Get ready to revolutionize your holiday dining experience with this mouthwatering Apricot and Walnut Stuffing that will have your guests begging for seconds! Imagine a stuffing that perfectly balances the sweet tang of dried apricots, the rich crunch of toasted walnuts, and the classic comfort of perfectly seasoned bread - this recipe is about to become your new favorite holiday tradition. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this stuffing is guaranteed to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread cubed bread on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the bread is lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped dried apricots and walnuts to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly toast the nuts and release their aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetable and fruit mixture, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy. The mixture should be moist but not wet.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating a slight mound in the center.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy stuffing.
- Toast your bread cubes and nuts before mixing to enhance their natural flavors and add depth to the dish.
- Don't overdo the vegetable broth - add it gradually to ensure your stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the vegetable broth with chicken broth.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and settle.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the stuffing for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This stuffing can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated - just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 358kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
