Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or even a cozy weeknight dinner, you’ll love this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors, with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans dancing together in every bite. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not only simple to make but also fills your home with the warm aroma of sage and onions as it cooks.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want an easy recipe to elevate your meal, this stuffing is always a hit. Plus, the best part? You can set it and forget it while you focus on other dishes or enjoy precious time with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the Crock Pot, and let it do the work for you!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its sweet and savory notes, even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for holidays or busy weeknights; just reheat when ready to serve.
• Versatile Ingredient Options: You can easily customize the stuffing to suit your family’s tastes.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fiber from cranberries and pecans, this dish is both delicious and good for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Stuffing Base

• 12 oz. bag Sage & Onion cubed stuffing
• 1 c. leeks (chopped or substitute green onions)
• 1/2 c. dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. golden raisins
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans

For the Mixture

• 3 c. chicken broth
• 1/2 c. butter (melted)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. ground mustard

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
• Incorporate Other Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Experiment with Fruits: Try adding diced apples or apricots for a fruity twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by tossing your cubed stuffing, leeks, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and chopped pecans into a sprayed 5-quart Crock Pot. This step is all about layering flavors! The combination of sweet fruits and savory leeks will create a wonderful base for your stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over your bread mixture in the Crock Pot. Gently fold everything together so that all the ingredients are coated evenly with that tasty liquid.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 3-4 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Cooking low and slow lets all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully! Just imagine how wonderful your kitchen will smell as it cooks!

And there you have it—your very own Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! Serve it up alongside your favorite main dishes and watch everyone dig in happily. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a breeze with just a few helpful pointers!

• Choose high-quality bread – Using a good quality cubed stuffing mix ensures a flavorful base that holds up well during cooking. It absorbs the flavors beautifully and provides the right texture.
• Add fresh herbs – Tossing in some fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate your stuffing’s flavor profile. Fresh herbs bring brightness and depth, making your dish taste more gourmet.
• Adjust moisture levels – If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly. Conversely, for a moister stuffing, add a bit more broth. This customization allows you to get the consistency just right for your preferences.
• Let it sit before serving – Allowing the stuffing to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps it firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve. This simple step enhances the overall texture.
• Experiment with add-ins – Don’t hesitate to mix in extras like diced apples or celery for added flavor and texture. These ingredients can complement the cranberries and pecans wonderfully.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

This delightful stuffing is not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some creative ways to present it at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Cranberry sauce – A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce on top adds sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts – The nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries in your stuffing, creating a balanced plate.
• Green bean almondine – Crisp-tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the stuffing while providing additional nutrients.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and make an excellent vehicle for any leftover gravy you might have on hand!

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing will be a star at any holiday table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring that your holiday or family gathering runs smoothly without last-minute stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the stuffing completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label and date each container for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• For a quick option, microwave individual portions until warmed.

FAQs

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about the Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing.

Can I make this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing without leeks?

Absolutely! You can substitute leeks with chopped green onions or even shallots for a similar flavor profile.

How long does the Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing take to cook?

The stuffing cooks on low for about 3-4 hours. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in this recipe?

Yes, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute! It will maintain the delicious flavor while keeping it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this warm and inviting Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing as much as I do! It’s a special side dish that brings joy and comfort to any table, especially during those festive gatherings. Feel free to try out variations that suit your taste—it’s all about making it your own. Happy cooking, and may your meal be filled with love and laughter!