Chestnut and Pancetta Stuffing

Name: Chestnut and Pancetta Stuffing
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf day-old country-style Italian bread (about 1 pound), medium dice; 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for coating the pan; 6 ounces pancetta, medium dice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 medium yellow onion, medium dice; 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 dice; 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves; 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Chestnut Pancetta Side Dish Stuffing Christmas Thanksgiving Italian Cinnamon Sage Herbs Pork Fennel Onions Bread Holidays Fall Winter Easy Chicken Broth

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6 to 8 servings Easy

Total: 1 hr 5 mins Active: 35 mins

2 Ratings

Ingredients (11)

1 loaf day-old country-style Italian bread (about 1 pound), medium dice
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for coating the pan
6 ounces pancetta, medium dice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
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 dice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

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Nutritional Information

Calories458
Fat17.42g
Saturated fat5.04g
Trans fat0.04g
Carbs62.19g
Fiber5.14g
Sugar6.35g
Protein12.9g
Cholesterol18.71mg
Sodium675.28mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by

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While some family recipes for stuffing swear allegiance to cranberries, sausage, or oysters, here we’ve added chestnuts for a little flair but kept the rest of the dish familiar enough to be comforting.

This recipe was featured as part of our Christmas Day Feast, Italian Style menu but is obviously perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner too.

by Aida Mollenkamp

Tips for Christmas and Pork

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

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How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Next: How to Freeze Pork

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How to Freeze Pork

Pork fares best in the freezer if packaged with freezer-friendly materials like waxed paper, aluminum foil, or heavy-duty plastic bags. Wrap any meat tightly so that air does not escape and freeze at 0°F. Generally, fresh cuts of pork can last up to six months, while ground pork can last up to three.

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Next: How to Thaw Pork

Tip

How to Thaw Pork

Pork is easiest to thaw when placed in the refrigerator in its original wrapping. Small roasts will take three to five hours per pound, while larger roasts can take up to seven hours per pound. Thawing ground pork depends entirely on the thickness of its packaging.

It is safe to cook frozen or partially-frozen pork, but its cooking time may take 50 percent longer. Frozen pork should not be cooked in a slow cooker.

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Next: How to Store Pork

Tip

How to Store Pork

Sealed pork products can typically last in the fridge for two to four days, with ground pork having a slightly shorter shelf life at one to three. Ham or other smoked pork products like bacon can be stored for up to a week, though this only applies to products that aren’t vacuum sealed or prepared with preservatives. The latter can obviously last a lot longer.

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Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Instructions

1Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the bread in a large mixing bowl; set aside. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with olive oil.
2Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside.
3Increase the heat to medium high, add the cinnamon to the pan drippings, and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the onion, fennel, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the chestnuts and sage and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broth, stir to incorporate, and bring to a simmer.
4Pour the mixture over the bread, add the reserved pancetta, and stir well to evenly incorporate. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared baking dish and bake until it’s heated through and the bread is beginning to turn golden brown, about 30 minutes.

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