Dried Cherry, Mushroom & Chestnut Stuffing Recipe | DaTerra Cucina

When it comes to holiday sides, stuffing is the kind of dish that can turn a good meal into an unforgettable feast. This Dried Cherry, Mushroom & Chestnut Stuffing brings a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors perfect for complementing roasted poultry or standing proudly on its own as a vegetarian centerpiece.

With tart dried cherries, tender mushrooms, and buttery roasted chestnuts, every bite is layered with texture and warmth. And when made in your DaTerra Cucina nonstick pan, it cooks evenly and releases beautifully, making cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time at the table and less time scrubbing.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 5 cups dried white or French bread, cut into rustic cubes
• 1 leek, cut lengthwise then sliced into thin rounds and well washed
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups mushrooms (oyster, cremini, or white button)
• ½ cup dried sour cherries (or substitute dried cranberries)
• ½ cup roasted chestnuts (available peeled and ready to use)
• ½ cup butter (or olive oil), divided
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ – 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)

Instructions

1. Prep the bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into chunky cubes and toast until dry, crisp, and just beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and cool until needed.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large DaTerra Cucina skillet, melt about a tablespoon of butter and cook the mushrooms until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and lightly sauté the leeks and celery until transparent, about 5 minutes. Lightly chop the roasted chestnuts.

3. Combine everything
In a large bowl, toss the dried bread cubes with poultry seasoning, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the cherries, chestnuts, and vegetables, then drizzle with the remaining butter. Slowly add the chicken (or vegetable) stock while tossing until the mixture is well moistened but not mushy.

4. Bake to perfection
Lightly pack the stuffing into a DaTerra Cucina covered roaster (or use it to stuff your bird). Cover and bake for 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover, fork-toss the top, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is toasted and golden brown to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet Meets Savory: The tart cherries and rich mushrooms create a flavor harmony that feels comforting yet fresh.
  
• Texture & Warmth: Toasted bread, buttery chestnuts, and aromatic herbs bring layers of crunch and coziness.
  
• Perfect for Your DaTerra Cookware: From sautéing to baking, your DaTerra Cucina pans handle it all — beautifully and effortlessly.

Cooking Tip from DaTerra Cucina

For an extra golden, flavorful top, drizzle a bit of melted butter over the stuffing before baking uncovered.

At DaTerra Cucina, we believe every holiday meal deserves a little magic — and cookware that helps you make it happen. Try this festive stuffing in your DaTerra Cucina pan, and fill your kitchen with the aromas (and joy) of the season.