Golden Cracker Stuffing a Crunchy Delight
Golden Cracker Stuffing: Your New Go-To Side Dish
Fancy a bit of comfort food magic? Ever wondered how to jazz up a humble box of crackers? This cracker stuffing recipe is about to become your new best friend.
It's a savoury, crunchy delight. Honestly, this is the stuffing recipe you've been waiting for.
A Bit of Background
This dish takes cues from classic American Southern cracker dressing and Midwestern stuffing recipes . It's home cooking at its finest.
Think crispy edges and a soft, savoury interior. It’s a proper crowd pleaser. This easy stuffing recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
This cracker stuffing is super simple. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a Thanksgiving stuffing recipe in a pinch.
This recipe comfortably feeds 6-8 people.
Why This Cracker Stuffing Rocks
One of the great things about cracker stuffing is that it is budget friendly. Plus, it is a delicious way to elevate any meal.
This recipe is so good; it will be a guaranteed hit at your Christmas table. This easy stuffing recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
You can even add sausage to make it cracker stuffing with sausage .
Ready to grab your mixing bowl and see what all the fuss is about?
Let's Get This Cracker Stuffing Started!
So, you fancy making a cracker stuffing recipe ? Ace choice! It's proper comfort food, innit? This recipe is all about simple ingredients and easy steps.
Think budget friendly stuffing with a cracking twist. Honestly, you'll be surprised how good soda cracker stuffing can be! It’s a Thanksgiving stuffing recipe game changer, and even perfect for Christmas stuffing recipe too.
It’s like a Southern cracker dressing meets a Midwestern stuffing recipe, but dead easy.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Stuffing
Right, let's gather our bits and bobs. We need:
- 3 sleeves ( 300g ) of soda crackers, crushed. Quality? Just get some that aren't too salty or sweet, yeah?
- 1/2 cup ( 113g ) unsalted butter, melted.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped ( 150g ).
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped ( 100g ).
- 1 tsp dried sage.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste, obvs).
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- 2 cups ( 475ml ) chicken broth (or veggie broth if you're that way inclined).
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for a bit of poshness.
You know, when my nan used to make this, she'd always use slightly stale crackers. Claimed it made them absorb the flavor better.
Might be an old wives' tale, but worth a try, eh?
Seasoning Notes: A Flavor Explosion
For the real flavour, sage and thyme are key. Honestly, they're what makes it taste like actual stuffing recipe . If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of marjoram wouldn’t go amiss.
No thyme? No worries! Use a bit more sage. Honestly, it’ll be grand. A tiny bit of garlic powder adds a nice depth, too.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need loads of fancy kit. Just:
- A large mixing bowl.
- A 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish.
- A sauté pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons (or just eyeball it, like I usually do).
Don't have a sauté pan? A regular frying pan will do the trick. Honestly, no stress. This is an easy stuffing recipe , remember? If you want, you can add cracker stuffing with sausage .
Golden Cracker Stuffing: A Crunchy, Savory Delight
Honestly, who doesn't love a good stuffing recipe ? This one's a bit different. It uses humble soda crackers. Yep, you heard right! This cracker stuffing recipe is seriously easy and oh-so-comforting.
Think crispy edges and a soft inside. I can almost smell Thanksgiving and Christmas stuffing recipe already!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organized. This is all about essential mise en place. Chop 1 medium yellow onion and 2 celery stalks .
Measure out 1 teaspoon dried sage , ½ teaspoon dried thyme , and other spices. Crush 3 sleeves of soda crackers (about 300g).
Melt ½ cup (1 stick, 113g) of butter. Trust me, this will make your life way easier. It's like having your own little sous chef.
step-by-step to Stuffed Perfection
- Preheat! Crank that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Sauté Time: Melt the butter in a pan. Add the onion and celery. Cook them until they soften, about 5- 7 minutes . Toss in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cracker Combo: Mix the crushed crackers, sautéed veggies, 2 beaten eggs , and 2 cups chicken broth in a big bowl.
- Dish It Out: Pour everything into the greased dish. Spread it nice and even.
- Bake it Real Good: Bake for 30- 35 minutes . You want it golden brown and a bit crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven. A little parsley on top looks fancy, you know. Let it cool a bit before serving. My grandmother was a huge fan of this cracker stuffing with sausage; sometimes I still add 1 pound of cooked sausage .
Pro Tips for Cracker Stuffing Greatness
- Don't drown those crackers! The mix should be moist, not swimming. No one wants soggy stuffing.
- Crispy dreams: Drizzle melted butter on top before baking. Extra crispy edges are the best.
- Soda Cracker Stuffing Secret: I am big into the crackers I use to make this Midwestern stuffing recipe , use whatever cracker available. This budget friendly stuffing is great for a good meal.
And if you’re planning ahead, prepare the cracker mixture. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
I've done this loads of times. It’s a real time saver. Remember that Easy Stuffing Recipe is easy to make any day of the year.
Recipe Notes for Golden Cracker Stuffing
Right, so we've got our cracker stuffing recipe sorted. But hold on! Before you preheat that oven, let's chat about a few things.
This isn't just any stuffing recipe ; it's your easy stuffing recipe . I feel like I need to tell you all the secrets to make it extra special.
Serving It Up Just Right
Plating wise, think rustic charm. Scoop it into a serving dish. Fluff it a little. Garnish with parsley. Boom. As for sides, honestly? This Thanksgiving stuffing recipe basically begs for cranberry sauce.
Also, don't forget about mashed potatoes and gravy. And maybe some glazed carrots. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Delish! Honestly, anything goes, really.
I've even paired this with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
Storing the Good Stuff
Right, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the cracker stuffing in an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes. It'll be good for 3-4 days.
To reheat, microwave it gently. Or, if you want that crispy top again, use the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes.
Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap it well. Then freeze for up to a month. Defrost fully before reheating. No one wants a soggy soda cracker stuffing .
Mix It Up A Bit!
Fancy a bit of a change? Okay. For a veggie version, sub in veggie broth. Swap the butter for a plant based alternative.
Easy peasy. Alternatively, for the meat lovers, fry and include a pound of sausage. For a spicier cracker stuffing with sausage , go for Italian sausage.
Seasonally, swap fresh herbs to make your Christmas stuffing recipe the best that it could be.
Nutrition Lowdown
Alright, let's be real, this Southern cracker dressing is comfort food. But it's not all bad. Crackers provide carbs for energy.
The broth adds vitamins. Onion is very good for anti oxidants. The eggs boost the protein content. It's all about balance, innit?
So, there you have it. All my tips and tricks. Now get in the kitchen and make some cracker stuffing magic! Remember, cooking should be fun.
Don't be afraid to experiment. If you want a Budget friendly stuffing recipe you can save by using store brand crackers. Honestly, you’ve got this.
This Midwestern stuffing recipe is foolproof. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is cracker stuffing, and how is it different from regular stuffing?
Cracker stuffing, unlike traditional stuffing made with bread, uses crushed crackers as its base. Think of it as the resourceful cook's way to get a delicious, savory side dish on the table!
It tends to have a slightly different texture often crispier on the edges and softer inside and can be a great alternative, especially if you're looking for something a bit lighter than a bread heavy stuffing.
Can I make this cracker stuffing recipe ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely, you can prep this ahead! Assemble the cracker stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Just keep an eye on the crackers as they soak, you may want to add a bit more broth if they dry out too much!
My cracker stuffing turned out a bit soggy. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it next time?
Sogginess is a common stuffing woe! It usually means there's too much liquid. Make sure you're not over soaking the crackers with broth they should be moist, not swimming. Next time, try using slightly less broth to start and adding more only if needed.
You can also bake it uncovered for a longer time, at the end, to help it crisp up and dry out a bit. Maybe start at a lower temp like 325°F (160°C), covered, then finish at 350°F (175°C) uncovered.
I'm looking for variations on this cracker stuffing. Any creative ideas?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a savoury twist, try adding cooked sausage, chopped apples, or dried cranberries. Mushrooms sauteed with garlic and herbs are also a classic addition. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth of flavour.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and consider adding roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
How should I store leftover cracker stuffing, and how long will it last?
Store leftover cracker stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally last for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating. To reheat, you can microwave it, but for the best texture, try baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and slightly crispy again.
Be sure the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Is cracker stuffing a healthier alternative to bread based stuffing? What are the nutritional considerations?
Whether cracker stuffing is "healthier" really depends on the ingredients and your dietary needs. Soda crackers tend to be lower in fiber than whole wheat bread, so it might not be as filling. However, using lower sodium broth and minimizing added fats can make it a lighter option.
Be mindful of the sodium content of the crackers themselves and adjust seasoning accordingly. As always, moderation is key, especially during a big feast!
Golden Cracker Stuffing A Crunchy Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
