Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Italian Thanksgiving

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (156)

Cook Time:
1 hr 10 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
8 to 10 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 1 hr 10 min
Total:: 1 hr 30 min

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Ingredients

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
8 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 (7.4-ounce) jars roasted peeled whole chestnuts, coarsely broken
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 pound day-old ciabatta bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup (or more) canned low-salt chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten to blend

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter a 15 by 10 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a large bowl. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, and garlic. Saute until the onions are very tender, about 12 minutes. Gently stir in the chestnuts and parsley. Transfer the onion mixture to the large bowl with the pancetta. Add the bread and Parmesan and toss to coat. Add enough broth to the stuffing mixture to moisten. Season the stuffing, to taste, with salt and pepper. Mix in the eggs.

Transfer the stuffing to the prepared dish. Cover with buttered foil, buttered side down, and bake until the stuffing is heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the top is crisp and golden, about 15 minutes longer.

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Giada De Laurentiis's Thanksgiving Menu

AppetizerItalian Greens and Herb Salad
Main DishTurkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus
Side DishSpicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
DessertChocolate-Hazelnut Tart

Giada De Laurentiis's Thanksgiving Menu (11)

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
Sharon Pasadena, CA 11-27-2009
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Not Better Than A Box
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

I made this for the first time today. It was okay, but not as good as what I usually do--namely, I add extra ingredients to... a box of Mrs. Cubbison's I felt the spice/herbs were inadequate and I really thought the Chestnuts, which cost $12 per 7.2 oz. bottle at my grocery store, added absolutely nothing except cost to the final product.Read more
recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
Vaungaylyn Reno, NV 11-26-2009
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Easy and great twist on stuffing!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

Though this isn't our absolute favorite, it was delicious!!! We enjoyed it and it was simple to make. Finding the pancetta... was difficult and we had to go with pre-sliced, thin pancetta, but it worked perfectly. We omitted the onions, but it was perfect! The cooking was simple and it moved effortlessly about the kitchen--being taken out and put back into the oven as other things needed. Quite flexible and versatile. Great recipe!Read more
recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
ALLISON Norcross, GA 11-26-2009
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Perfect the 1st time
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I just made this for Thanksgiving today, which was also the first time I cooked for my mother and father-in-law. I know... you're not supposed to try new recipes on guests, but I live on the edge. It was also my first time making stuffing that wasn't from a box... I left out the pancetta, because I'm not a pork eater, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. I did end up using probably 1 3/4 cup of chicken stock to properly moisten it, and left it in the oven (accidentally) a bit longer, but it turned out flavorful and crispy on top. The chestnuts were nice, but I think I'll make this again for regular meals and leave them out to save $. It was easy and tasted great, and I'm glad I cooked for a small group of 4, so there are plenty of leftovers! Thanks Giada.Read more
recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
Stephanie San Diego, CA 11-24-2009
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Best stuffing ever!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've tried other stuffing recipes and this one is really the best! If you cant find pancetta at your local grocery store, you... can use bacon as a substitute. This recipe has been a hit at every Thanksgiving party!Read more
recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
Julie Spring, TX 11-24-2009
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Traditions Continues
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I didn't care much for stuffing, I've always been the mashed potatoes queen. Until one day my daughter and I were watching... the food network and we were in awe when Giada made the Ciabatta Stuffing. We recorded the program and the next week we made it. It has become a family tradition. Every year since then I've been required to bring the Ciabatta Stuffing for Thanksgiving Day. The only thing I omit is the Chestnuts, they are so hard to find and not everyone carries them. Doesn't really matter though, everyone enjoys it with out the chestnuts, the Ciabatta and the pancetta gives it SO much flavor. Now my daughter is about to get married and wants something that she can bring to Thanksgiving. This will now be Tiffany's Dish - tradition continues. Thanks Giada! Read more
recipe Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta
Danesa Mahwah, NJ 11-16-2009
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A Thanksgiving Staple!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I come from a very large Cuban and Italian family, so needless to say we have big appetites and are passionate about our... food. This recipe is hands down the best stuffing recipe!! The pancetta gives it so much flavor and the ciabatta bread is delicious. I chop and prep everything the night before so that on Thanksgiving I just need to combine and bake. Read more