Tangy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Stuffing Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh herbs, citrus, and roasted nuts filling the kitchen on a crisp fall or festive holiday day. This Tangy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Stuffing captures that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that elevate any family gathering or special occasion. Inspired by the timeless tradition of gathering around the table, this recipe celebrates the joy of homemade dishes that bring people together. The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and crunchy pecans adds layers of texture and flavor to a dish that’s both comforting and memorable. It’s a stuffing recipe that doesn’t just accompany your main course—it becomes the centerpiece of conversation, laughter, and shared memories.

Whether you’re preparing for a cozy evening with loved ones or a grand holiday feast, this stuffing is designed to impress without requiring complicated techniques. It’s a modern twist on a classic favorite, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite while keeping the preparation straightforward enough for any home cook to master.

Ingredients

• 10 cups of cubed, day-old bread (sourdough, French, or whole wheat)

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

• 1 medium orange, zest and juice

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 celery stalks, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 to 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for added warmth

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast it for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Add herbs and zest: Stir in the fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and orange zest. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the aromas and flavors.

4. Combine with cranberries and pecans: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cranberries and toasted pecans. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the bread cubes.

5. Mix the stuffing base: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the toasted bread cubes, starting with 2 cups. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. Add more broth if necessary, until the stuffing reaches a moist but not soggy consistency.

6. Bake the stuffing: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

7. Finishing touches: Remove from the oven and allow the stuffing to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

8. Serve and enjoy: Spoon generous portions onto your serving platter and garnish with extra chopped pecans or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Tangy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Stuffing lies in its harmony of flavors and textures. The tartness of cranberries contrasts beautifully with the richness of buttery bread and the crunch of toasted pecans. Fresh orange zest and juice elevate the dish with a bright citrus note, keeping it from feeling heavy or overly rich. Using day-old bread ensures the stuffing absorbs the broth perfectly, creating a moist yet structured dish that holds together when served.

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a savory depth that complements the sweetness of cranberries and orange. Toasting the pecans brings out their natural nutty flavor, adding another layer of texture that enhances every bite. Unlike traditional stuffings that can sometimes feel one-dimensional, this recipe balances sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty elements in a way that’s elegant yet approachable.

Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. While it’s perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty plant-based main, it’s equally delightful on a holiday table next to roasted poultry or meat alternatives. The bright citrus and fresh herbs ensure it pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for diverse palates.

Tips for Perfect Stuffing Every Time

• Use a mix of bread types: Combining sourdough with a hearty whole wheat or rustic French loaf adds complexity to the texture.

• Toast the nuts lightly: Toasting pecans in a dry skillet or oven enhances their flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy in the stuffing.

• Don’t over-saturate the bread: Add the broth gradually. The goal is moist bread, not a soggy mess.

• Prep ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.

• Adjust sweetness and tang: If you prefer a sweeter profile, toss the cranberries with a teaspoon of orange marmalade or honey before adding to the bread.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffing pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled or baked plant-based proteins, and a variety of holiday mains. A light drizzle of orange-infused olive oil over the baked stuffing adds an extra layer of citrus aroma. For a cozy autumn dinner, serve alongside mashed sweet potatoes or a roasted winter squash medley.

Consider presenting the stuffing in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash for a festive touch. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also infuses subtle flavors from the roasted vegetable. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few extra toasted pecans just before serving elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality presentation at home.

Healthier Options

For those seeking a lighter option, you can reduce the butter by a quarter and substitute low-sodium vegetable broth. Incorporating whole grain bread increases fiber content, while still keeping the stuffing moist and flavorful. Cranberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, making this dish both indulgent and nutritious.

Additionally, roasting the vegetables and nuts separately before mixing with the bread ensures each component maintains its integrity, enhancing both flavor and texture. Small adjustments like these allow you to enjoy a wholesome stuffing without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tangy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Stuffing is more than a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and tradition. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress both family and friends. Its vibrant colors and aromatic blend of herbs and citrus make it a centerpiece for any festive meal or cozy dinner.

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, a winter holiday gathering, or simply a special weekend meal, this stuffing transforms any table into a welcoming, fragrant haven of comfort and warmth. Its combination of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, buttery bread, and crunchy pecans ensures every bite is a balance of flavor and texture, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing your stuffing ahead of time is not only possible but can actually enhance the flavors. You can combine all the ingredients—bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, herbs, cranberries, orange zest, and nuts—the night before and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilling the mixture allows the flavors to meld, giving your stuffing a richer, more harmonious taste when baked. When you’re ready to serve, simply bring the stuffing to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions as usual. Cover it with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture, and uncover toward the end to achieve a golden, slightly crisp top. Preparing ahead also reduces stress on the day of your meal, allowing you to focus on other dishes and enjoy the gathering.

2. Can I freeze the stuffing?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option if you want to prepare in advance or have leftovers. After mixing your stuffing, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also bake it from slightly frozen; just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time. Freezing is especially convenient for holiday meals, allowing you to prepare dishes ahead and minimize the last-minute rush.

3. Can I substitute nuts?
Yes, you can customize the nuts based on availability or personal preference. While pecans provide a naturally buttery, slightly sweet flavor, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives. Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet or in the oven to enhance their flavor and crunch before adding them to the stuffing. You can even experiment with a mix of nuts for added texture and depth. Keep in mind that different nuts may slightly change the overall flavor profile, so adjust seasonings if necessary.

4. How can I make it more colorful?
Adding visual appeal to your stuffing is easy and can make the dish even more inviting. Try tossing in chopped dried apricots, which bring a lovely golden hue and a hint of natural sweetness. Pomegranate seeds are another excellent choice—they not only add vibrant red pops of color but also a subtle tartness that complements the cranberries. For a festive touch, sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves, like parsley or thyme, just before serving. These simple additions can make your stuffing look as delightful as it tastes, perfect for holiday tables or special occasions.

Tangy Cranberry Orange & Pecan Stuffing Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 8–10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A festive, flavorful stuffing that perfectly balances tart cranberries, bright orange, and crunchy pecans. This dish is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, offering a fresh twist on a classic favorite with vibrant colors, rich aromas, and comforting textures that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups cubed, day-old bread (sourdough, French, or whole wheat)

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

• 1 medium orange, zest and juice

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 celery stalks, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 to 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for added warmth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

• Stir in thyme, rosemary, sage, and orange zest, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release aromas.

• Remove from heat and mix in cranberries and toasted pecans. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the bread cubes.

• Pour 2 cups of broth over the bread cubes and gently toss to combine, adding more broth if needed until the mixture is moist but not soggy.

• Transfer to a greased baking dish, spread evenly, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

• Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnishing with extra pecans or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Toast the bread cubes before mixing to ensure a slightly crisp texture.

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.

• The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before baking.

• Substitute nuts if desired: walnuts or almonds work well.

• Adjust the broth gradually to achieve the desired moistness without making it soggy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Michelle Davis