Best 7 Fruit And Nut Stuffing Recipes

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Thanksgiving is incomplete without a flavorful stuffing. This aromatic stuffing recipe incorporates the goodness of fruits, nuts, and herbs, making it an irresistible side dish that complements the main course perfectly. With three variations – a classic bread stuffing, a gluten-free version, and a vegetarian option – this recipe caters to different dietary preferences. The combination of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and savory herbs creates a medley of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer the traditional bread-based stuffing, a healthier gluten-free alternative, or a meatless vegetarian option, this recipe has it all. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to create a stuffing that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Yield Makes about 12 cups

Number Of Ingredients 23

12 whole pitted prunes, halved
12 dried apricots, halved
1 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup dried currants
1/4 cup bourbon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart cooking apples, unpeeled, cored, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup walnut pieces
2/3 cup whole macadamia nuts, unsalted
2/3 cup whole cashews, unsalted
4 slices (1-inch) day-old brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup low-sodium canned chicken broth
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Place prunes, apricots, raisins, and currants in a medium bowl; pour bourbon over fruit. Cover with plastic wrap, and soak overnight.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over moderate heat; add apples, onions, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and celery is tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add nuts. Toast them, stirring constantly, until golden.
  • Transfer sauteed onion mixture to a large bowl. Add brioche and broth; mix until incorporated. Add macerated fruit, toasted nuts, cranberries, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, parsley, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Using 2 large spoons or your hands, gently mix stuffing until evenly blended. Set aside while turkey is prepared for roasting.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for buttering baking dish
4 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped into 1/4-inch cubes
2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
One 12-ounce bag cubed country-style stuffing
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
4 large eggs, beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the celery, apples and onions and cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley, sage, thyme, fennel, salt and pepper and cook for 1 more minute. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the skillet, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled mixture with the stuffing, apricots, cherries, pecans and beaten eggs and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake until golden brown on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

I got this recipe off a morning show back in 1997 and it has been the stuffing of choice every Thanksgiving since. Will stuff a 16 to 18 lb. turkey.

Provided by Jo Coburn

Categories     Fruit

Time 1h30m

Yield 12-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup finely diced onion
1 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted chopped pecans
16 ounces unseasoned bread, cubes
1 cup white raisins
1 teaspoon sage leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
2 teaspoons marjoram, leaves or 1 teaspoon ground marjoram
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Sauté onions and celery in butter until translucent and add to a large bowl with unseasoned bread cubes and toasted pecans.
  • If you need to toast your pecans you can do so over medium-low heat in a skillet.
  • Add the following ingredients to the bowl: cranberries, raisins, sage thyme and marjoram.
  • (You can add the chopped cooked giblets if you would like) Toss to blend and then add chicken broth to moisten and salt and pepper to taste.
  • You can cook separately at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes or cook inside the bird.
  • Cooking times will vary with size and shape of pan.
  • Add broth to maintain preferred moisture level of stuffing.

TURKEY WITH FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Turkey with Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Between Martha's beloved method for roasting turkey with wine- and butter-soaked cheesecloth, to the sweet and nutty stuffing, this Thanksgiving recipe does not skimp on flavor.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

One (12 to 14-pound) fresh whole turkey, giblets and neck reserved
2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks), melted, plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1 bottle dry white wine
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
2 parsnips, coarsely chopped
2 ribs celery, coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Fruit and Nut Stuffing
2 cups Giblet Stock
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Rinse turkey with cool water and dry with paper towels. Let stand for 2 hours at room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in lower third. Combine melted butter and white wine in a large bowl. Fold a large piece of cheesecloth into quarters and cut into a 17-inch, four-layer square. Immerse cheesecloth in butter and wine; let soak.
  • Add vegetables to a large, heavy roasting pan. Place a roasting rack over vegetables. Position turkey, breast-side up, on rack. If turkey comes with a pop-up timer, remove it; an instant-read thermometer is a more accurate indication of doneness. Fold wing tips under turkey. Season cavity with salt and pepper. Fill cavities loosely with as much stuffing as they will hold comfortably; do not pack tightly. (Cook remaining stuffing in a buttered baking dish at 375 degrees.) Truss turkey with kitchen string. Fold neck flap under and secure with toothpicks. Rub turkey with softened butter and season with salt and pepper.
  • Lift cheesecloth out of liquid and squeeze it slightly, leaving it very damp. Spread it evenly over breast and about halfway down sides of turkey; it can cover some of the leg area. Place turkey, legs first, in oven. Cook for 30 minutes. Using a pastry brush, baste cheesecloth and exposed parts of turkey with butter and wine. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.and continue to cook for 2 more hours, basting every 30 minutes and watching pan juices; if vegetables begin to darken, add a little chicken stock or water.
  • After these 2 1/2 hours of cooking, carefully remove and discard cheesecloth. Turn roasting pan so breast is facing back of oven. Baste turkey with pan juices. If there are not enough juices, continue to use butter and wine. The skin gets fragile as it browns, so baste carefully. Cook 30 to 60 more minutes, basting after 30 minutes.
  • After these three hours of cooking, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Do not poke into a bone. The temperature should reach 180 degrees.(stuffing should be between 140 degrees.and 160 degrees. and the turkey should be golden brown. The breast does not need to be checked for temperature. If legs are not yet fully cooked, baste turkey, return to oven, and cook another 20 to 30 minutes.
  • When fully cooked, transfer turkey to a serving platter and let rest for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make gravy. Strain pan juices into a fat separator, discarding vegetables. Let stand until fat rises to the surface, about 10 minutes, then skim it off. In a small jar, shake to combine, giblet stock and flour. Place roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add giblet stock mixture. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring back to a boil, and cook until liquid has thickened slightly. Add defatted pan juices and cook over medium-high heat until thickened to desired consistency. You will have about 2 cups of gravy. Season with salt and pepper. Strain into a gravy boat. Serve with turkey.

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

FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Fruit And Nut Stuffing image

Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Categories     side dish

Time 1h45m

Yield Enough for a 10-pound turkey

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups fresh chestnuts
1 cup dried apricots
1 1/4 cup plump raisins (3/4 cup sultanas and 1/2 cup regular variety)
1 cup minced yellow onions
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped, unpeeled apples (Granny Smith, Wolf River or any tart cooking apples)
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups croutons made of stale or toasted whole-wheat bread
Rind of one orange, minced
1 cup minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme, or more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
1 cup defatted stock made from turkey giblets
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Score the chestnuts and place them on a baking sheet in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they have opened and the tough outer shells have loosened. Then peel the chestnuts, being careful to remove the fuzzy inner membrane. If they are difficult to peel, return them to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. When all the chestnuts are peeled, blanch them in a small pan of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they start to soften. Drain immediately.
  • Place the apricots and raisins in separate bowls and cover them with boiling water. Set aside for at least 20 minutes.
  • Over low heat, gently saute the minced onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they are soft and just starting to change color; this will take about 25 minutes. Place the onions and garlic in a mixing bowl.
  • Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan along with the chopped apples. Turn the heat up to medium and stir continuously. When the apples brown along the edges and start to soften, transfer them to the bowl with the onions and garlic.
  • Chop the chestnuts coarsely and add them to the bowl. Drain the apricots and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then drain the raisins and put them and the apricots in the bowl. Add the celery, croutons, orange rind, parsley, thyme and pepper. Pour in half of the turkey stock, mix, then stir in the remaining stock. Taste and season with salt and more pepper or thyme if desired. Set aside until you are ready to stuff the turkey.

WINTER FRUIT AND NUT STUFFING



Winter Fruit and Nut Stuffing image

Make and share this Winter Fruit and Nut Stuffing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by LibraChick93093

Categories     Fruit

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 tablespoons butter
2 large pears, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1 1/2 cups Sauternes wine or 1 1/2 cups other sweet white wine
1 1/2 cups chopped pitted prunes
1 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
14 cups French bread cubes (1/2 inch)
1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pears; sprinkle with sugar. Saute until pears are golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to very large bowl; mix in cinnamon. Melt remaining 10 tablespoons butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; saute until golden, about 15 minutes. Add wine and next 5 ingredients. Simmer until liquid is reduced almost to glaze and mixture is soft and moist, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Mix into pears. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Reheat to lukewarm before continuing.).
  • Mix bread and pecans into fruit mixture. Season stuffing with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Transfer stuffing to prepared dish. Bake uncovered until heated through, about 35 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, seasonal fruits and nuts. This will give your stuffing the best flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different fruits and nuts that can be used in stuffing, so feel free to mix and match until you find a combination that you love.
  • Toast the nuts before adding them to the stuffing. This will help to bring out their flavor and make them more crunchy.
  • Add a little bit of sweetness to the stuffing. This can be done with honey, maple syrup, or even dried fruit.
  • Don't overstuff the turkey. The stuffing should be loose and fluffy, so don't pack it in too tightly.
  • Bake the stuffing until it is golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Fruit and nut stuffing is a delicious and festive way to dress up your Thanksgiving turkey. With so many different variations to choose from, there's sure to be a recipe that everyone will enjoy. So experiment, have fun, and enjoy the compliments!

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