Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing is a flavorful, festive side dish perfect for holiday roasts. The sweetness of dried apricots, the earthy crunch of chestnuts, and savory herbs create a stuffing that’s packed with texture and flavor. It’s a delicious accompaniment to turkey, chicken, or pork, adding a unique twist to traditional stuffing recipes.
What Is Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing?
Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing combines dried apricots and chestnuts with breadcrumbs, herbs, and onions to create a stuffing with balanced flavors and a delightful mix of textures. The apricots bring a hint of sweetness, while the chestnuts add earthiness and a satisfying crunch. This stuffing can be cooked inside the bird or baked separately, making it versatile for any holiday menu.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The sweetness of apricots pairs beautifully with chestnuts and herbs.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Adds a festive touch to holiday meals.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients for a flavorful result.
- Great Texture: Combines the softness of breadcrumbs with the chewiness of apricots and the crunch of chestnuts.
- Versatile Serving Options: Works well with turkey, chicken, pork, or as a vegetarian side dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- 1 large onion (finely chopped) – Adds a savory base flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions.
- 100g dried apricots (chopped) – Adds a hint of sweetness and texture.
- 200g cooked chestnuts (chopped) – Provides crunch and earthiness.
- 100g fresh breadcrumbs – For binding the stuffing together.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – Adds freshness and color.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped) – Provides a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 large egg (beaten) – Binds the stuffing ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan – For sautéing onions and combining ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – Mix all stuffing ingredients.
- Baking dish (if baking separately) – For baking the stuffing in the oven.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing and stirring.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, chopped apricots, chestnuts, and fresh breadcrumbs. Add the chopped parsley and thyme, and mix everything together well.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Season
Add the beaten egg to the mixture to help bind the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. The stuffing should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Stuff the Bird or Transfer to Baking Dish
If using the stuffing inside a bird, spoon it into the cavity before roasting. If baking separately, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
If baking separately, bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the stuffing hot alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Garnish with a bit of extra parsley for color if desired.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: The stuffing’s flavors complement traditional roasts.
- Pork Roast: Works beautifully with the sweetness of pork.
- Gravy: Drizzle with gravy for added moisture and flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart contrast to the sweetness of apricots.
- Green Beans: For a fresh, vibrant side.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy pairing for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complements the earthy flavors in the stuffing.
Expert Tips for the Best Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs create a softer stuffing.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Ensures a balanced texture in every bite.
- Adjust Sweetness: For slightly less sweet stuffing, reduce the apricots by half.
- Add Extra Herbs: Experiment with sage or rosemary for added depth.
- Toast the Chestnuts: Toasted chestnuts provide an even richer flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix gently to keep the stuffing light and fluffy.
- Bake Separately for Crispiness: Baking separately gives the stuffing a crisp top layer.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing: Add cooked sausage for a heartier stuffing.
- Apple and Chestnut: Substitute half the apricots with chopped apples.
- Herb-Infused Stuffing: Use sage, rosemary, and thyme for an extra herbal flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute chestnuts with mushrooms for a similar texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free stuffing.
- Spiced Apricot and Chestnut: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze stuffing in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in the Oven: To keep it crisp, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
- Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can make the stuffing soggy.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing Healthier?
- Reduce Butter: Use a bit less butter to lower the fat content.
- Use Whole-Wheat Breadcrumbs: Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Increase Vegetables: Add celery or carrots for extra vitamins and flavor.
- Limit Dried Fruit: Reduce the apricots slightly to lower the sugar content.
- Skip the Egg: Use vegetable broth as a binder for an egg-free version.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuff ahead of time. Assemble the stuffing up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I Freeze Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing?
Yes, apricot and chestnut stuffing can be frozen. Allow the stuffing to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Chestnuts in Stuffing?
If chestnuts are unavailable, you can use chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds as a substitute. For a nut-free option, substitute with diced mushrooms or cooked, cubed squash for a similar texture and added flavor.
Should I Use Fresh or Dried Breadcrumbs for Stuffing?
Fresh breadcrumbs are recommended for a softer texture in stuffing. To make fresh breadcrumbs, pulse bread slices in a food processor until finely ground. Dried breadcrumbs can also be used but may create a slightly denser stuffing.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing is a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday meal. Its mix of sweet and savory flavors, paired with the soft texture of breadcrumbs and the crunch of chestnuts, make it a perfect complement to roast meats or even as a standalone side dish. Serve it with your favorite holiday dishes, and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite!
More Recipes By British Baking Recipes
- Delia Smith Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Delia Smith Classic Christmas Cake
- Delia Smith Ginger Cake
- Delia Smith Chestnut Stuffing
Mary Berry Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing combines dried apricots and chestnuts with breadcrumbs, herbs, and onions to create a stuffing with balanced flavors and a delightful mix of textures. The apricots bring a hint of sweetness, while the chestnuts add earthiness and a satisfying crunch. This stuffing can be cooked inside the bird or baked separately, making it versatile for any holiday menu.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (finely chopped) – Adds a savory base flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions.
- 100g dried apricots (chopped) – Adds a hint of sweetness and texture.
- 200g cooked chestnuts (chopped) – Provides crunch and earthiness.
- 100g fresh breadcrumbs – For binding the stuffing together.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) – Adds freshness and color.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped) – Provides a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 large egg (beaten) – Binds the stuffing ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions, chopped apricots, chestnuts, and fresh breadcrumbs. Add the chopped parsley and thyme, and mix everything together well.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Season
Add the beaten egg to the mixture to help bind the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. The stuffing should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Stuff the Bird or Transfer to Baking Dish
If using the stuffing inside a bird, spoon it into the cavity before roasting. If baking separately, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Stuffing
If baking separately, bake the stuffing in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the stuffing hot alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Garnish with a bit of extra parsley for color if desired.
