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Savory Maple Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

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This savory maple cranberry pecan stuffing is the perfect holiday side dish, combining sweet maple syrup, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans with savory herbs for a next-level comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf of crusty bread, cubed (about 8 cups) – sourdough or French bread preferred
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Toast the bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want them dry and slightly crispy, not browned. Set aside to cool.
  3. Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pecans. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until they smell fragrant and are lightly toasted. Be careful—they burn fast! Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the herbs and maple syrup: Stir in the sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the maple syrup and let it bubble for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables with maple mixture, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
  7. Add the liquid: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and broth. Pour this over the bread mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is evenly moistened. Don’t overmix.
  8. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press down gently with a spatula so everything is compact.
  9. Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  11. Rest and serve: Let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Toast bread cubes to prevent soggy stuffing. Toast pecans separately for crunch. Season as you go for layered flavor. Let stuffing rest after baking for best texture. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffing, holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, maple, cranberry, pecan, savory, side dish

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/savory-maple-cranberry-pecan-stuffing-the-best-holiday-recipe/