Are you ready to transform your ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Dried Pear Hazelnut Stuffing is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Imagine golden, crispy bread cubes perfectly combined with sweet dried pears, crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and aromatic herbs that dance together in every single bite. Whether you're preparing for a festive gathering or simply craving a gourmet comfort food, this stuffing promises to elevate your dining experience from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup dried pears, chopped
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread bread cubes on a large baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped hazelnuts to the skillet and toast them lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, chopped dried pears, toasted hazelnuts, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually pour vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly moistened. The bread should be damp but not soggy.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let the stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Always use day-old bread for the best texture - slightly stale bread absorbs flavors better and creates a more authentic stuffing consistency.
- Toast your bread cubes and nuts separately to enhance their natural flavors and prevent sogginess.
- Don't overmoisten the stuffing mixture. Add vegetable broth gradually and stop when the bread is just damp, not swimming in liquid.
- For extra richness, consider using part butter and part olive oil when sautéing vegetables.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to fully develop and integrate.
- If you prefer a moister stuffing, cover with foil for the entire baking time. For a crispier top, uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to customize by adding herbs like sage or rosemary to complement the existing thyme.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
