Dried Cherry Dressing Recipe
Overview
Welcome to Love with Recipes! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for Dried Cherry Dressing that’s perfect for any occasion. This savory dressing combines the richness of bacon, the sweetness of dried cherries, and a medley of other delicious ingredients to create a side dish that will elevate your meal to the next level.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients to create this mouthwatering Dried Cherry Dressing:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 12 ounces of stuffing bread crumbs (about 3 cups)
- Fresh herbs (such as sage, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
- Chicken broth or turkey broth, as needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 113.2
- Fat: 8.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9g
- Cholesterol: 12.8mg
- Sodium: 172.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.7g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 2.7g
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare the Dried Cherry Dressing:
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Cook Bacon: In a large frying pan, sauté the bacon over medium heat until the fat is rendered but not yet crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
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Sauté Vegetables: Remove excess fat from the pan (you can use cooking oil or margarine as a lighter option). Sauté the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent.
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Add Apples and Cherries: Add the chopped apples, dried cherries, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs to the pan. Toss briefly over medium heat to combine all the flavors.
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Mix Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and fruit mixture into a large bowl. Add the chopped bacon and stuffing bread crumbs. Mix everything together thoroughly.
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Moisten with Broth: Gradually add chicken or turkey broth to the mixture, stirring gently to moisten and bind all the ingredients together. Adjust the amount of broth according to your desired consistency.
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Season: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer the dressing mixture into a well-buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
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Brown the Top: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top of the dressing to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture.
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Optional Addition: For a Southern twist, you can add 1 cup of toasted pecans to the dressing mixture along with the apples, cherries, and herbs. This adds a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, serve the Dried Cherry Dressing hot alongside your favorite main dish. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, or even as a standalone side dish for a festive dinner.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it just before serving for convenience.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings according to your personal taste preferences.
Conclusion
With its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this Dried Cherry Dressing is sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe promises to delight with every bite. Enjoy the process of creating this dish, and savor the warm, comforting aromas that fill your kitchen as it bakes to golden perfection. Happy cooking from Love with Recipes!
