Cranberry-Hazelnut Stuffing
A flavorful stuffing featuring dried cranberries, apples, nuts, and savory sausage, perfect for holiday tables and pairing with roasted turkey or poultry dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oleo ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package herb seasoning stuffing mix ⓘ
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples ⓘ
- 1/2 pound pork sausage ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked wild rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or hazelnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring cranberries and orange juice to boiling.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook celery and onion in hot margarine until tender.
- Stir in poultry seasoning and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix, chopped apples, cooked sausage, wild rice, chopped nuts, and parsley.
- Stir in the cranberry mixture and the celery and onion mixture.
- Drizzle with enough chicken broth to moisten, tossing lightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use to stuff an 8 to 10 pound turkey or bake in an uncovered, ungreased 3-quart casserole at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the pork sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you have leftover bread, feel free to use it in place of the herb seasoning stuffing mix for a heartier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry-Hazelnut Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken. For a complete meal, serve alongside green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. It also makes a delightful side dish for holiday gatherings. Consider serving with cranberry sauce to enhance the flavors. Browse more American recipes for additional festive ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Hazelnut Stuffing contains roughly 627 calories, with 20g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1686mg per serving (73% 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. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature, drizzle with broth, and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use different nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you don't have dried cranberries, raisins or chopped dried apricots work well too. Customizing the ingredients can make this stuffing uniquely yours.
How do I know when the stuffing is done?
The stuffing is done when it's heated through and has a slightly crispy top if baked uncovered. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F. If using it to stuff a turkey, ensure the turkey also reaches the safe cooking temperature.
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).