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Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing

Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing
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Bacon Bourbon Pecan Stuffing is a richly flavored side dish that blends smoky bacon, sweet bourbon, and crunchy toasted pecans with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfectly combining savory and sweet elements, this stuffing features crispy toasted bread cubes and tender aromatics, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it will impress guests and bring warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Base

  • 8 cups day-old rustic or sourdough bread cubes

Meat and Nuts

  • 8 ounces smoky bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp. This ensures the stuffing has a perfect crispy exterior and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan. Add butter and sauté diced onions, celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
  3. Toast the Pecans: While the vegetables cook, toast pecans in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes until lightly browned and aromatic, taking care not to burn them.
  4. Deglaze the Pan with Bourbon: Pour bourbon into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to deglaze the pan. This step infuses the dish with rich, slightly sweet flavors.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, toasted pecans, and chopped fresh parsley and sage. Pour the bourbon-infused pan juices along with chicken or vegetable broth over the mixture. Toss gently to coat, adding just enough broth to keep the stuffing moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to develop a crispy, golden top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use slightly stale bread to better absorb liquids without turning mushy.
  • Add broth gradually to achieve the desired moistness.
  • Watch pecans carefully when toasting to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Use fresh parsley and sage for vibrant flavor; dried herbs won’t provide the same intensity.
  • Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the stuffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bacon stuffing, Bourbon stuffing, Pecan stuffing, Holiday side dish, Thanksgiving stuffing, Christmas stuffing, savory stuffing

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