Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
A flavorful stuffing with cranberries and pecans, perfect for holiday turkey. Combines savory herbs with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts for a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt margarine and cook chopped celery and onion until tender.
- Add chicken broth and heat to boiling. Remove from heat.
- Add stuffing, cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Toss to mix well.
- Use to stuff turkey following the directions on the turkey package.
- Serve with gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine. You can also add diced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness. If you're short on time, using a pre-made stuffing mix can save you effort. For an extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing is an excellent side for your holiday turkey, but it also pairs beautifully with dishes like Smoked Sausage Sauerkraut Casserole or Venison Shipwreck. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Pecan Stuffing contains roughly 486 calories, with 29g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 complete steps 1 through 4, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to stuff the turkey, bring it to room temperature and follow the remaining steps.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe is not vegetarian due to the use of chicken broth. However, you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also vegetarian compatible.
Can I use different nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans. For fruits, raisins or dried apricots can add a different flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to your taste, but keep the texture in mind for the best results.
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).