Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted the perfect blend of sweet and savory that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary feast? Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is that dish. Imagine the delightful crunch of toasted pecans mingling with the tartness of dried cranberries, all enveloped in a warm, buttery bread base. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
This stuffing isn’t just reserved for holiday dinners; it’s a versatile side that can elevate any gathering, from family celebrations to casual dinners with friends. As you prepare this dish, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about cherished memories around the dinner table. The unique combination of flavors creates an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful addition to any meal!
Key Ingredients For Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Stale Bread: Use a loaf of hearty bread like sourdough or French baguette, cut into cubes. Stale bread absorbs flavors well without getting mushy.
- Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and a chewy texture. Look for unsweetened varieties for a more balanced flavor.
- Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a rich, nutty taste. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances the stuffing’s savory elements. Sweet onions work best for their mild flavor.
- Celery: Diced celery adds crunch and freshness. Choose firm stalks for optimal texture.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while providing moisture to the stuffing.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, sage, and thyme bring aromatic depth. Chop them finely to release their full flavor potential.
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: Prepare the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. This step ensures that your stuffing has great texture.
Second Step: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing until they soften and become translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Third Step: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and herbs. Toss everything together gently so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Fourth Step: Add Broth
Pour vegetable broth over the mixture gradually while stirring until all ingredients are moistened but not soggy. The amount of broth may vary based on how dry your bread is.
Fifth Step: Bake
Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until it’s crispy on top.
Serve this stuffing warm as a side dish at your next gathering or holiday celebration!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread works best because it absorbs moisture without becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred; each offers unique flavors.
- Add More Flavor: Enhance richness by incorporating sausage or mushrooms into your sautéed vegetables for added depth.
Preparation Steps
To create a delicious Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, follow these straightforward steps:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, in a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
In a large bowl, combine cubed bread with the sautéed vegetables. Then, mix in dried cranberries and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Gradually pour in vegetable broth while mixing until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover it loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is perfect for various occasions and can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
Pair it with roasted turkey or chicken for a delightful holiday feast. The sweetness of cranberries complements savory meats beautifully.
Serve alongside glazed carrots or green bean almondine to create a colorful plate. The textures of each dish will provide a satisfying dining experience.
Consider using it as a filling for stuffed squash or mushrooms as a vegetarian option. This adds versatility to your table while maintaining delicious flavors.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of your leftover Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ensures you can enjoy it later without losing its deliciousness. Allow the stuffing to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers and label them with the date before placing them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use frozen stuffing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout.
Presentation Ideas
This Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Roasted meats like turkey or pork, enhancing their flavors while providing a festive touch.
A side of cranberry sauce or gravy that complements its sweet notes.
Savory baked dishes such as stuffed squash or bell peppers, creating an appealing presentation on your table.
FAQs:
What can I substitute for pecans in Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?
If you’re looking for alternatives to pecans in your Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, walnuts work fabulously due to their rich flavor and similar texture. Cashews can also be used if you prefer a slightly different taste profile; they add creaminess rather than crunch. For nut-free options, consider sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds; they provide crunch without allergens.
Can I make Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this delicious stuffing up to two days in advance. Simply follow all preparation steps but stop before baking it. Store it covered in the refrigerator after assembling. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and golden brown on top.
Is Cranberry Pecan Stuffing gluten-free?
To make your Cranberry Pecan Stuffing gluten-free, swap traditional bread for gluten-free bread options available in stores today. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well; this includes broth and any seasoning mixes used during preparation. With these substitutions, you can enjoy this flavorful dish without worry!
How do I reheat leftovers of Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?
Reheating leftover Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is simple! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your stuffing in an oven-safe dish; if it’s dry from refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist during reheating. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through; remove the foil during the last few minutes if you’d like a crispy topping!
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and savory with this Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. This dish features crunchy toasted pecans, chewy dried cranberries, and aromatic herbs, all nestled in a buttery bread base. Perfect for holiday feasts or casual gatherings, it brings warmth and joy to every meal. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make stuffing that captures the essence of comfort food!
Ingredients
- 8 cups stale bread cubes (sourdough or French baguette)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and celery for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, pecans, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the mixture while stirring until moistened but not soggy.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use day-old bread for optimal texture; stale bread absorbs moisture better without becoming mushy. Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Add cooked sausage or mushrooms to the vegetable mix for extra depth.
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