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Bacon Cranberry Pistachio Dressing

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing – perfect for Thanksgiving! Whether you put it in the bird (then it’s stuffing) or on the side, no holiday meal is complete without it!

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing in a casserole dish

Dressing and stuffing are pretty much the same things.

The difference is one is made in the oven in a pan and the other is made inside of a turkey (or some other fowl.)

I’m not traditionally a dressing eater but I really like making it.

Something about combining my favorite flavors into a bready mess is very exciting.

This homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing is just that kind of recipe.

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing overhead

Bacon Cranberry Pistachio Dressing

Bacon is a favorite of the masses. I chose a super thick cut of bacon for this Thanksgiving dressing recipe and sautéed the vegetables in some of the bacon fat.

Cranberry has been my favorite flavor this fall season so it had to be included here.

I made a delicious apple cranberry mimosa and a cranberry and goat cheese crescent ring earlier this year and still had some fresh cranberries to experiment with.

I had never used pistachios in a recipe and was excited to break new-ingredient ground.

You need to use unshelled pistachios so either take the time to un-shell a bunch or find unshelled pistachios at the store.

I hunted and hunted for them and found some deshelled Turkish pistachios. They are green and purple and added a nice dash of color to this easy recipe.

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing on a plate

How to Make Bacon Cranberry Pistachio Dressing

Cut up some slightly stale French bread and place it in a big bowl.

Fry up the bacon and remove it from the pan.

Pour out most of the bacon grease but make sure there is still a little grease in the pan.

Add the celery and onion and once the onion is translucent, add the remaining ingredients.

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing photo

Chop up the bacon into little bits while that is cooking and add it to the bread.

Then pour the pan’s ingredients into the bowl and toss gently until everything is combined.

Pour into all into a baking dish and bake it in the oven until the top is crispy.

Your guests are going to love this easy Thanksgiving dressing recipe!

Bacon Cranberry Pistachio Dressing

Bacon Cranberry Pistachio Dressing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Homemade bacon cranberry pistachio dressing - perfect for Thanksgiving! Whether you put it in the bird (then it's stuffing) or on the side, no holiday meal is complete without it!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups French bread, cut into ½ inch cubes
  • 2 pounds bacon, cooked and cut into small pieces (reserve some of the grease)
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick spray or rubbing it down with butter.
  2. Place the bread cubes and cooked bacon into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. In a large pan, heat the reserved bacon grease and butter. When the butter is melted, add the celery and onion. Saute until translucent.
  4. Add the chicken stock, cranberries, pistachios, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir well, then pour over the bread and bacon. Scrape the bottom of the pan if anything is sticking to it.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 40 minutes, uncovered, until the top of the bread cubes are brown and crispy.
  6. Halfway through cooking time, stir once.
  7. Remove from oven and allow 10 minutes to cool before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 468Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1520mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 30g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be correct.

Did you make this recipe?

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Mindy

Friday 29th of November 2019

Can i stuff a turkey with this stuffing

Jenny

Friday 29th of November 2019

Hi Mindy - I have never tried making it as stuffing, only outside of the turkey as dressing. I'm sorry I do not have advice for you on this question.

Sharon @What The Fork

Thursday 17th of November 2016

Wow I love how simple and flavorful this is. This is a must make!

Sandi G

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Cranberry and pistachio sound like a great combo!

Abeer Rizvi

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Omg! This dressing looks gorgeous and I don't think I have ever called a dressing gorgeous before ...LOL! Great idea adding pistachios :)

Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

I love the pistachios in this! And 2 pounds of bacon - yes, please!

Jenny

Wednesday 16th of November 2016

Bacon for everyone! ;)

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