If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! It’s a perfect blend of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it a standout addition to any holiday gathering or busy weeknight dinner. I love how simple it is to prepare, allowing you to focus on the more important things during those bustling occasions.

This stuffing recipe has become a staple in my home. The wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks is just heavenly! Plus, it’s so versatile; whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or just want something comforting on a Tuesday night, this stuffing fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the Crock Pot, and let it do the work for you!
Family-approved flavor: The combination of cranberries and pecans offers a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance, leaving you free to enjoy time with loved ones.
Perfectly suited for holidays: This stuffing adds a festive touch to any meal, making your gatherings even more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delightful Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. You likely have many of these on hand already!

For the Stuffing

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have in your pantry or personal preferences.

Add more veggies: Toss in some diced celery or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
Mix up the nuts: Try using walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your favorite.
Incorporate herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an aromatic touch that elevates the taste.
Switch up the fruit: Feel free to use dried cherries or figs instead of cranberries for a unique twist.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture not only adds moisture but also binds all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 3: Cook It Up

Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture in the Crock Pot and gently fold everything together until well mixed. Cooking on low for 3-4 hours helps all those lovely flavors meld together while ensuring your stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°. The slow cooker allows for a hands-off approach—perfect for busy days!

And there you have it! A warm and inviting Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing that makes every meal feel special. Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing is all about the little details, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to new heights!

Choose high-quality bread: The foundation of great stuffing is the bread. Opt for a fresh or artisan-style cubed stuffing mix to ensure a delightful texture and flavor.
Adjust the liquid: Depending on how moist or dry you like your stuffing, feel free to adjust the amount of chicken broth. Adding a bit more can lead to a softer stuffing, while less broth will yield a firmer texture.
Let it rest before serving: Allow your stuffing to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to scoop out servings without it falling apart.
Experiment with herbs: Don’t hesitate to add in some extra herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs can introduce additional layers of flavor that complement the cranberries and pecans beautifully.
Use a liner for easy cleanup: Lining your Crock Pot with a slow cooker liner can make clean-up a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Presenting your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish at your next gathering.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the stuffing.
Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds not only provide a stunning visual contrast but also add bursts of tartness that complement the sweetness of the cranberries.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy edges contrast nicely with the sweet stuffing, creating a well-rounded plate.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser! Their comforting texture pairs beautifully with the stuffing, adding heartiness to your meal.
Honey-glazed carrots: The natural sweetness of honey-roasted carrots complements the cranberries in the stuffing, enhancing their flavor while providing a vibrant color contrast on your table.
Green bean almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of both the stuffing and any main dishes you serve.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing will not only be delicious but also an impressive centerpiece at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! It’s a delightful and stress-free side dish that you can prepare in advance, making your holiday cooking easier.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Allow the stuffing to cool thoroughly before freezing.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix!

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about this delicious dish.

Can I make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook it in your Crock Pot when you’re ready!

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

For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still provide great flavor!

How long does Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding diced apples, celery, or even herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing as much as I do! It’s not only simple but also brings a wonderful balance of flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me!