My Herby Croissant Stuffing Recipe with Mushrooms and Onion is a delightful twist on traditional stuffing. Buttery croissants, a savory vegetable mixture, and fresh herbs create a rich, flavorful side dish that's perfect for the holiday season. This easy-to-make stuffing is ideal for Christmas dinner or your Thanksgiving menu, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you're preparing a festive feast or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy a side that's both comforting and elegant, making it a standout addition to any holiday menu!
I have a special place in my heart for stuffing recipes, and this Herby Croissant Stuffing Recipe is a standout favorite. There's something incredibly comforting about buttery croissants mingling with savory vegetables and fresh herbs. I love how the torn croissants soak up the chicken broth, creating a moist stuffing and flavorful stuffing that's perfect for holiday meals. This recipe holds a special memory for me—it was one of the first dishes I perfected for my family’s Thanksgiving table, and it's become a cherished part of our holiday tradition. The golden brown top and rich, herby flavors never fail to bring a smile to my face and make any meal feel extra special.
Looking for more savory side dishes? Try my Sausage Stuffing, Maple Roasted Squash, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Mac n' Cheese Green Beans. The leftovers from this dish are great in my Chicken Stuffed with Stuffing recipe. If you're looking for more stuffing recipes, try my Chorizo Cornbread Recipe.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Comforting and Flavorful: Buttery croissants, savory vegetables, and fresh herbs create a rich, satisfying dish that's perfect for holiday meals. It’s an easy way to elevate your Thanksgiving meal or Christmas dinner with minimal effort!
- Quick and Simple: With straightforward ingredients and an easy preparation process, this stuffing comes together in less than an hour. It’s a stress-free addition to your holiday spread that’s both delicious and hassle-free.
- Versatile and Festive: This recipe is perfect for any special occasion. The combination of croissants and fresh herbs makes it a standout side dish that’s as versatile as it is festive, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
🥘 Ingredients
- Buttery Croissants – Flaky croissants are the star of this stuffing, offering a rich, flaky texture that soaks up the flavors beautifully. Their light and airy nature creates a delicious contrast with the savory ingredients, making them perfect for a comforting stuffing. Use day-old croissants if possible, as they absorb the chicken stock and seasonings better, giving the stuffing a satisfying, moist texture.
- Chicken Stock – Chicken stock infuses the stuffing with a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste. It adds moisture to the croissants and helps meld all the ingredients together. Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control the saltiness, and taste as you go to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Vegetable Mixture – A blend of sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms forms the flavorful base of the stuffing. This mixture adds a savory depth and aromatic quality to the dish, with the mushrooms providing an earthy richness that complements the buttery croissants. Sauté until tender to ensure they blend seamlessly into the stuffing.
- Fresh Herbs – Fresh herbs like thyme and fresh sage add a fragrant, herby note that brightens up the stuffing. They bring a layer of complexity and freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Be sure to use fresh herbs for the best taste, but dried herbs can be substituted if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Cranberries – Dried cranberries contribute a sweet and slightly tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the stuffing. They add a burst of color and a pleasant chewiness that elevates the dish. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the stuffing to get a hint of sweetness in every bite.
- Pine Nuts – Pine nuts, when toasted, add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the topping. They provide a textural contrast to the soft stuffing and a subtle, elegant touch that’s perfect for holiday meals. Toast them lightly before adding to avoid burning and enhance their flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning the stuffing. They help balance the flavors and bring out the best in the other ingredients. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind that the chicken stock and croissants will also contribute to the overall seasoning.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: In a large saute pan or large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat or medium-high heat. Add ½ cup of chopped yellow onion, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Mix the Stuffing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled vegetable mixture with 8 shredded large croissants. Add 1 cup of chicken stock, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, and ½ cup of dried cranberries. Stir everything together until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the stuffing mixture to a prepared baking casserole dish.
Bake the Stuffing: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the pine nuts (if using) evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.
Serve: Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, flavorful stuffing as a perfect addition to your holiday table!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- For the best texture and flavor, use day-old croissants instead of fresh ones. Day-old croissants are slightly drier, which helps them absorb the chicken stock and seasonings better, resulting in a more flavorful and well-textured Croissant Stuffing Recipe.
- If you’re short on time, you can lightly toast fresh croissants before using them to achieve a similar effect.
- Additionally, make sure to let the stuffing rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making it easier to serve.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Different Bread Options – If you’d like to experiment, try using other types of bread instead of croissants. For instance, day-old French bread or challah can be great substitutes, offering a different texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chicken stock as needed to ensure the stuffing remains moist.
Alternative Nuts – If you prefer a different nut, you can swap pine nuts with chopped walnuts or pecans. Walnuts add a slightly bitter, earthy note, while pecans provide a sweeter, buttery flavor. Toast them lightly before adding to bring out their best taste and texture.
Add Extra Protein – For a heartier stuffing, consider incorporating cooked sausage or bacon. Sausage adds a flavorful, savory kick, while bacon contributes a smoky depth. Cook and crumble the sausage or bacon before mixing into the stuffing to ensure even distribution.
Vegetable Variations – Feel free to customize the vegetable mixture with your favorites. Try adding sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or even a handful of fresh spinach for extra color and nutrition. These vegetables can enhance the stuffing with additional flavors and textures.
Herb Alternatives – If fresh thyme and sage aren’t available, you can use dried herbs or substitute with other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about half the amount called for in the recipe. Rosemary adds a piney, aromatic quality, while parsley offers a fresh, mild flavor to the Croissant Stuffing Recipe.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing – A rich, full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay complements the buttery croissants and savory stuffing. For a lighter option, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling would also work well, balancing the flavors without overpowering the Croissant Stuffing Recipe.
Add a Fresh Green Side – Serve the stuffing alongside a simple green salad or sautéed greens like garlic green beans, spinach or kale. The freshness and slight bitterness of the greens provide a pleasant contrast to the rich, savory stuffing.
Cranberry Sauce – A dollop of cranberry sauce on the side adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the stuffing's savory flavors. It’s a great way to introduce a touch of holiday tradition to the meal.
Dinner Rolls – Serve with soft dinner rolls to complement the stuffing. These rolls are perfect for scooping up any extra stuffing or sauces, adding a comforting touch to your meal.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, fresh croissants can be used, but day-old croissants are ideal as they are drier and absorb the chicken stock better. If using fresh croissants, consider lightly toasting them to achieve a similar texture.
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, transfer it to a baking dish and bake as directed. If chilled, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Croissant Stuffing Recipe keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Place the cooled stuffing in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw: To use, thaw the stuffing in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
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📋 Recipe
Herby Croissant Stuffing Recipe with Mushrooms and Onion
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Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- Baking dish
- Spatula or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
- 8 large croissants shredded into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pine nuts for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Vegetables – In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add ½ cup chopped yellow onion, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 8 ounces chopped mushrooms; cook until tender. Set aside to cool.
- Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetable mixture, 8 shredded large croissants, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried sage, and ½ cup dried cranberries. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to Baking Dish – Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Initial Baking – Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle ¼ cup pine nuts on top.
- Final Baking – Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
- Serve – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor, use day-old croissants instead of fresh ones.
- Make sure to let the stuffing rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making it easier to serve.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds (avoid olive oil.)
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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