Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

If you’re looking for a warm and inviting side dish that captures the essence of comfort food, you’ve come to the right place! My Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is a delightful blend of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory flavors that make it an instant favorite at any gathering. The best part? You can set it and forget it in your slow cooker while you focus on other holiday preparations or even just relax with your loved ones.

This stuffing is not just perfect for holiday feasts; it’s also wonderful for busy weeknights or family dinners. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into your Crock Pot and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this stuffing ahead of time, giving you more room to breathe during your festivities.
• Deliciously Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish, making it a great go-to side.
• Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this stuffing is satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this tasty Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. Most of these items are staples in many kitchens, making it easy to whip this up anytime!

• 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
• 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 things I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add some veggies: Toss in diced celery or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the cubed stuffing with gluten-free bread or a gluten-free stuffing mix.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Nuts about nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or almonds instead for a different texture.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Start by tossing your cubed stuffing, leeks, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and chopped pecans into a sprayed 5-quart Crock Pot. Mixing these ingredients together first ensures that each bite will be packed with flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and binds everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Pour and Fold

Pour the wet mixture over the dry stuffing mix in the Crock Pot. Gently fold everything together so that all the dry ingredients are moistened evenly. This step is crucial as it ensures that every piece gets that delicious flavor.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow cooking allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the stuffing nice and moist!

And there you have it! A delightful side dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every hearty bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Making stuffing in a crock pot is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh leeks and high-quality pecans make all the difference in flavor. Opting for fresh ingredients ensures that your stuffing has a vibrant taste and delightful texture.

• Let it sit before serving: After cooking, allow the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to scoop out of the crock pot.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add your favorite dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. These extra spices can enhance the savory notes of the stuffing and provide a lovely aroma.

• Adjust liquid for desired consistency: If you prefer a drier stuffing, reduce the chicken broth slightly. Conversely, for a moister texture, add a bit more broth. This way, you can customize it to your personal preference!

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just mix everything in the crock pot in the morning and let it do its thing while you focus on other holiday preparations.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Presenting your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing beautifully makes every meal feel special! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
• Chopped nuts: A handful of additional chopped pecans adds an appealing crunch and reinforces the nutty flavor.
• Cranberry drizzle: A simple homemade cranberry sauce drizzled over each serving enhances both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cranberries, adding a delightful contrast.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic create a comforting side that complements the stuffing’s texture beautifully.
• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots not only add color but also bring an extra layer of sweetness that works harmoniously with your stuffing.
• Green bean almondine: Crisp-tender green beans topped with toasted almonds provide a nice crunch and freshness, balancing out richer dishes on your table.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is bound to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to get ahead of your holiday cooking. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for later, making your celebrations stress-free!

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this stuffing a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time during busy holidays.

What can I substitute for chicken broth in Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. It will still provide that rich flavor without any animal-derived ingredients.

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

Cooking this stuffing on low takes about 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F!

Can I add other ingredients to my Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped celery, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or sage for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing as much as I do! It’s a special dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday gathering. With its sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe!