If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, then this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is just the thing! It’s a delightful blend of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this stuffing will quickly become a new favorite.

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity. Just toss everything into your Crock Pot and let it do the work while you focus on other holiday preparations. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone eager to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious stuffing without any fuss.
Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and let the slow cooker do its magic, freeing up your oven for other dishes.
Delicious Flavor: The mix of cranberries and pecans adds a unique twist that elevates traditional stuffing to something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably already have most of these in your pantry!

12 oz. bag Sage & Onion cubed stuffing
1 c. leeks (chopped; or substitute with 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

One of the best parts about this stuffing is its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or celery for an extra veggie boost.
Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds based on what you have on hand.
Herb It Up: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by tossing your cubed stuffing, leeks, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and chopped pecans into a sprayed 5-quart Crock Pot. This mix creates a lovely texture and balance of flavors that will soak up all those delicious juices as they cook together.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, melted butter, beaten egg, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. This mixture is essential as it moistens the stuffing and infuses it with flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the wet mixture over the bread mixture in the Crock Pot and gently fold everything together until well combined. This ensures that every piece of bread gets that flavorful goodness.

Step 4: Cook Until Perfect

Cook on low for about 3-4 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°. The long cooking time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an irresistible stuffing that everyone will love.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this tasty Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! It’s bound to be the highlight of your meal. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Creating the perfect Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your stuffing turns out wonderfully every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh leeks and quality broth can enhance the flavor of your stuffing, making it richer and more aromatic.
Let it sit before serving: Allowing the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking gives it a chance to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Customize with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate this dish even further, giving it a fragrant, rustic touch that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
Adjust seasonings: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or mustard levels based on your personal preference. A little extra seasoning can make all the difference in flavor!
Make ahead: For convenience, prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the Crock Pot on the day of your gathering for an easy side dish.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Presenting your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing beautifully can make your meal feel extra special. Here are some ideas to help you serve this delicious side dish.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Cranberries: Toss a few extra dried cranberries on top just before serving for an eye-catching finish and added sweetness.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their earthy flavor complements the sweetness of the stuffing while adding a delightful crunch.
Maple-glazed carrots: The natural sweetness of carrots enhanced with maple syrup creates a lovely contrast with the tangy cranberries.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with stuffing, creating a classic holiday feel.
Green bean almondine: The crispiness of green beans topped with toasted almonds adds texture and balances out the rich flavors of your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing will shine as one of the stars at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, making your holiday cooking a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

Let the stuffing cool down completely before freezing.
Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Have questions about this delightful recipe? Here are some common ones!

Can I use another type of stuffing for the Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite brand or flavor of cubed stuffing. Just ensure it’s a similar size for even cooking.

What makes this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing special?

The combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans adds a unique twist to traditional stuffing, making it a memorable side dish that enhances any holiday meal.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes! This recipe uses chicken broth, but you can easily swap it out for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly while still keeping all those rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Crock Pot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth to your holiday gatherings. I’m excited for you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!