Old-Fashioned Cracker Stuffing(A Moist, Delicately Herbed Dressing For Chicken)
A moist, delicately herbed stuffing featuring saltine crackers, tender celery and onion, herbs, and a rich buttery flavor, perfect for poultry or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped celery and onion in butter until tender.
- Add 3/4 cup milk to the saltine cracker crumbs and mix well.
- Stir in the cooked onion and celery mixture, the beaten egg, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and a dash of pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake until heated through and lightly browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try sautéing the celery and onion in a mix of butter and olive oil. You can substitute crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs for the saltines if desired. To enhance the herb profile, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a handful of dried cranberries can be a lovely addition.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Cracker Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey and is excellent alongside green beans or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with a drizzle of gravy or a side of Randy'S Secret Sauce For Halibut for a unique twist. It's a versatile dish that can complement many main courses.
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 and cover with foil, warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Cracker Stuffing(A Moist, Delicately Herbed Dressing For Chicken) contains roughly 350 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for saltine crackers?
If you don't have saltines, you can use crushed butter crackers or plain breadcrumbs as an alternative. Each option will provide a different texture, but both will work well for this stuffing. Just be mindful of the salt content in your substitutes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this stuffing is naturally vegetarian as it doesn't contain meat. However, ensure that all your ingredients, like the butter and any stock you may use, are vegetarian-friendly. For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of milk when mixing with the cracker crumbs.
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).