Are you looking for a unique and flavorful side dish to elevate your holiday meal or weeknight dinner? Look no further! This easy pineapple stuffing recipe is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a refreshing twist on traditional stuffing recipes. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken or turkey, diced (optional, for added protein)
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. If using, add the diced chicken or turkey and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables and chicken (if using) with the drained crushed pineapple, cranberries, parsley, sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
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Add Bread: Gently fold in the cubed bread, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the mixture.
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Add Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Stuffing:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread is ideal for stuffing as it absorbs the liquid better and prevents the stuffing from becoming too mushy.
- Broth Adjustment: If the stuffing seems too dry after 5-10 minutes of resting, add a little more broth. Conversely, if it's too wet, let it sit for a bit longer before baking.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant kick.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup diced apple and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm and comforting twist.
- Coconut Pineapple: Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without chicken):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
This easy pineapple stuffing recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this delicious and surprisingly simple dish! It’s a great example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals at home. Try it out and let us know what you think!