If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, then you are in for a treat with this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! It’s the perfect recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your table during the holidays or any family gathering. What makes this stuffing so special is the wonderful combination of juicy cranberries and crunchy pecans, which add a burst of flavor and texture to each bite. Plus, the best part? It’s all made effortlessly in your slow cooker, leaving you free to enjoy your company!

This recipe is not just about great taste; it’s also incredibly versatile and suitable for busy weeknights. Whether you’re planning a festive feast or simply want to elevate your weekday dinners, this stuffing will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it do its magic while you focus on other dishes.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The balance of sweetness from cranberries and richness from pecans makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can prepare this stuffing earlier in the day or even the night before, freeing up time on busy occasions.
Deliciously Versatile: This stuffing pairs well with almost any main dish, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy and delicious Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these goodies, and let’s get cooking!

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! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

Add More Nuts: Toss in some walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch!
Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
Try Different Dried Fruits: Swap out cranberries or raisins with dried cherries or apricots for a unique twist.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by tossing your cubed stuffing, leeks, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and chopped pecans together in a greased 5-quart Crock Pot. This step ensures that every piece of bread absorbs those lovely flavors as they cook.

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. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture in the Crock Pot. Gently fold everything together so each piece of stuffing gets coated but take care not to break up those delicious cubes too much!

Step 3: Cook Until Perfect

Cover your Crock Pot and set it on low heat for 3-4 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking it slowly allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly while keeping the stuffing moist and flavorful.

And there you have it—your very own delectable Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing ready to shine at your next meal! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Making the perfect stuffing is easier than you think! Here are some tips to elevate your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing and ensure it turns out delicious every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh leeks and quality dried fruits enhance the flavor and texture of your stuffing, making it more vibrant and enjoyable.
Toast the pecans: Briefly toasting your chopped pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the mix brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, resulting in a richer taste.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, and ground mustard according to your preferences. Taste testing is key to creating a dish that’s just right for you!
Let it rest before serving: Allowing your stuffing to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
Make it ahead of time: Prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on busy days but also allows the flavors to develop even further!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Presentation can make all the difference when serving up this delightful stuffing! Here are some ideas on how to present your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Cranberry sauce: A small dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce on the side adds a tangy contrast that complements the sweet cranberries in the stuffing.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly bitter flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet stuffing, providing balance and texture.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of your stuffing.
Maple-glazed carrots: The sweetness of maple-glazed carrots enhances the cranberry notes while adding a vibrant orange color to your plate.
Green bean almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds offer crunchiness and freshness, making them an excellent accompaniment that rounds out your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll create an unforgettable experience with your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is not just a delicious side dish; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, making your holiday cooking less stressful.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the stuffing cool completely before freezing.
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use a different type of bread for the Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Sage & Onion cubed stuffing for your favorite bread type. Just make sure it’s dried out enough to absorb the broth nicely.

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

This comforting stuffing cooks on low for 3-4 hours in your slow cooker. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish that will fill your home with wonderful aromas!

Can I make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing without butter?

Yes! You can substitute melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer. This keeps it dairy-free while still achieving that rich flavor.

What can I serve with my Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, turkey, or even a hearty salad for a complete meal. It’s versatile enough to complement any main dish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this warm and inviting Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting addition that brings everyone together at the table. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it! Happy cooking!