Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread and Bacon Stuffing

Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread and Bacon Stuffing

halfbakedharvest.com

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES

Serving Size: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

Cheddar Beer Bread

3 cups flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (12 ounce) beer

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/4 teaspoon dried chives

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

Stuffing

1 onion, diced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

10 tablespoons butter, divided

1 1/4 cups hot sauce (I use Franks Red Hot)

3 cup chicken broth (or veggie broth)

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

8 sliced cooked thick cut bacon, crumbled (optional)

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

4 green onions, chopped, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the beer bread. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick spray.
2. Add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt to a mixing bowl. Pour in the beer and stir with a mixing spoon until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top of the bread is lightly browned and the middle is set. Let the bread cool 30 minutes to an hour, In a small bowl combine the parsley, dill, chives, pepper and salt. Cut the bread into one inch cubes. Place the cubes on a lightly greased baking sheet and very lightly and carefully sprinkle/toss with the herbs. Place in the oven and toast the bread for 8-10 minutes. You want the bread to get sort of stale and a little golden brown around the edges. Remove and allow the bread to cool and then place the bread in a very large bowl.
3. To make the stuffing. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (something a little larger or smaller also will work) Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and garlic. Saute until the onions are very tender, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and place in the bowl with the bread.
4. Melt the remaining 8 tablespoons butter in the microwave and add the melted butter to a clean large bowl. To the butter add the hot sauce, chicken, broth, eggs and seasoned salt. Whisk to combine and then pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake 35-45 minutes or until just golden on top. Remove and top the stuffing with crumbled bacon, blue cheese, cilantro (or parsley) and green onions. Serve!