Best Apple Pecan Holiday Stuffing Recipes

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APPLE PECAN STUFFING



Apple Pecan Stuffing image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for finishing
1/2 bunch fresh sage
1/2 bunch fresh thyme
1 large Spanish onion, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups raw pecans
2 eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
5 cups sourdough bread (crusts removed), hand-torn into 1-inch pieces
1/4 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • Set a large saute pan over medium heat and add olive oil, sage and thyme sprigs. As the oil heats up the herbs will crackle and fry, infusing the oil. Remove the sage and thyme and set aside on a paper towel to drain - these can be as a garnish, if desired. Add onions to the pan and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes until caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Remove onions from pan and add apples. Crush the pecans and add to the pan. Add more oil, if needed and season with salt and pepper. Gently saute until pecans are lightly toasted and apples are just cooked slightly - about 3 to 5 minutes. In a large mixing bowl whisk together egg, cream, chicken stock, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add torn sourdough, caramelized onions, apples, pecans and chopped parsley. Using a wooden spoon, mix the stuffing until well combined.
  • Scoop stuffing into cavity of pork crown roast and cook accordingly with roast.

CLASSIC STUFFING



Classic Stuffing image

The terms stuffing and dressing are often used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings: Stuffing is cooked inside the bird, dressing on its own. Use this recipe when making our Perfect Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Yield Makes 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 onions, (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
16 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch dice
10 large fresh sage leaves, chopped, or 2 teaspoons crushed dried sage
6 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
2 stale loaves white bread, (about 36 slices), crust on, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 cups (about 2 bunches) fresh coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley, leaves
2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
2 cups dried cherries (optional)

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sage, stir to combine, and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 cup stock, and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, until liquid has reduced by half.
  • Transfer onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add all remaining ingredients, including the remaining stock; mix to combine.

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When it comes to holiday meals, stuffing is a timeless classic that has been served for generations. It is a versatile side dish that can be customized with various ingredients and flavors to complement the main course. One popular variation of stuffing is the apple pecan holiday stuffing, which incorporates the sweetness of apples and the nuttiness of pecans into the savory bread mixture. In this article, we will explore what apple pecan holiday stuffing is, why it is a popular choice for holiday meals, and some tips on how to make it.

What is Apple Pecan Holiday Stuffing?

Apple pecan holiday stuffing is a type of stuffing that features the complementary flavors and textures of apples and pecans. It is typically made with bread cubes, diced apples, chopped pecans, onions, celery, and a variety of herbs and spices. The bread cubes are first toasted to give them a crisp texture and then mixed with the other ingredients. The mixture is then baked in the oven to allow the flavors to meld together and for the bread to absorb the liquid components of the stuffing.

Why is Apple Pecan Holiday Stuffing a Popular Choice?

There are several reasons why apple pecan holiday stuffing is a popular choice for many holiday meals. Here are some of the key reasons:
1. Adds a Sweet and Nutty Flavor
The combination of apples and pecans adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the stuffing, which complements the savory bread and herbs well. The sweetness of the apples helps to balance out the saltiness of the dish and adds a refreshing, fruity element to the stuffing.
2. Adds a Variety of Textures
In addition to adding a sweet and nutty flavor, the apples and pecans also add a variety of textures to the stuffing. The apples provide a crunchy texture, while the pecans offer a softer, chewier texture that contrasts with the crispness of the bread cubes.
3. Easy to Customize
One of the great things about apple pecan holiday stuffing is that it is easy to customize to suit your tastes or dietary requirements. You can add or remove ingredients as needed, adjust the seasoning to your liking, or use gluten-free bread if you have a gluten intolerance.

Tips for Making Apple Pecan Holiday Stuffing

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect apple pecan holiday stuffing:
1. Use Quality Bread
The bread is the base of the stuffing, so it is important to use good-quality bread for the best results. Choose a loaf of bread with a firm, chewy texture that will hold up to toasting and baking. Avoid using soft, fluffy bread as it will turn mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Cut the Bread into Even Cubes
To ensure that the bread cubes toast evenly and have a consistent texture, it is important to cut them into even cubes. Aim for cubes that are about ½-inch to 1-inch in size.
3. Toast the Bread Cubes
Toasting the bread cubes before mixing them with the other ingredients will help to give them a crispy texture and prevent them from becoming too soggy. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Use Fresh Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs and spices will add a more vibrant flavor to the stuffing than dried ones. If possible, use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Mix the Ingredients Thoroughly
When mixing the ingredients together, be sure to mix them thoroughly to ensure that each bite of stuffing has a balanced flavor and a variety of textures. Use a large mixing bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Conclusion

Apple pecan holiday stuffing is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal. With its sweet and nutty flavor and variety of textures, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Remember to use quality bread, cut the cubes evenly, toast them before mixing, and use fresh herbs and spices to make the perfect apple pecan holiday stuffing. Enjoy!
When it comes to hosting holiday meals, stuffing is a staple on the table. One variation that can elevate your stuffing game is apple pecan holiday stuffing. This delicious recipe is easy to make and adds a sweet and crunchy twist to traditional stuffing. Here are some valuable tips for making the perfect apple pecan holiday stuffing.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Bread

The first step in making apple pecan holiday stuffing is selecting the right bread. It is important to choose a sturdy bread that can hold up to the other ingredients and not turn into a soggy mess. A rustic loaf or a French baguette are good options as they have a dense texture that can soak up the flavors of the recipe without falling apart. Sourdough and whole wheat bread also work well as they offer a hearty taste.

Tip #2: Use Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs can make a significant difference in the flavor of your apple pecan holiday stuffing. Dried herbs lose their potency over time, and their flavors can become muted. Fresh herbs, on the other hand, have a vibrant taste and aroma that brings a robust flavor to the stuffing. Thyme, sage, and rosemary are classic herbs that go well with this recipe.

Tip #3: Caramelize the Apples

To achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, it is essential to caramelize the apples. This process enhances the natural sugars in the apples and adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs well with the pecans. To caramelize the apples, melt butter in a pan over medium heat and add thinly sliced apples. Cook until they are golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.

Tip #4: Toast the Pecans

Toasting the pecans can amp up their natural nuttiness, adding more flavor and texture to the stuffing. Raw pecans have a soft texture and a mild taste, but toasting them brings out their earthiness and a slight sweetness. To toast the pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant.

Tip #5: Season Well

Seasoning is crucial when making any recipe, especially stuffing. The right combination of flavors can take your apple pecan holiday stuffing from good to great. Aside from the herbs, consider seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and depth. If you want an added layer of flavor, you can also add some minced garlic or onion.

Tip #6: Add Broth Gradually

The broth is responsible for creating moisture in your apple pecan holiday stuffing, but it is essential to add it gradually. Adding too much broth can make the stuffing mushy and dilute the flavors. Alternatively, adding too little broth can make the stuffing dry, making it challenging to combine all the ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to add the broth in intervals, allowing time for the bread to absorb the liquid before adding more.

Tip #7: Don't Overstuff

Resist the urge to overstuff your apple pecan holiday stuffing into your baking dish. With stuffing, less is more. Overpacking the dish can result in undercooked, soggy stuffing. Instead, aim for a light and fluffy texture by gently pressing down on the stuffing once it's in the dish.

Tip #8: Cover with Foil

Covering your apple pecan holiday stuffing with foil will prevent it from drying out or burning. It also allows the stuffing to cook more evenly by trapping steam inside the dish. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top of the stuffing to crisp up, creating a beautiful golden crust.

Conclusion

Making apple pecan holiday stuffing is a great way to add some pizzazz to your holiday meal. Using these valuable tips, you can make a show-stopping stuffing that your guests will love. Remember to choose a sturdy bread, use fresh herbs, caramelize the apples and toast the pecans, season well, add broth gradually, don't overstuff, and cover with foil. With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to create the perfect apple pecan holiday stuffing recipe.

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