Why, we wondered, should traditional bread stuffing have to use white bread? Rye and pumpernickel stand up much better to the sweet caramelized onions and earthy turnips in this very autumnal version.
Stuffing can be assembled (but not baked) 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 1/2 hr
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Spread bread cubes in 2 large shallow baking pans and bake, stirring occasionally and switching position of pans halfway through baking, until dry, 20 to 25 minutes total. Transfer bread to a large bowl. 3While bread is drying in oven, cook onions in 1/2 stick butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes, then add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add onion mixture to bread, reserving skillet. Add turnips, broth, and 2 tablespoons butter to skillet, then simmer, covered, until tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
Step 3
Increase oven temperature to 450°F and butter a 13- by 9-inch baking dish (3-quart capacity).
Step 4
Add turnip mixture, parsley, salt, and pepper to bread and toss until combined well. Spoon stuffing into baking dish. Cut remaining 2 tablespoons butter into bits and dot over top of stuffing. Bake stuffing, covered tightly with a sheet of buttered foil (buttered side down), in upper third of oven until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake stuffing until top is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes more.
