Oven-Baked Mushroom Stuffing

• slices bacon, diced↗6 -8
• celery ribs, chopped↗4
• medium onions, chopped↗2
• garlic cloves, chopped↗6
• fresh mushrooms, chopped↗1 lb
• rubbed sage (can use 1 teaspoon dried thyme)1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon
• seasoned salt and pepper (to taste)
• cornbread stuffing mix or fresh bread, cubed with crumbs1
• chopped celery leaves (from the top of celery stalks)1⁄2 cup
• minced fresh parsley2 tablespoons
• eggs, beaten↗4
• chicken broth↗2 1⁄2 cups
• butter, melted↗2 -3 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Set oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Butter a 13x9 baking dish.

3. 3

   In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove and drain on paper towel; reserve 2 tbsp of drippings.

4. 4

   Add in the celery and onion in drippings and cook until tender (adding in the chopped garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking time).

5. 5

   Add mushrooms, sage, seasoned salt and pepper; cook and stir for 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Remove from heat, stir in stuffing, or prepared bread crumbs, celery leaves, parsley and bacon; mix well.

7. 7

   Combine eggs and broth; add to stuffing mixture and mix well.

8. 8

   Spread into prepared baking dish, (dish will be full).

9. 9

   Dot with melted butter.

10. 10

    Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

11. 11

    Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer, or until lightly browned.