Imagine serving a meal so elegant and delicious that your guests will be talking about it for weeks! These Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens are not just a dish, they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. Perfectly roasted golden-brown poultry, bursting with a tangy-sweet cranberry stuffing, promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're hosting a romantic dinner for two or an intimate gathering, this recipe will make you look like a professional chef with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish hens
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the Cornish hens cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Rinse the Cornish hens under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin during cooking.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cranberries to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and cranberries with the bread crumbs. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Stuff each Cornish hen with half of the cranberry and bread crumb mixture. Be careful not to overstuff, as the stuffing will expand during cooking.
- Place the stuffed Cornish hens in a roasting pan, breast side up. If desired, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine for a more polished presentation.
- Season the outside of the hens with salt and pepper. You can also brush a little melted butter on the skin for added flavor and crispiness.
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil to keep the hens moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered with foil.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the hens are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the Cornish hens from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
- Serve the cranberry stuffed Cornish hens on a platter, garnished with any remaining cranberries or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Don't Overstuff: Leave some room in the cavity for the stuffing to expand during cooking.
- Butter Brushing Trick: Brush the skin with melted butter before the final uncovered baking for a crispy, golden exterior.
- Resting Period Matters: Let the hens rest 10 minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Presentation Hack: Tie the legs with kitchen twine for a more professional, elegant look.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the hens a few hours in advance, refrigerating until ready to cook.
- Leftover Magic: Any remaining stuffing can be baked separately in a small dish as a delicious side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
