Pine Nut Stuffing Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Meal

Updated On: October 18, 2025

There’s something truly special about a well-crafted stuffing, especially when it features the rich, buttery flavor of pine nuts. Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday meal or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this pine nut stuffing recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Pine nuts add a subtle crunch and a slightly sweet, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and savory bread. This recipe is easy to prepare, adaptable, and sure to impress your family and friends with its gourmet flair.

Stuffing is often the unsung hero of the dinner table, and this version shines bright with its vibrant ingredients and balanced seasoning. The use of fresh herbs like sage and thyme, combined with sautéed onions and celery, creates a deliciously aromatic base.

Adding pine nuts not only enhances the flavor but also brings a wonderful textural contrast, making every bite interesting and satisfying. Perfect for stuffing poultry, serving as a side dish, or even enjoying on its own, this pine nut stuffing recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pine nut stuffing recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with sophistication. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet the flavor profile feels luxurious and well-rounded.

The pine nuts lend a buttery crunch, while the fresh herbs infuse the dish with vibrant aroma and taste. Plus, the bread cubes soak up the savory broth perfectly, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing that isn’t too heavy.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, or mushrooms for an earthier flavor.

It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that can be baked just before serving, freeing up your oven for the main course. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably sourdough or French bread)
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • 9×13 inch baking dish or equivalent casserole dish
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Oven mitts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are dry and slightly golden. This step ensures your stuffing won’t be soggy.
  2. Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, gently toast the pine nuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn a light golden brown and release their nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine herbs and seasonings: Add the fresh parsley, sage, thyme, and crushed rosemary to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the herbs’ flavors.
  5. Mix the stuffing base: Transfer the toasted bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread. Add the toasted pine nuts and gently toss everything together.
  6. Add broth and egg: Slowly pour in the broth while stirring, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid evenly. Add the beaten egg to bind the stuffing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  7. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down lightly to compact the mixture.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and crisp, and the inside is heated through.
  9. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy. This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork, or as a hearty vegetarian side.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apples to the mix before baking!”

If you prefer a more rustic texture, use a mix of different bread types—such as rye or whole wheat—alongside sourdough. You can also swap out the butter for olive oil for a dairy-free version.

For vegetarians, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

To enhance the savory depth, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or leeks. If you want a more herb-forward stuffing, increase the amount of fresh sage and thyme.

Pine nuts can be replaced with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired, but the unique flavor of pine nuts truly makes this recipe special.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 6 g
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

This pine nut stuffing is a perfect companion to roasted turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin. Its buttery, herbaceous flavors complement the savory richness of roasted meats wonderfully.

For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or a hearty mushroom gravy.

Consider pairing this stuffing with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic. Leftover stuffing can be used to stuff bell peppers or baked as savory muffins for a delicious snack or side on the following day.

Conclusion

This pine nut stuffing recipe is an absolute winner for anyone looking to bring a touch of elegance and warmth to their meals. Its combination of crunchy pine nuts, fresh herbs, and perfectly toasted bread cubes creates a dish that’s both comforting and refined.

The recipe is easy to follow and flexible, making it an excellent choice for both holiday feasts and everyday dinners.

Whether you’re new to stuffing or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings something fresh and exciting to the table. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and adjustments to make it your own.

For more delicious recipes to complement your stuffing, check out our Roasted Chicken Recipe, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Pine Nut Stuffing Recipe

Description: A flavorful and nutty stuffing perfect for holiday meals. Combines pine nuts, herbs, and bread for a delicious side dish.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden, set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat; sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, pine nuts, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Gradually add broth to the mixture until moistened but not soggy.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until top is golden.
  8. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 22g

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Marta K

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