She Strengthens

A Twist on Traditional Stuffing: Chestnut and Pancetta Delight

When it comes to family recipes for stuffing, there are often strong opinions about what ingredients make the cut. While some swear by cranberries or oysters, we’ve added a unique twist to this classic dish by incorporating chestnuts for a delightful flavor combination.

The Perfect Side Dish for Your Holiday Feast

This recipe was originally featured as part of our Italian-inspired Christmas menu, but it’s equally perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. With its familiar flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

* Servings and Prep Time*

Yield: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Active Time: 35 minutes

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old country-style Italian bread (about 1 pound), medium diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for coating the pan
• 6 ounces pancetta, medium diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 medium yellow onion, medium diced
• 1 medium fennel, tops trimmed, cored, and cut into medium dice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces whole peeled steamed or roasted chestnuts, small diced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. In a large mixing bowl, place the diced bread and set aside. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside.

Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground cinnamon to the pan drippings. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the diced onion, fennel, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just softened, about 10 minutes.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Stir in the diced chestnuts and chopped sage leaves, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, stirring to incorporate, and bring to a simmer.

Pour the mixture over the bread, adding the reserved pancetta, and stir well to evenly incorporate. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and bake until heated through and the bread is beginning to turn golden brown, about 30 minutes.

The Final Result

This chestnut and pancetta stuffing is a game-changer for your holiday meal. With its unique flavor combination and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your guests!