Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs

Introduction

History

Cracker stuffing has been a popular dish in American cuisine for generations. The use of crackers as a base for stuffing dates back to a time when ingredients like bread were not always readily available. This recipe has evolved over the years to include a variety of vegetables and seasonings, making it a versatile and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to crush the crackers into small pieces to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients.

- Sauteing the vegetables before adding them to the stuffing helps to enhance their flavors and ensure they are cooked through.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more poultry seasoning, parsley, or pepper as desired.

- Be careful not to overmix the stuffing once the eggs and broth are added, as this can result in a mushy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stuffing alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork for a classic holiday meal. It also pairs well with cranberry sauce, gravy, and a side of green beans or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Sauteing the vegetables before adding them to the stuffing helps to develop their flavors and ensure they are cooked through. Mixing the crackers with melted butter helps to bind the ingredients together and create a rich and buttery texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have crackers on hand, you can use stale bread or cornbread as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this stuffing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also top it with a drizzle of melted butter for an extra touch of richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted turkey, chicken, pork, or ham. It also complements classic holiday sides like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this stuffing contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this stuffing contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This stuffing is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, thanks to the vegetables and herbs used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the crackers and eggs. It may also contain dairy if butter is used.

Summary

Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs is a timeless recipe that brings together the flavors of buttery crackers, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This classic side dish is perfect for holiday meals or any time you want to enjoy a comforting and delicious stuffing.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my Aunt Betty's farm in the countryside. Aunt Betty was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to the hearty dishes she would prepare for us.

On this particular day, Aunt Betty had decided to make her famous Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing for dinner. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. I watched in awe as Aunt Betty expertly crushed the crackers into fine crumbs, added a generous amount of garlic and herbs, and mixed it all together with a splash of chicken broth.

I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the recipe and the way Aunt Betty effortlessly transformed a few humble ingredients into a mouthwatering dish. I asked her where she had learned to make the stuffing, and she smiled and said it had been passed down through generations of our family.

As Aunt Betty continued to cook, she shared with me the story of how the recipe had originated. She told me that many years ago, when our ancestors first settled in this country, they had to make do with whatever ingredients were available to them. One year, when the harvest had been particularly poor, they had to come up with a creative way to stretch their meager supplies.

They had stumbled upon a box of crackers that had been left behind by a passing traveler, and Aunt Betty's great-grandmother had decided to use them to make a stuffing for their Thanksgiving meal. She had added garlic and herbs from the garden, and the result had been a delicious and satisfying dish that had become a family favorite ever since.

As Aunt Betty finished preparing the stuffing and placed it in the oven to bake, I couldn't wait to taste the final product. When it was finally ready, we all gathered around the table and dug into the steaming dish. The combination of the crispy crackers, fragrant garlic, and savory herbs was a revelation, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

After dinner, I asked Aunt Betty to teach me how to make the Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs. She was more than happy to pass on the recipe to me, and we spent the rest of the evening cooking together in the warm glow of the kitchen.

As I mixed the crackers with the garlic and herbs, I felt a deep connection to my family's culinary heritage. I could almost imagine my ancestors gathered around a table, sharing a meal made with love and ingenuity.

When the stuffing was finally done, I took a bite and savored the familiar flavors of garlic and herbs mingling with the crispy crackers. It was a taste of home, a taste of tradition, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire.

Years have passed since that day on Aunt Betty's farm, but whenever I make the Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs, I am transported back to that kitchen filled with warmth and laughter. The recipe has become a beloved tradition in my own family, passed down from generation to generation just like Aunt Betty had done for me.

I am grateful for the simple yet delicious recipe that has brought so much joy to my loved ones over the years. It is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of my ancestors, and a testament to the power of sharing food and stories with those we hold dear.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I encourage you to give the Old-fashioned Cracker Stuffing with Garlic and Herbs a chance. Who knows, you might just discover a taste of history and a connection to your own culinary roots.

Categories

| American Recipes | Carrot Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Celery Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Egg Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Onion Recipes | Shallot Recipes | Stuffing Recipes |

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