
• 1 1/4 C celery, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 C parsley, minced
• 1/4 C sage, minced
• 3 Tbsp rosemary, minced
• 2 Tbsp thyme, minced
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

• The day before cooking, cube and dry the bread in the oven for 45 minutes @ 250°. Allow the dried bread cubes to cool, store covered at room temperature.
• To make the stuffing, preheat the oven to 350° and grease a 9×13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Melt 6 oz butter pats in a pan. Add the onion and celery to the pan. Sauté over medium heat for ~10 minutes until the onion and celery are lightly browned and transfer to a large bowl with the dried bread cubes.
• Add the minced herbs and spices to the bowl. Add 1 1/4 C of the chicken stock to the bowl, stir to combine well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk remaining 1 1/4 C chicken stock with the 2 eggs. Pour mixture over the bread + veggies, stir to combine well.
• Fill the 9×13″ baking dish with the combined mixture, gently press to flatten the top. Evenly distribute the 2 oz butter cubes over the top of the mixture
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes @ 350°. Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove the dish and serve hot.

PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Wine characteristics – A barrel-aged white wine with elevated acidity, medium body, refreshing minerality, and crisp citrus notes. Barrel aging exposes the wine to oxygen, which helps develop textural complexity on the palate.

• Dusky Goose 2021 Chardonnay: Complex, round from the barrel aging (9 mos in 27% new French oak), and bright acidity, this lively wine is driven by a mineral intensity, stone fruit flavors, and a hint of brown butter that brings the full profile into sharp focus.
• Archery Summit 2021 Summit Vineyard Chardonnay: The creamy texture and medium-intense flavors of ‘2021 Summit’ complement the dish’s density, while the lime citrus notes enhance the perceived acidity and offset the richness.