Leek Goat Cheese Stuffing Recipes

PANCETTA, LEEK AND MUSHROOM STUFFING WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the celery and leeks and cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, sage, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are soft, 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the skillet, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine the stuffing and cooled mixture. Add the pancetta and eggs and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top evenly with the goat cheese.
• Bake until golden brown on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

GLUTEN-FREE STUFFING WITH LEEKS & GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Lightly rub a 9-inch round baking dish or the equivalent with butter.
• Place the bread on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until dry and lightly golden, 20-40 minutes depending on the type of bread used. Soft white bread will toast more quickly than heartier breads with whole grain flours, so keep an eye on it.
• Place the sliced leeks in a large bowl and cover with cool water. Separate the leek rounds to rinse them of any sandy dirt and let sit for 5 minutes, swirling a few times. Any sand should sink to the bottom of the bowl.
• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. When the butter is hot, lift the leeks from their bowl, shaking off excess water, and add to the skillet. Add the shallot, celery, garlic, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 5-10 minutes. Pour in the wine and continue cooking until evaporated, 2-4 more minutes.
• Place the dry bread in a large bowl and add the leek mixture along with the parsley, sage, thyme, and pepper.
• Whisk the egg and broth together to combine, then pour this over the bread mixture. Toss well to combine, then let sit for 5 minutes to absorb a bit of moisture, tossing a few times.
• Scoop half of the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the crumbled goat cheese. Top with the remaining bread and liquid, then sprinkle with the remaining goat cheese. Dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter cut into small pieces.
• Bake the stuffing until the top is golden and crisp and the center is hot, 40-50 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

BAKED APPLES STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND LEEKS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F.
• Place 1 tablespoon butter and leeks in heavy pan; cook, shaking pan and stirring, until leeks begin to turn transparent.
• Add 1 tablespoon water, stir and cover pan.
• Continue cooking until leeks are tender, 10 minutes, adding more water if necessary to prevent leeks from sticking.
• When leeks are cooked, transfer them to bowl and blend inches Add goat cheese and cream.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Gently stuff each apple with an equal amount of the goat-cheese-and-leek mixture, pressing it into cavity and mounding on top.
• Core the apples and remove strip of peel from circumference of each apple (lemon juice will keeping them from oxidizing and discoloring); place apples in baking dish.
• Pour wine around apples, put bay leaf in wine and lightly salt interior of each apple.
• Top each apple with 1/4 of the remaining tablespoon of butter.
• Bake apples in center of oven until tender and cheese is dark golden on top, 35 to 45 minutes.
• Transfer to plates, garnish with parsley and serve immediately as appetizer or side dish.