How do you make your Holiday Stuffing - Heritage Lunch Crackers?

Making Stuffing with Heritage Lunch Crackers: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Holiday Dish

When it comes to holiday stuffing, the options are limitless, from bread crumbs to cornbread to Heritage Lunch crackers! One unique, flavorful option that adds both texture and tradition to your stuffing is heritage lunch crackers. These timeless, savory crackers add a nostalgic, rustic twist to your holiday table, making the stuffing an even more delicious side to enjoy with your main course. Here’s why heritage lunch crackers make a fantastic base for stuffing and a few tips on how to use them.

What Are Heritage Lunch Crackers?

Heritage lunch crackers, often based on recipes that go back generations, are classic, lightly salted, and buttery crackers that were once a staple at many tables. Their mild flavor and sturdy texture make them versatile enough to enjoy on their own, with a glass of milk or as a base in recipes. These crackers are typically made with simple, high-quality ingredients, lending a wholesome flavor that complements almost any stuffing mix-in.

Why Use Heritage Lunch Crackers in Stuffing?

Adding heritage lunch crackers to stuffing brings a few unique benefits. Here are some reasons to make them your go to for your holiday stuffing this year:

1. Lightly Salted and Buttery Flavor
   Heritage lunch crackers are known for their light saltiness and buttery notes. This gives your stuffing a balanced, savory taste, which pairs perfectly with the flavors of fresh herbs, vegetables, and broth.

2. Ideal Texture
   The firm, crisp texture of lunch crackers softens as it absorbs broth and other ingredients, but it doesn’t become too mushy. This makes for a stuffing with the perfect balance of softness and crunch making it tender on the inside, with just a bit of crisp on the top when baked.

3. A Taste of Tradition
   Using heritage lunch crackers taps into the nostalgia of classic flavors, creating a link to past traditions. This can make holiday meals feel even more meaningful, reminding everyone at the table of simpler, homestyle flavors and the comfort of family gatherings. They are the last remaining true lunch milk cracker and are a perfect substitute for the discontinued Nabisco Royal Lunch cracker!

Choosing the Right Ingredients to Pair with Lunch Cracker for the most amazing Stuffing

To make heritage lunch cracker stuffing truly shine, consider pairing them with classic stuffing ingredients and a few seasonal twists:

• Savory Herbs: Go to herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. These will enhance the crackers’ mild flavor and add a warm, earthy aroma.
• Aromatics: Onions, celery, and garlic (try Howard's Garlic & Onion Juice) provide a flavor foundation that complements the crackers’ buttery notes.
• Broth: Use chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth to add moisture and depth. The crackers will absorb the broth, creating a soft texture.
• Optional Add-Ins: For added texture and flavor, mix in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), dried cranberries (or try Trappist Cranberry Conserve) or even a bit of sausage.

Heritage Lunch Cracker Stuffing Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started with heritage lunch cracker stuffing:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups heritage lunch crackers, coarsely crushed
• 1 cup diced onion (or Howard's onion juice)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until they’re softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the dried sage and thyme, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed lunch crackers with the sautéed vegetables and herbs. Gradually add the broth, stirring until the mixture is just moist but not overly soaked.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or cranberries.
6. Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Bringing Heritage to Your Table for that special occasion

Using heritage lunch crackers for stuffing can turn a traditional side into a nostalgic, flavorful experience. This twist not only adds depth to your holiday menu but also a touch of history and nostalgia to your gathering. If you’re looking for a way to honor tradition while elevating your holiday meal, Heritage lunch cracker stuffing might just become your new family favorite.