Bacon-Nut Stuffing

This delightful bacon and onion stuffing recipe adds a touch of savory goodness to your chicken or turkey, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for your table. With the rich flavors of bacon, caramelized onions, and crunchy pine nuts, this stuffing is a crowd-pleaser that enhances the taste of any poultry dish. Whether used to stuff your bird or baked separately, this versatile recipe will make your holiday or special occasion meal truly memorable. Prepare to be captivated by the enticing aroma and irresistible taste of this classic stuffing as it elevates your roast chicken or turkey to a whole new level of deliciousness.

MAKES: At least 6 servings (enough for a 6-pound bird)

TIME: About 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces slab or sliced bacon
• 2 cups roughly chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 cups bread crumbs, preferably fresh
• 1/2 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup dry white wine, chicken or vegetable stock, or water
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, plus several sprigs fresh thyme if available
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using slab bacon, cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. If using sliced bacon, coarsely chop it. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring or turning until it becomes crisp, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon, pat it dry, and then crumble it into smaller pieces.
2. In the same skillet, remove all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Over medium heat, cook the chopped onion, stirring frequently until softened, which generally takes around 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, bread crumbs, nuts, wine, thyme (fresh or dried), bay leaf, and the crumbled bacon. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Season the mixture to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. You have two options for cooking the stuffing. First, you can gently pack the prepared stuffing into your chicken or turkey before roasting it. Alternatively, bake the stuffing separately in an ovenproof glass or enameled baking dish for about 45 minutes at a temperature between 350–400°F. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can make the stuffing up to three days ahead and simply warm it up before serving.

Additional Ideas:

Apart from using this bacon and onion stuffing, there are many other tasty stuffing options that can elevate your poultry dishes. Consider trying the following recipes from “How to Cook Everything”:

1. Rice Pilaf, Seven Ways
2. Brown Rice Pilaf with Two Mushrooms
3. Barley Pilaf
4. Wild Rice Pilaf
5. Wheat Berries with Walnuts

Now, armed with this delicious bacon and onion stuffing recipe and a variety of other stuffing ideas, you can take your poultry dishes to the next level. The warm and comforting flavors of this classic stuffing will create an unforgettable dining experience, leaving your guests eager for seconds and complimenting your culinary skills. So, indulge in the joy of cooking and relish the smiles and satisfaction of your loved ones as they savor the scrumptious taste of this delectable stuffing. Happy cooking!