Cajun Chestnut Holiday Dressing

DESCRIPTION

This Cajun Chestnut Holiday Dressing puts a flavorful spin on a classic holiday side dish. Crispy French bread, roasted chestnuts, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables are baked together in a rich, savory mixture of chicken broth, cream, and egg for a perfectly golden, comforting dressing. Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun Seasoning adds a bold blend of Cajun-inspired herbs and spices that brings just the right amount of warmth and flavor to every bite. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this homemade chestnut dressing is a delicious addition to any holiday meal.

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 6–8

French bread (12 oz. loaf)	1 loaf
Fresh chestnuts	15
Reduced-sodium chicken broth	20 oz.
Chopped mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion) or trinity (green pepper, celery, onion)	½ cup
Avocado oil	1 tsp.
Mixed fresh herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, or a combination), chopped	1 Tbsp.
Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun seasoning	1 Tbsp. (or more to taste)
Large egg, beaten	1
Heavy cream	½ cup

STEPS

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F. Cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bread is dry and crisp. Transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
2. Place the chestnuts in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit in the shell of each chestnut. Arrange them slit-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until softened. Let cool, then peel away the shells and chop the chestnuts.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Pour the chicken broth over the bread cubes and allow them to soak while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
5. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mirepoix (or trinity) and sauté for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened.
6. Add the chopped chestnuts, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and Spicelopedia® Rajun Cajun seasoning to the soaked bread. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream, then pour the mixture over the bread and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a baking dish or pie plate lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Serve warm.