Buttery Walnut Stuffing
A rich, buttery walnut stuffing with fragrant herbs, perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, offering a crunchy texture and savory flavors that complement roasted poultry or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 qt. coarse day-old bread crumbs
- 1 c. butter or margarine
- 2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. thyme, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. giblet broth or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1/2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Turn the bread crumbs into a large baking pan and toast lightly in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced celery, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion to the skillet, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the giblet broth or dissolved chicken bouillon.
- Combine the toasted bread crumbs with the cooked vegetable mixture.
- Add the chopped walnuts and chopped parsley, and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the stuffing to a serving dish or bake in a covered dish until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use stale bread for a firmer texture. If you don't have giblet broth, vegetable broth or chicken broth can be great substitutes. You can also swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, depending on your preference. For added flavor, consider incorporating some dried cranberries or chopped apples. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, especially if you enjoy more herbaceous notes.
Serving Suggestions
This buttery walnut stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken and is an excellent side for holiday meals. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a complete festive feast. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a hearty vegetable stew or a seasonal salad. It can also be a delightful addition to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a covered baking dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. This will help retain moisture and enhance flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttery Walnut Stuffing contains roughly 842 calories, with 16g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), iron (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2113mg per serving (92% 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 stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in a preheated oven until heated through. This makes it a convenient option for busy holiday preparations.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread or even cooked quinoa as a base. Both will absorb the flavors well and provide a nice texture. Just ensure that any alternative you choose is well-seasoned to maintain the dish's overall flavor profile.
How can I add more flavor to the stuffing?
Consider adding sautéed garlic or leeks for an aromatic boost. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can enhance the taste significantly. You could also mix in some sautéed sausage or bacon for a savory twist, catering to those who enjoy meat in their stuffing.
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).