Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Recipe for Holidays

Intro and Brief Recap

What makes a holiday meal truly unforgettable? The aroma of freshly baked bread, combined with the sweet and nutty flavors of cranberry pecan stuffing, can transport you to a cozy family gathering. This delightful dish offers a perfect blend of textures with crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and soft bread, creating a culinary experience that warms the heart.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of preparing this stuffing for Thanksgiving. It was always the highlight of the dinner table, and I fondly remember the way it filled our home with warmth and laughter. Every bite reminded me of love and togetherness, making it an essential part of our celebrations. Now, I can’t wait to share this recipe with you so that it can become a cherished part of your family gatherings too. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

Key Ingredients For Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Stale Bread Cubes: Use about 8 cups of day-old bread cubes; they absorb flavors well without getting mushy.
• Dried Cranberries: About 1 cup is ideal for adding sweetness and a burst of color to your stuffing.
• Pecans: Roughly chopped pecans bring a nutty crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
• Onion: One medium onion adds depth; dice it finely to ensure even distribution in the stuffing.
• Celery Stalks: Two chopped celery stalks provide a crisp texture; sauté them along with the onion before mixing.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: About 3 cups will keep your stuffing moist; choose low-sodium options for better control over salt levels.
• Butter: Use half a cup of unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of thyme, rosemary, and sage enhances flavor; use about one tablespoon each finely chopped.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Second Step : Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half a cup of butter. Add one diced onion and two chopped celery stalks. Sauté for about five minutes until softened.

Third Step : Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine eight cups of stale bread cubes with one cup of dried cranberries and one cup of chopped pecans. Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over this blend.

Fourth Step : Add Broth and Herbs

Pour three cups of chicken or vegetable broth into the bowl along with one tablespoon each of finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix everything gently until well combined.

Fifth Step : Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the stuffing mixture into the greased baking dish evenly. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.

Sixth Step : Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional ten minutes until golden brown on top.

Transfer to plates and serve warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread holds up better when mixed with liquids compared to fresh bread.
• Toast Your Nuts: Lightly toast pecans before adding them for an enhanced nutty flavor.
• Add More Flavor: Experiment by incorporating other herbs like parsley or marjoram based on your taste preferences.

Cooking Instructions

To prepare this delightful Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic for added flavor, cooking for an additional minute.

Next, combine dried cranberries and toasted pecans into the skillet. Then, add your favorite bread cubes to the mixture. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth gradually while stirring to ensure even distribution. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like sage and thyme to enhance the stuffing’s aroma and taste.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a crispy top. Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is perfect for any festive occasion or family gathering. You can serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a classic pairing. For a vegetarian meal, enjoy it with stuffed bell peppers or atop a bed of sautéed greens.

You can also use this stuffing as a filling for baked squash or pumpkins to create a stunning centerpiece on your table. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of gravy or cranberry sauce on top to elevate the flavors further.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers of your tasty Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffing before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed above.

Presentation Ideas

This Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted Turkey: A classic combination that complements holiday meals.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use as a flavorful filling for zucchini or peppers.
• Salads: Serve alongside mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.

FAQs

What are some variations I can try with Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

Consider adding different ingredients like sausage for added protein or apples for sweetness. You could also experiment with various nuts such as walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. For those who enjoy spice, incorporate some red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat. Each variation brings new flavors while maintaining the essence of this festive dish.

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow all cooking instructions until it’s time to bake, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, allow the stuffing to come to room temperature before baking as directed. This makes holiday meal prep much easier!

Is Cranberry Pecan Stuffing suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth during preparation. The combination of cranberries and pecans provides rich flavors that appeal to everyone at your table—vegetarian or not!

How do I adjust the recipe for gluten-free diets?

To adapt this Cranberry Pecan Stuffing recipe for gluten-free diets, choose gluten-free bread options available at most grocery stores today. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified as well. By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy this delicious stuffing without compromising on taste!

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Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is a heartwarming side dish that captures the essence of festive gatherings. This delightful stuffing features crispy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and savory herbs, all enveloped in perfectly baked stale bread. Not only is it an essential addition to your holiday table, but it’s also versatile enough to complement various main dishes. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, this stuffing is sure to become a cherished family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups stale bread cubes
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh sage (finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, combine stale bread cubes, cranberries, and pecans. Add the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour in the broth and stir in the herbs until well combined.
5. Transfer mixture to the baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: ¾ cup (150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked sausage or apples.- To make ahead, prepare up to baking; refrigerate overnight and allow to reach room temperature before baking.