Whole Wheat Stuffing with Pancetta, Chestnuts, and Parmesan

Ingredients for Whole Wheat Stuffing with Pancetta, Chestnuts, and Parmesan

• 450g loaf rustic whole wheat bread, cut (with crust) into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes (about 2400ml )

• 2 tablespoons (or more) extra-virgin olive oil

• 110g 1/4-inch-thick slices pancetta (Italian bacon), cut into 1/4-inch cubes

• 1 7.25-to 7.1150g jar whole steamed chestnuts or vacuum-packed roasted chestnuts,* broken into 1/2-inch pieces

• 120g chopped shallots (about 4 large)

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

• 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

• 725ml low-salt chicken broth

• 2 large eggs

• 240ml finely grated Parmesan cheese

Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 191°C. Toss bread cubes and 2 tablespoons oil in large bowl. Spread in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake until bread cubes are golden and slightly crunchy, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly, then return bread cubes to same large bowl.

Sauté pancetta in heavy large skillet over medium heat until crisp, adding oil if dry, about 6 minutes. Tilting skillet to allow pan drippings to accumulate at 1 end and using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to bowl with bread cubes. Add chestnuts and shallots to drippings in skillet; sauté until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add thyme and rosemary; stir 1 minute. Transfer mixture to bowl with bread. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

Preheat oven to 191°C. Generously butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Boil 725ml broth in medium saucepan until reduced to 350ml , 6 to 8 minutes. Whisk eggs in another large bowl. Mix in cheese. Gradually whisk in broth. Pour broth mixture over chestnut-bread mixture. Sprinkle with black pepper and stir well.

Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish. Cover dish with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered until top is golden brown and slightly crisp around edges, about 20 minutes longer.

Peeled cooked chestnuts; sold at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.