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Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing

Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing
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Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing is a flavorful and festive Thanksgiving side dish that blends smoky bacon, warm bourbon, and crunchy pecans with classic herbs and vegetables. This recipe offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with a delightful texture contrast, providing a gourmet twist on traditional stuffing that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (about 1-inch cubes), lightly toasted

Meat & Nuts

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Fats

  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are lightly golden and slightly dried but still tender, about 10–15 minutes. This ensures the bread will absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the thick-cut bacon until crispy and fragrant. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan. Add chopped onions and celery to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  3. Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and bitterness.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, cooked onions and celery, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and fresh chopped herbs including sage, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the bourbon gradually and stir gently to evenly distribute the flavors without breaking the bread cubes.
  5. Add Broth and Butter: Warm the chicken or vegetable broth with the butter until the butter is melted. Pour this mixture over the stuffing ingredients and toss gently to coat all the bread cubes well while keeping them intact. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to develop a golden, slightly crisp crust.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for optimal texture; fresh bread will result in mushy stuffing.
  • Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and provides a satisfying crunch.
  • Add bourbon gradually to avoid overpowering the dish; taste as you go.
  • Let the stuffing rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and for it to set.
  • Customize herbs as desired; rosemary or additional parsley can add unique flavor layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving stuffing, bacon stuffing, bourbon pecan stuffing, holiday side dish, pecan stuffing, bourbon stuffing, savory stuffing, gluten free stuffing

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/bacon-bourbon-pecan-stuffing/