why make this recipe
Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens bring together warm flavors that make any meal feel special. This dish combines the sweetness of apples and cranberries with savory herbs and bread, creating a delicious filling. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe stands out as a comforting option that everyone will love. Plus, using Cornish hens makes it easier to serve individual portions, adding a touch of elegance to your table.
how to make Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
Ingredients:
- 2 whole Cornish Hens (Around 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 2 cups Apples (Diced; substitute with pears if desired)
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries (Frozen can be used in a pinch)
- 2 cups Bread Crumbs (Whole grain or gluten-free varieties recommended)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped; shallots can be a milder alternative)
- 1 cup Celery (Chopped; optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Fresh thyme can be used for a more robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (Can be omitted or substituted with dried sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Can substitute with cloves, used sparingly)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Can be replaced with allspice, use less)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing; melted butter can be a substitute)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can be a lighter alternative)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (For garnish; other herbs like thyme or chives can also work)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced apples, cranberries, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the fruits soften slightly.
- Add the bread crumbs and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix well and cook for an additional couple of minutes until everything is combined.
- Stuff the Cornish hens with the apple-cranberry mixture.
- Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the hens are golden brown and their juices run clear.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
how to serve Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
Serve the Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens warm on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to serve some extra cranberry sauce on the side for a delightful combination.
how to store Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
If you have leftovers, let the hens cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stuffed hens for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
tips to make Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
- Be sure to season the stuffing well; it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- If you want to save time, make the stuffing a day ahead and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
- For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
variation
You can easily customize the stuffing by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also mix in some dried fruit like raisins or apricots for extra sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of poultry?
A: Yes, you can use chicken or turkey instead of Cornish hens, but the cooking time will vary based on the size.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can use stuffed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini using the same apple-cranberry stuffing.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the Cornish hens a day ahead. Just make sure to store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.
Apple-Cranberry Stuffed Cornish Hens
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting dish featuring Cornish hens stuffed with a sweet and savory apple-cranberry filling, perfect for special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 whole Cornish Hens (Around 1-1.5 lbs each)
- 2 cups Apples (Diced; substitute with pears if desired)
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries (Frozen can be used in a pinch)
- 2 cups Bread Crumbs (Whole grain or gluten-free varieties recommended)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped; shallots can be a milder alternative)
- 1 cup Celery (Chopped; optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Fresh thyme can be used for a more robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (Can be omitted or substituted with dried sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Can substitute with cloves, used sparingly)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Can be replaced with allspice, use less)
- to taste Salt and Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing; melted butter can be a substitute)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can be a lighter alternative)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (For garnish; other herbs like thyme or chives can also work)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced apples, cranberries, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the fruits soften slightly.
- Add the bread crumbs and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix well and cook for an additional couple of minutes until everything is combined.
- Stuff the Cornish hens with the apple-cranberry mixture.
- Place the stuffed hens in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the hens are golden brown and their juices run clear.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American