Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Intro and Brief Recap

What makes Thanksgiving truly special? Is it the family gatherings, the laughter shared over a feast, or perhaps the irresistible aroma of home-cooked dishes wafting through the air? One dish that captures the essence of this festive occasion is the Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this stuffing elevates any Thanksgiving table, turning a classic meal into something extraordinary.

The unique combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans creates a harmonious balance that tantalizes your taste buds. Each bite offers a medley of savory spices intertwined with bursts of sweetness, making it an unforgettable addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate dinner, this stuffing will surely impress your guests and become a cherished tradition in your home for years to come.

Key Ingredients For Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

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

• Stale Bread: Use about 8 cups of cubed stale bread for the perfect texture; French or sourdough work wonderfully.
• Fresh Cranberries: Choose bright, firm cranberries for their tartness; they add a burst of flavor to the stuffing.
• Pecans: Roughly chop about 1 cup of pecans; their crunchiness complements the softness of the bread.
• Onion: One medium onion, diced finely will enhance the flavor base with its natural sweetness when sautéed.
• Celery: Chop 2-3 stalks of celery for added crunch and freshness in each bite.
• Vegetable Broth: About 4 cups of vegetable broth is essential; it keeps the stuffing moist while infusing flavor.
• Dried Herbs: A mix of thyme and sage (about a tablespoon each) will bring warmth and depth to your stuffing.

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

Instructions For Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepare the Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed stale bread on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown. This step enhances flavor and provides a delightful texture.

Second Step : Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about two tablespoons of butter. Add in the diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté for around 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. This process builds the aromatic foundation for your stuffing.

Third Step : Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, chopped pecans, fresh cranberries, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Fourth Step : Add Broth

Gradually pour in vegetable broth while mixing; you want all ingredients well-coated but not soggy. Start with about three cups and adjust as needed to achieve your desired moisture level.

Fifth Step : Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.

Transfer to plates and enjoy this delightful stuffing as part of your Thanksgiving feast!

Expert Tips

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

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs more broth without becoming mushy; if you don’t have any on hand, lightly toast fresh bread cubes.
• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred; each nut adds its unique flavor profile.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance flavor significantly; consider adding parsley or rosemary alongside thyme and sage.

Presentation Ideas

This Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted Turkey: This stuffing complements the savory flavors of a golden-brown roasted turkey, adding a delightful contrast with its sweet and nutty notes.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Serve this stuffing alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty vegetable casserole for a complete vegetarian meal that satisfies all guests.
• Pumpkin Soup: For an elegant touch, pair this dish with creamy pumpkin soup. The sweetness of the soup enhances the flavors of the stuffing beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Thanksgiving table, consider these serving suggestions for your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing:

• Stuffed Acorn Squash: Hollow out acorn squash and fill them with the stuffing for a stunning presentation that is as delicious as it looks.
• Casserole Dish: Serve your stuffing in a beautiful casserole dish, topped with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
• Individual Portions: For an upscale twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins, allowing each guest to enjoy their own serving of this tasty stuffing.

Storage Tips

To keep your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days while retaining its delicious flavors.
• Freezing: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the stuffing before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to two months.
• Reheating: Reheat your stuffing in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing not only tastes great but also offers nutritional benefits:

• Nuts & Seeds: Pecans provide healthy fats and protein, making this dish heart-healthy while adding crunch.
• Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries add sweetness along with vitamins that support overall health.
• Bread Base: Whole grain bread adds fiber to your meal, promoting digestion while keeping you full longer.

FAQs

How can I make my cranberry pecan stuffing gluten-free?

To adapt your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing to be gluten-free, simply substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread options available in stores. You can also ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Additionally, using gluten-free broth will help maintain flavor consistency without compromising dietary needs.

Can I prepare cranberry pecan stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing this Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ahead of time is not only practical but also enhances flavors. You can assemble all ingredients a day before Thanksgiving and store them in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for a warm and inviting dish that everyone will love.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can experiment with various ingredients to customize your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. Consider adding diced apples for extra sweetness or swapping pecans for walnuts if preferred. Incorporating herbs like sage or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile significantly.

How do I know when my stuffing is cooked properly?

To determine if your Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is properly cooked, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy while remaining moist inside. You can use a food thermometer for accuracy to avoid any guesswork during preparation.

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Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

• Author: jenny
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast, blending sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans with aromatic herbs and spices. This stuffing is not only bursting with flavor but also offers a charming texture that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare, it transforms classic Thanksgiving meals into extraordinary experiences, making it a must-have for any holiday table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups stale bread, cubed
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread cubed stale bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced onion and chopped celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread, sautéed vegetables, pecans, cranberries, herbs, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Gradually add vegetable broth while mixing until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish; cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For gluten-free stuffing, substitute regular bread with gluten-free options. Customize by adding diced apples or swapping nuts according to preference.