Pecan Stuffing for Turkey

Bring a little Southern flavor to your holiday table with this pecan stuffing for turkey. Chopped pecans, buttery bread crumbs, celery, onion, and parsley come together in a savory stuffing that pairs beautifully with roast turkey.

Made with Pecans.com pecans, this classic recipe is a comforting addition to Thanksgiving dinner or any special family gathering.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped Pecans.com pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup chopped celery and celery leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 8 cups soft bread crumbs
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 turkey, 10–12 pounds

How to Make Pecan Stuffing for Turkey

1. Cook the onion. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the pecans and seasonings. Stir in the pecans, parsley, celery and celery leaves, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Mix well.
3. Mix in the bread. Add the soft bread crumbs and gently stir to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Moisten the stuffing. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the chicken stock and beaten eggs. Toss lightly until evenly combined.
5. Stuff and roast. Loosely spoon the stuffing into the turkey immediately before roasting. Do not pack it tightly. Roast according to reliable instructions for a stuffed turkey of this weight, and use a food thermometer to check doneness, rather than relying on cooking time alone. The center of the stuffing and the turkey must reach 165°F; check the turkey in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost parts of the thigh and wing.

Tips for Delicious Pecan Stuffing

• Use soft bread crumbs. This recipe calls for soft bread crumbs, not fine, dry packaged crumbs.
• Keep the pecans noticeable. Chop them into small pieces rather than grinding them finely for a pleasant nutty texture in each bite.
• Leave room inside the turkey. Stuffing expands as it cooks, so fill the cavity loosely.
• Do not stuff the turkey ahead of time. Combine and add the stuffing just before roasting.

What to Serve with Pecan-Stuffed Turkey

Round out your holiday meal with cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, and your favorite gravy. The buttery pecans and savory herbs make this stuffing a natural companion to traditional Thanksgiving sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pecans should I use?

Use plain, unseasoned pecans, either pecan pieces or halves chopped into smaller pieces. Avoid candied or flavored pecans, which will change the savory flavor of the stuffing.

Is this stuffing or dressing?

This version is stuffing because it cooks inside the turkey. A similar bread mixture baked separately is often called dressing, especially in the South.

How do I know the stuffing is done?

Check the center of the stuffing with a food thermometer. It must reach 165°F, even if the turkey has already reached a safe temperature.