Best 2 Sweet And Savory Stuffing Recipes

Elevate your holiday feasts with a delectable selection of stuffing recipes that cater to every palate. From classic bread-based stuffing to unique variations bursting with flavors, this comprehensive guide offers a range of options to complement your festive meals. Indulge in the timeless tradition of savory stuffing, featuring hearty ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, perfectly balancing the richness of the main course. For a vegetarian twist, explore flavorful vegetable stuffing options packed with colorful veggies, nuts, and grains. Gluten-free alternatives cater to dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the stuffing goodness. Discover the delight of sweet stuffing, a delightful departure from the savory norm, featuring dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements of your meal. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes promise a hassle-free cooking experience, ensuring your stuffing turns out moist, flavorful, and a star of your holiday table.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEET AND SAVORY ROOT VEGETABLE STUFFING

Sweet and Savory Root Vegetable Stuffing image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories side-dish

Time 2h10m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, (2 of the tablespoons cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
One 1-pound butternut squash, halved, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Two 6-ounce Granny Smith apples, unpeeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Zest of 1 large lemon
8-ounce loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
3 large eggs, at room temperature, beaten
1 1/4 cups (6 ounces) dried cranberries
1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
3/4 cup vegetable stock
5 ounces (about 2/3 cup) goat cheese, coarsely crumbled, optional

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 13- by 9- by 2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Grease a 15- by 12-inch piece of foil with 1/2 tablespoon of the butter. Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
Add the carrots, parsnips, leeks, butternut squash, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften, about 15 minutes. Add the remaining olive oil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the thyme, allspice, apples and lemon zest. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes and eggs until coated. Add the cranberries and apple juice concentrate. Add the vegetable mixture and toss to coat. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining butter pieces on top. Pour the vegetable stock over the top and cover the baking dish with foil, buttered-side down. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the top is slightly crisp and brown in spots, 20 to 25 minutes longer. Let the stuffing rest 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle the goat cheese on top if using, and serve.

SWEET AND SAVORY STUFFING

Sweet and Savory Stuffing image

Thanks to bacon, apple and sage, this stuffing bursts with delightful flavors. Make it for the holidays, but you'll be tempted to have it during the week, too! Sharon Ferrante - Mifflintown, PA

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 50m

Yield 7 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon strips, diced
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
5 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
1 large tart apple, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups chicken broth

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Transfer to a large bowl. Add stuffing cubes, apple, parsley, sage, salt and pepper. Stir in enough broth to reach desired moistness., Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 708mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

Mise en Place: Before starting, ensure all the ingredients are measured, prepped, and ready. This helps streamline the cooking process.
Use Quality Ingredients: Whether store-bought or homemade, using fresh, high-quality ingredients enhances the overall taste of your stuffing.
Choose the Right Bread: Select a sturdy bread like French or Italian bread for your stuffing. It should be slightly stale to hold its shape during the cooking process.
Toast the Bread: Toasting the bread cubes adds a delightful crispiness and texture to the stuffing. You can toast them in the oven or a skillet.
Sauté Vegetables: Sautéing aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots in butter or oil enhances their flavors, adding depth to the stuffing.
Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary to infuse aromatic and earthy notes into your stuffing.
Add Nuts and Dried Fruits: Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans and dried fruits like cranberries or raisins provides a delightful crunch and sweetness to the stuffing.
Use Stock Instead of Water: Substituting water with chicken, vegetable, or turkey stock adds a rich, savory flavor to the stuffing.
Season Wisely: Use salt and pepper to taste and consider adding additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
Stuff the Cavity Loosely: Don't overpack the stuffing into the cavity as it needs room to expand during cooking.
Cook to the Right Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safely cooked.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.

Conclusion:

With various flavorful combinations and cooking techniques, the sweet and savory stuffing recipes presented offer an array of options to complement your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Whether you prefer a classic bread-based stuffing, a wild rice variation, or a vegetarian option, there's a recipe to suit every taste. Remember to experiment with different ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods to create a unique and memorable stuffing that will be a hit at your holiday table. Happy cooking and happy holidays!