Herbed Apricot-Pecan Stuffing

By á-24703

Ingredients

• 16 cups 1/2-inch cubes crustless bread (about 2 1/4 lb.)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup dried apricots, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Spread bread cubes in a flat layer on 2 baking sheets. Toast, stirring often, until dried but not browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; cool completely. Increase oven temperature to 375°F.
2. Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and celery; sauté until softened but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add sage, parsley and thyme. Pour in broth, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
3. Add eggs to bowl with bread cubes; stir to coat. Pour in broth mixture; stir in apricots and pecans. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 3/4 tsp. pepper. Spoon into a greased 3-quart baking dish. (Can be done to this point up to 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
4. Cover with foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake 20 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes; serve.