Church Filling(For 100 To 125 People)
A hearty, savory filling with tender potatoes, bread, eggs, and aromatic herbs, perfect for large gatherings or festive occasions, offering comforting and flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bread into 1/2 inch cubes and dry them out a day ahead if possible.
- Saute chopped onions and celery in butter until tender.
- Cook potatoes until soft, then mash them.
- Add milk, eggs, bread cubes, parsley, thyme, poultry seasoning, and salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or sautéing the onions with a bit of balsamic vinegar. If you need a vegetarian version, swap the butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of milk. When preparing the bread, ensure it's stale enough to absorb the mixture without becoming mushy. This filling can also be made ahead and frozen for convenient meals later, similar to a comforting Heavenly Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This church filling can serve as a hearty side dish or a filling main course. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also complements well with dishes like American recipes featuring roasted meats, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Church Filling(For 100 To 125 People) contains roughly 6590 calories, with 92g protein, 655g carbohydrates, and 415g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (610% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (319% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2886mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Assemble everything, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While Strohman Italian bread is traditional, any sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread can work. Just ensure it can hold up when cubed and soaked in the mixture.
Is this recipe easily adjustable for fewer servings?
Yes, you can scale down the ingredients proportionately based on the number of servings you need. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if the quantity changes significantly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).