Best 12 Dried Fruit Stuffing Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of dried fruit stuffing, a classic culinary creation that adds a sweet and savory dimension to your holiday feasts. This versatile stuffing can be prepared in various ways, each offering a unique taste experience. From the classic bread-based stuffing infused with aromatic herbs and spices to the nutty wild rice stuffing with dried cranberries and pecans, there's a recipe for every palate. Discover the gluten-free quinoa stuffing, a delightful alternative for those with dietary restrictions, or the vegetarian stuffing packed with hearty vegetables and zesty seasonings. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes will guide you in creating a stuffing that perfectly complements your main course, whether it's roasted turkey, baked ham, or succulent prime rib.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Dried Fruit Stuffing image

A sweeter take on the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.

Provided by CJ

Categories     Side Dish     Stuffing and Dressing Recipes     Bread Stuffing and Dressing Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ½ (1 pound) loaves day-old whole wheat bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium onions, diced
1 cup dried tart cherries
1 cup golden raisins
½ cup dried currants
½ cup pitted prunes, coarsely chopped
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
1 serving cooking spray
2 ¾ cups chicken broth

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  • Slice bread and discard ends. Arrange bread slices on the rack of the preheated oven.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until very dry, about 15 minutes.
  • While the bread is baking, melt butter in a heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove bread from the oven and crumble into coarse pieces in a large bowl. Add cherries, raisins, currants, and prunes; toss to combine. Mix in sauteed onions and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.
  • Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Coat a 12x16-inch piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray.
  • Stir chicken broth into stuffing mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with the aluminum foil, sprayed-side down.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and bake until top is golden, about 20 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.3 calories, Carbohydrate 55.4 g, Cholesterol 37.5 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 565.4 mg, Sugar 29.7 g

HERB SALTED PORK LOIN WITH DRIED FRUIT & PISTACHIO STUFFING



Herb Salted Pork Loin with Dried Fruit & Pistachio Stuffing image

This pork loin roast is a delicious entrée suitable for any holiday feast! The sweet and salty grain-free stuffing will delight even picky eaters.

Provided by Diamond Crystal Salt

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Diamond Crystal® Salt

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

¼ cup Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (3 pound) boneless pork loin roast, butterflied
¼ cup chopped roasted pistachios
¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries
¼ cup golden raisins
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
Ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt, parsley, thyme, rosemary and garlic in a food processor. Pulse several times until well blended.
  • Mix pistachios, dried cranberries, raisins, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of the herb salt mixture together in a bowl.
  • Unroll the pork roast onto a roasting pan or baking dish. Spread the dried fruit mixture evenly over the roast, leaving a 1-inch margin around the edges. Roll up the roast and tie with kitchen twine at two-inch intervals to hold stuffing in place.
  • Drizzle roast with olive oil; and sprinkle with herb salt and pepper to taste. Save any remaining herb salt for another use.*
  • Roast for 1 hour. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), and roast until golden brown, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
  • Allow roast to sit for 10 minutes prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.9 g, Cholesterol 82.8 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 28.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 2924.5 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

DRIED FRUIT AND TOASTED NUT STUFFING



Dried Fruit and Toasted Nut Stuffing image

This recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing comes from Anna Lappe, author of "Diet for a Hot Planet." Here, the interesting flavors and texture come from herbs, dried fruit, the nuts -- and the juiciness of all the onions.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 pound sourdough bread cut into 1-inch cubes (8 cups)
1/4 cup cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 cup dried figs, sliced crosswise
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup prepared chestnuts, chopped
1/4 cup assorted fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, and thyme, chopped
2 cups water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and let stand overnight, uncovered, at room temperature. (Alternatively, bake bread in a 300-degree oven until dry but not browned, about 15 minutes.)
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, carrot, and celery until tender and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer mixture to a large baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until top is golden brown and stuffing is firm, about 15 minutes more.
  • Serve with Mushroom Gravy (optional).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 771 g, Cholesterol 20 g, Fiber 12 g, Protein 15 g, Sodium 427 g

CORNBREAD STUFFING WITH FRESH AND DRIED FRUIT



Cornbread Stuffing with Fresh and Dried Fruit image

Categories     Fruit     Onion     Vegetable     Side     Bake     Sauté     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Stuffing/Dressing     Prune     Apple     Apricot     Fennel     Fall     Bon Appétit     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Buttery Cornbread
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
4 cups chopped onions
4 cups chopped unpeeled McIntosh or Golden Delicious apples (about 2 large)
2 cups chopped celery with leaves
24 pitted prunes, diced (about 10 ounces)
12 dried apricot halves, diced (about 2 ounces)
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup low-salt chicken broth

Steps:

  • Cut bread lengthwise into 1-inch-wide slices. Place on baking sheet; cover with kitchen towel and let dry overnight. Cut bread slices into 1-inch cubes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add apples and celery. sauté until celery begins to soften, about 10 minutes. Scrape contents of skillet into very large bowl. Add prunes, apricots, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and thyme; toss. Add dried bread cubes and toss until evenly combined. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Pour broth evenly over.
  • Bake stuffing uncovered until heated through and top begins to form crust, about 40 minutes.

CORNBREAD AND PUMPKIN CHALLAH STUFFING WITH DRIED FRUIT



Cornbread and Pumpkin Challah Stuffing with Dried Fruit image

An enriched egg bread with dough similar to that of brioche, challah is ideal for stuffing. In Cornbread and Pumpkin Challah Stuffing with Dried Fruit, the pumpkin challah adds a warm, spicy aroma to this dressing.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted, plus more for casserole
1 recipe Cornbread, day old, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 loaf Pumpkin Challah, day old, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 cups Homemade Chicken Stock, or low-sodium canned chicken broth, skimmed of fat

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a large casserole dish, and set aside. Place cornbread and challah in a large bowl with apricots, cranberries, cherries, figs, sage, marjoram, salt, and pepper, and toss well. Pour chicken stock and melted butter over mixture, and stir to combine.
  • Place mixture in prepared casserole. Bake uncovered until golden brown on top and heated through, 45 minutes. If stuffing becomes too brown while baking, tent with aluminum foil.

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Fruit and almonds give new life to a boxed stuffing mix in this flavorful recipe. - Taryn Kuebelbeck, Plymouth, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (6 ounces) stuffing mix
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pitted dried plums (prunes)
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions, adding dried fruits when adding contents of stuffing mix. Just before serving, stir in almonds.

Nutrition Facts :

CHUTNEY-GLAZED CORNISH HENS WITH HAZELNUTS AND DRIED-FRUIT STUFFING



Chutney-Glazed Cornish Hens with Hazelnuts and Dried-Fruit Stuffing image

Categories     Onion     Roast     Dried Fruit     Raisin     Sage     Hazelnut     Clove     Shallot     Gourmet

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

For the stuffing
1 large shallot, minced
1 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon crumbled dried sage
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups cubed stale homemade-type white bread (about 8 slices), toasted
3/4 cup skinned, lightly toasted hazelnuts, (procedure follows), chopped fine
6 Cornish hens, each weighing about 1 1/4 pounds, rinsed and patted dry
1/2 sticks (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
an 8 1/2-ounce jar mango chutney (about 3/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Make the stuffing:
  • In a large heavy skillet cook the shallot, the onion, and the garlic in the butter over moderate heat, stirring, until the vegetables are golden. Stir in the sage, the cloves, the raisins, the apricots, and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the wine and boil the mixture until the liquid is evaporated. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the bread cubes, the hazelnuts, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool before stuffing the hens.
  • Divide the stuffing among the cavities of the hens, packing the cavities loosely. Truss the hens, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and arrange them so that they do not touch on the rack of a large, foil-lined broiler pan. Brush the hens with the butter and roast them in the upper third of a preheated 400°F. oven for 1 hour.
  • While the hens are roasting, in a small saucepan combine the lemon juice, the chutney, and salt and pepper to taste, bring the glaze just to a boil, stirring, and in a blender or food processor purée it. Brush the hens with the glaze, roast them for 15 to 25 minutes more, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, and discard the trussing string.
  • To toast and skin hazelnuts:
  • Toast the hazelnuts in one layer in a baking pan in a preheated 350°F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are colored lightly and the skins blister. Wrap the nuts in a kitchen towel and let them steam for 1 minute. Rub the nuts in the towel to remove as much of the skins as possible and let them cool.

CRANBERRY-DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Cranberry-Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Make this for our Roast Turkey.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Yield Makes about 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish and baking
1/2 loaf rustic white or Italian bread, crusts removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
9 dried pear halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
1/4 cup dried currants
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, cut into 3/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon minced, peeled ginger
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)
1 1/2 cups seeded, coarsely chopped, cooked quinces from Quince Syrup
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Toss with bread cubes in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, tossing once, until golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Pour 1 cup boiling water over dried fruit in a bowl; stir to submerge. Set aside until fruit has softened, about 30 minutes. Drain; reserve soaking liquid.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, ginger, and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Add onion mixture to bread cubes. Return skillet to medium heat. Add Marsala, and cook, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until liquid bubbles. Pour over bread mixture. Stir in dried fruit, 1/2 cup soaking liquid, walnuts if using, quinces, and cranberries. Stir in spices and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Stir in eggs.
  • To cook stuffing in turkey: Stuff as directed (see Roast Turkey with Quince Glaze recipe). Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degrees oven until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. To bake all of the stuffing in the oven: Spoon it into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish; dot generously with butter. Bake as directed above.

CROCK POT TURKEY BREAST WITH STUFFING AND DRIED FRUIT



Crock Pot Turkey Breast With Stuffing and Dried Fruit image

I like to think of this as a one pot Thanksgiving dinner. I believe its from Southern Living Magazine. I want to thank Pinky Kookie for posting it for me in the Community Forums.

Provided by madriley61

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 8h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (8 ounce) packages cornbread stuffing mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries or 1/2 cup dried cherries
2 apples, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
4 -5 lbs boneless turkey breast, thawed

Steps:

  • Coarsely chop apples (with or without peels) and mix with stuffing mix, onion, dried fruit, thyme, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.
  • Place mixture in the bottom of a 4-5 quart crock pot.
  • Pour chicken stock over mixture making sure all the stuffing is well covered.
  • Place turkey on top of stuffing.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or until the turkey reaches 170 degrees on a meat thermometer.

PORK LOIN WITH DRIED-FRUIT AND CHESTNUT STUFFING



Pork Loin with Dried-Fruit and Chestnut Stuffing image

The dried-fruit and chestnut stuffing lends flavor as well as visual appeal to the pork loin. Once rolled, add another layer of flavor to the pork with coriander seeds and peppercorns.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 boneless center-cut pork loin (4 pounds)
1/2 cup jarred dry-packed cooked chestnuts, crumbled
1/2 cup mixed dried fruit, coarsely chopped
Coarse salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, cracked
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds, cracked
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons cold butter, cut up

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place pork on a work surface. Hold a sharp knife parallel to work surface, and cut the pork almost in half, stopping 1 inch short of cutting through; open like a book.
  • On work surface, arrange six 14-inch lengths of kitchen twine, 1 inch apart. Place pork, opened up, across twine. Sprinkle with chestnuts and dried fruit, leaving a 1-inch border all around; season stuffing with salt.
  • Fold one long side over the other, overlapping slightly to form a cylinder; tie with twine. Rub with oil; sprinkle with cracked pepper and coriander, pressing to adhere. Season with salt. (To store, refrigerate, up to 1 day.)
  • Place pork in a roasting pan; roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in meat (not stuffing) registers 145 degrees, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board (reserve pan); cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest (temperature will continue to rise).
  • Place pan across two burners. Add wine; simmer, stirring constantly, until syrupy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add Dijon and broth; cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in butter. Slice pork, and serve with wine sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 g, Fat 29 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 46 g

WILD RICE, DRIED FRUIT AND TOASTED HAZELNUT STUFFING



Wild Rice, Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing image

Make and share this Wild Rice, Dried Fruit and Toasted Hazelnut Stuffing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Rice

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

5 tablespoons unsalted margarine
2 cups minced onions
1 pinch sugar
1 cup celery, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried apricot, diced
1/2 cup dried pear, , diced
1/2 cup dried apple, diced
2 cups wild rice, cooked until still firm
2 cups brown rice, cooked until still firm
2/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons sage, minced
2 teaspoons rosemary, minced
2 teaspoons thyme, minced
1/3 cup chives, snipped
1/4 cup parsley, minced
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Melt 3 tablespoons of the margarine over medium heat in a skillet.
  • Add onions and a pinch sugar and saute, stirring frequently, until onions caramelize, about 7 minutes.
  • Transfer onions to a large bowl.
  • Return skillet to heat and melt remaining 2 tablespoons margarine.
  • Add celery and garlic and cook until softened, 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to bowl with onions.
  • Add remaining ingredients to bowl and toss to mix.
  • Transfer stuffing to a greased (can use margarine or cooking spray) casserole, cover with foil and bake 1 hour.

WILD RICE, PECAN, AND DRIED FRUIT STUFFING



Wild Rice, Pecan, and Dried Fruit Stuffing image

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces loose pork sausages
4 shallots quartered
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup wild rice
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced, divided
3/4 cup long grain white rice
1/2 cup dried red cherries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup golden raisins
3 cups cornbread or seasoned stuffing mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
1 egg
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Liberally grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart casserole dish and set aside. 2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking the meat up with a fork, until the sausage is brown and no pink remains. Leaving the drippings and sausage in the pan, add the shallots and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside. 3. Place the chicken broth in a medium-sized saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the wild rice and 1 tablespoon of the thyme, and again bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Add the white rice to the saucepan, cover, and simmer for 10 additional minutes. Stir in the sausage mixture and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the liquid is almost absorbed. 5. Stir the dried cherries, cranberries, and raisins into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer for 2 additional minutes. 6. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the stuffing mix, pecans, egg, and remaining thyme until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared dish, cover, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until heated through. If a crisp top is desired, uncover the dish and bake for 10 additional minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • Utilize Plump Dried Fruits: Prioritize plump, moist dried fruits to impart a delightful texture and intense flavor to your stuffing.
  • Hydrate Dried Fruits: Soak dried fruits in a mixture of warm water and liqueur, juice, or broth. This process enhances their plumpness and infuses them with additional flavors.
  • Use Savory Ingredients: Don't limit your stuffing to sweet ingredients alone. Incorporate savory elements like herbs, spices, nuts, and even cooked meats for a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Balance Moistness: Be mindful of the moisture level in your stuffing. Dried fruits can contribute a significant amount of moisture, so adjust the amount of liquid used accordingly.
  • Toast Nuts and Seeds: Toasting nuts and seeds prior to adding them to the stuffing elevates their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  • Gently Mix: Handle the stuffing mixture with care to prevent breaking the dried fruits and nuts. Fold the ingredients together gently to ensure an even distribution.
  • Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits, nuts, and savory ingredients to create unique and personalized stuffing variations.

Conclusion:

Dried fruit stuffing is a versatile and flavorful dish that can complement a wide range of main courses. Its combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements creates a delightful sensory experience. Whether you choose a classic recipe or explore your creativity with unique ingredients, the key to a successful dried fruit stuffing lies in achieving a balance of flavors and textures. Remember to hydrate your dried fruits, toast your nuts and seeds, and mix the ingredients gently to preserve their integrity. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and memorable dried fruit stuffing that will impress your family and friends.

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