Description

There’s something irresistible about the smell of autumn in the kitchen. The warm aroma of pumpkin spice blending with toasted pecans evokes memories of cozy family dinners and festive holiday gatherings. This Pumpkin Spice & Pecan Stuffing is a celebration of fall flavors, combining tender bread, sweet pumpkin, aromatic spices, and crunchy pecans. Inspired by traditional holiday recipes but updated with seasonal flair, it’s a dish that delights the senses, brings loved ones together, and adds warmth to any meal. Perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a simple roasted main, this stuffing is comfort food at its finest and sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the bread cubes: Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Mix the stuffing: Add the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and pecans to the pumpkin mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated. If using parsley, fold it in at this stage.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to ensure even distribution.
Bake the stuffing: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful stuffing as a perfect complement to any autumn or holiday meal.

Notes

Day-old bread works best for optimal texture.
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch.
Make ahead: assemble the stuffing the day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Optional: adjust spices to taste or substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
For a moister stuffing, add a little extra vegetable broth before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes