Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it threatens to overshadow the main course – that's exactly what this Bacon Leek Stuffing with Sage and Pecans promises! Combining the smoky richness of crispy bacon, the subtle sweetness of caramelized leeks, and the earthy crunch of toasted pecans, this stuffing is a symphony of flavors that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're preparing a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 cups bread cubes
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté the sliced leeks over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, crispy bacon pieces, sautéed leeks, chopped pecans, and fresh chopped sage. Gently toss the ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring carefully to moisten the bread cubes without making them soggy. The mixture should be damp but not saturated.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to create a crispy golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffing rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the stuffing to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh sage leaves if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread cubes absorb flavors better and prevent a soggy stuffing.
- Don't skip rendering the bacon fat – it adds incredible depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Be careful not to oversaturate the bread mixture with broth – you want it moist, not swimming.
- For extra crispiness, spread the stuffing in a wider, shallower dish to maximize the golden, crunchy top.
- Fresh sage makes a huge difference – if possible, use fresh herbs over dried for a more vibrant taste.
- Let the stuffing rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
