If you’re on the hunt for a stuffing recipe that brings deep, earthy flavors with a touch of elegance, you’re going to absolutely love this Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe. It’s packed with a gorgeous medley of wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and buttery bread cubes that bake up golden and irresistible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this during holiday feasts and cozy dinners—it steals the show every single time. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your Wild Mushroom Stuffing turns out perfect, right from the first try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Umami Flavor: The wild mushrooms offer a deep, savory taste that elevates this stuffing above the typical.
- Perfect Herb Balance: Fresh parsley, oregano, sage, and thyme bring bright, earthy notes that complement the mushrooms beautifully.
- Texture Delight: Toasted bread cubes soak up the buttery broth without getting soggy, creating the ideal stuffing consistency.
- Easy to Customize: You can tailor the recipe with different mushroom varieties or swap out herbs depending on your pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe works together to build layers of flavor and texture. Choosing a crusty, country-style French bread makes all the difference, and using fresh herbs keeps the stuffing vibrant and aromatic.
- Country-style French bread: I like to use day-old bread that’s been cubed and toasted—this helps it absorb moisture without turning mushy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and mushrooms to golden perfection.
- Wild mushrooms: The star of this dish! I prefer a mix of shiitake, oyster, and cremini for variety in flavor and texture.
- Shallots: Their mild onion flavor gives a subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness of mushrooms.
- Celery: For crunch and freshness—don’t skip this classic stuffing ingredient.
- Green onions: Their gentle bite adds interest without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Italian parsley: Brings bright, herbaceous notes that brighten the stuffing.
- Fresh oregano, sage, and thyme: These herbs create the ultimate aromatic foundation for this recipe.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the savory depth.
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning just right.
- Large eggs: Help bind the stuffing ingredients so it holds together beautifully after baking.
- Chicken broth: Used to moisten the bread and tie flavors together; you can use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe is, and I encourage you to put your own spin on it depending on what’s in season or your flavor preferences.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch—I started doing this a few years ago and it instantly became a favorite upgrade in my family.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply swap out chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and you’re all set.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added when sautéing the vegetables gives a subtle heat that balances the richness.
- Use different mushrooms: Seasonal varieties like chanterelles or morels can be swapped in to create a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the bread cubes
First things first: spread your cubed country-style French bread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Pop it in the oven preheated to 375°F and bake until the bread feels dry and crisp—about 15 minutes. This step ensures your bread soaks up just the right amount of moisture later without turning soggy. I’ve learned that skipping this drying step makes the whole stuffing watery, which nobody wants.
Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms and aromatics
While the bread toasts, melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the wild mushrooms and sliced shallots and sauté them until they’re beautifully golden—this usually takes around 7 minutes. This caramelization stage is so important for flavor! Then toss in the celery, green onions, fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes. The kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma here—I swear it’s part of what makes this stuffing irresistible.
Step 3: Combine ingredients and prepare to bake
Generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking—don’t skip this, especially if you’re using an older or non-stick pan. In a big bowl, toss your toasted bread cubes with the warm mushroom and veggie mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 3/4 cup chicken broth, then pour that over the bread mixture, tossing to coat everything evenly. From there, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds that wonderful savory richness.
Step 4: Add broth and bake
If the stuffing still feels a bit dry, add an extra 1/2 to 3/4 cup of broth—wild mushrooms soak up moisture quickly, and you want the stuffing moist but not soggy. Transfer it all into your prepared baking dish (or a large skillet if you prefer). Cover with foil that’s been brushed with butter to keep the top from sticking during baking. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered until the top is beautifully golden and slightly crisp—another 30 minutes. This two-step baking gives you that perfect crust and tender inside that I love.
Pro Tips for Making Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe
- Dry Your Bread Cubes Thoroughly: Making sure the bread is completely dried before mixing keeps your stuffing from being mushy.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Getting your mushrooms and shallots golden adds extra depth to the stuffing flavor.
- Adjust Broth Gradually: It’s easier to add more broth if needed than fix an overly wet stuffing.
- Butter the Foil: Brushing foil with butter prevents it from sticking to the top of the stuffing as it bakes.
How to Serve Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, I’ll also grate a touch more Parmesan for that extra savory finish. If I’m feeling festive, a few toasted pine nuts on top add a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This Wild Mushroom Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, but it’s equally fantastic alongside roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty vegetable main like lentil loaf. For sides, I usually serve garlic-roasted green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crisp autumn salad to balance all the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve recently started baking this stuffing inside hollowed-out acorn squash or large portobello mushroom caps — it makes a stunning presentation and adds that extra mushroom flavor punch! Another fun idea I tried was shaping the stuffing into mini individual portions using ramekins for easy, elegant servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The stuffing keeps well for about 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have fully melded.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing this stuffing either baked or unbaked. If freezing before baking, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It retains its texture and flavor remarkably well, making it a great make-ahead option for busy holiday planning.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I cover the stuffing with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5-10 minutes helps revive that crispy top. I avoid microwaving because it makes the texture a bit soggy, which is less enjoyable.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for this Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe?
Absolutely! While country-style French bread is ideal for its sturdy crust and texture, you can substitute sourdough or even a rustic Italian loaf. Just make sure to dry out the bread cubes well so they hold up during baking.
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What type of wild mushrooms work best in this recipe?
I like using a mix such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini for a balanced depth of flavor and texture. But feel free to use whatever you can find fresh—chanterelles or morels are fantastic if you have access to them.
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Can this stuffing be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the whole stuffing a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, bake it covered then uncovered to get that perfect golden top. It’s a lifesaver when you need to spread out holiday cooking!
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Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Just swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian-friendly Wild Mushroom Stuffing that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Wild Mushroom Stuffing has become my go-to comfort dish that always feels special and indulgent without being complicated. I absolutely love how this recipe delivers those warm, earthy flavors that remind me of cozy family gatherings. If you’re looking to wow your guests or just want a stuffing to savor with a simple roast dinner, give this one a try—you won’t regret it. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds and the recipe too!
Print
Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Wild Mushroom Stuffing recipe combines crusty country-style French bread with a savory blend of wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a hearty stuffing with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf country-style French bread with crust, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 14-15 ounces or 8-9 cups)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 pound wild mushrooms
- 2 shallots, finely sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chicken broth, divided
- 4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and toast bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet and bake until the bread is dried out and lightly toasted, roughly 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the bread cubes to cool.
- Cook the mushrooms and aromatics: While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the wild mushrooms and sliced shallots and sauté until they turn golden and release their moisture, about 7 minutes. Add chopped celery, green onions, fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, sage, thyme), minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue sautéing for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly softened.
- Prepare the baking dish: Generously grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine bread and vegetable mixture: Place the cooled bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Add the warm sautéed vegetable and mushroom mixture, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add eggs and broth: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth. Pour this egg mixture over the stuffing and toss well to coat every bread cube. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust moisture and assemble: If the stuffing still appears too dry or crumbly, add an additional 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chicken broth until the mixture feels moist but not soggy. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with buttered foil to prevent excessive browning and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered to finish: Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and crispy, about 30 more minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Hands down my most favorite part of Thanksgiving is this Wild Mushroom Stuffing. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, though the original recipe uses chicken broth.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the bread cubes a little longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Fresh herbs greatly enhance the flavor, so using fresh rather than dried is recommended.
- This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead; assemble it, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake on serving day, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1501 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg