Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. While the traditional turkey may take center stage on many dinner tables, there are plenty of other options to consider. One standout dish that is sure to impress your guests is a stuffing stuffed Cornish hen. This recipe combines the classic flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing with the tender and juicy meat of a Cornish hen, making for a unique and flavorful main course. If you're looking to add something new and exciting to your Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than beer can chicken. This popular cooking method involves propping a whole chicken upright on a can of beer and roasting it in the oven or on the grill. The result is a juicy, flavorful bird with crispy skin that is sure to impress your guests. But why stop at just chicken? You can also use this method to cook other poultry, such as Cornish hens, and add your own twist with creative stuffing recipes. Here are 20 mouth-watering beer can chicken recipes to try for your next holiday feast.
2of 20
Apple & Pecan Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Unsalted Butter, Small Onion, Celery
For a sweet and savory twist on beer can chicken, try stuffing your Cornish hens with a delicious mixture of apples and pecans. The apples add a juicy burst of flavor while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. This recipe also includes a homemade glaze made with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and butter, giving the hens a beautiful, golden color and a rich, tangy taste.
3of 20
Roasted Cornish Hens With Double Mushroom Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, I Can T
If you're a fan of mushrooms, this beer can chicken recipe is a must-try. The hens are stuffed with a hearty mixture of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, along with onions, garlic, and herbs. The result is a burst of umami flavors with each bite. Make sure to use a good quality beer for the best results, as the flavors will infuse into the meat during cooking.
4of 20
Cornish Hens with Apple-Cranberry Rice Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Chopped Onion, Chopped Celery, Chopped
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the tangy flavors of cranberry and the sweetness of apples. The rice stuffing is made with a blend of wild and long grain rice, along with the addition of dried cranberries, apples, and herbs. This dish is not only delicious but also beautiful with the colorful cranberries and apples peeking out from the hens.
5of 20
Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Apple, Cranberries, Fresh Rosemary
Another delicious variation of the classic apple and cranberry stuffing, this recipe adds a layer of tangy cream cheese and a hint of cinnamon. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture and balances out the tartness of the cranberries. The hens are also rubbed with a flavorful mix of herbs and spices, making this dish a true flavor explosion.
6of 20
Crispy Baked Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Lemon, Garlic Cloves, Fresh
If you're looking for a simple and easy beer can chicken recipe, this one is for you. The hens are stuffed with a classic mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and onions, and then roasted in the oven until crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will have your guests coming back for more.
7of 20
Stuffed Cornish Hens (Adapted from Ina Garten)
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Spanish Onion, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground
This recipe is a twist on Ina Garten's famous roast chicken, using Cornish hens instead. The hens are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs, and then roasted in the oven with a can of beer. The result is a tender and juicy bird with a crispy skin that is perfect for any special occasion.
8of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins - Traditional Bread...
Main Ingredients: Celery, Onions, Butter, Bread, Chicken Broth, Pepper
If you're a fan of traditional stuffing, but want a more portable and individualized version, try this recipe for Thanksgiving stuffing muffins. The recipe calls for a classic mix of bread, herbs, and vegetables, along with the addition of bacon for a savory twist. The muffins are baked in a muffin tin and can be served as a side dish or as a fun and unique way to serve stuffing.
9of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins | Traditional Bread...
Main Ingredients: Celery, Onion, Butter, Bread, Chicken Broth, Pepper
For a vegetarian version of the Thanksgiving stuffing muffins, try this recipe that uses a blend of wild and long grain rice, along with vegetables and herbs. The muffins are topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying crunch. These muffins are a great way to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers at your holiday feast.
10of 20
CORNISH HEN ROASTED IN WINE AND HERBS WITH POTATOES
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Onion, Garlic, Rosemary, White Wine
This beer can chicken recipe takes things up a notch by adding a delicious wine and herb mixture to the roasting process. The hens are stuffed with a blend of herbs, garlic, and lemon, and then cooked on a bed of potatoes and onions that are soaked in a flavorful wine and broth mixture. The result is a tender and flavorful bird with a side of deliciously roasted vegetables.
11of 20
Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing with Pumpkin Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread, Apple, Onion, Celery, Butter, Herb, Fine Grain
For those following a paleo diet, this stuffing recipe is a must-try. The stuffing is made with homemade grain-free pumpkin bread, along with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and chicken broth. The result is a delicious and healthy stuffing that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary restrictions.
12of 20
Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you're a fan of the classic Thanksgiving flavors, this recipe is for you. This stuffing is made with a mix of bread, herbs, and vegetables, along with the addition of sausage for a savory kick. The stuffing is also cooked in the same pan as the beer can chicken, allowing the juices to infuse into the stuffing for maximum flavor.
13of 20
Cornish Game Hens
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Onion, Celery Stalks, Butter, Cooked
This recipe is a classic and simple way to cook Cornish game hens using the beer can method. The hens are rubbed with a flavorful mix of herbs and spices, and then roasted on the grill with a can of beer. The result is a tender and juicy bird with a crispy skin that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a special holiday meal.
14of 20
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
For a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, try using the beer can method to cook your bird. The turkey is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and vegetables, and then roasted on the grill or in the oven with a can of beer. The result is a juicy and delicious turkey with a crispy skin that is sure to impress your guests.
15of 20
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
If you have leftover beer can chicken or turkey, this recipe is a delicious way to use them up. The casserole is made with layers of stuffing, mashed potatoes, and shredded chicken or turkey, along with a creamy gravy sauce. This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again.
16of 20
Acorn Squash with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Boiling Water, Apples, Dried Cranberries
This recipe is a delicious and unique way to serve beer can chicken or Cornish hens. The hens are stuffed with a mixture of cranberries, apples, and herbs, and then roasted inside hollowed-out acorn squash halves. The result is a beautiful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special holiday meal.
17of 20
Pineapple Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Chopped Celery, Finely Chopped Onion
For a tropical twist on traditional stuffing, try this recipe that adds pineapple and coconut to the mix. The stuffing is made with bread, herbs, and spices, along with the addition of pineapple chunks and shredded coconut. The result is a sweet and savory stuffing that pairs perfectly with the beer can cooking method.
18of 20
Air Fryer, Cornish Hens Stuffed with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Cornbread Stuffing Mix, Cornish Hens, Butter, Salt
If you have an air fryer, this recipe is a must-try for a quick and easy beer can chicken dish. The hens are stuffed with a delicious and traditional bread stuffing, and then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy and flavorful result. This dish is perfect for a last-minute holiday meal or a weeknight dinner.
19of 20
Roasted Cornish Hen
Main Ingredients: Cornish Hens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
This beer can chicken recipe is a classic and simple way to cook Cornish hens. The hens are rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices, and then roasted in the oven with a can of beer. The result is a tender and juicy bird with a crispy skin that is perfect for any occasion.
20of 20
Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cooked
For a healthy and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try this recipe that uses acorn squash as the stuffing vessel. The hens are stuffed with a mix of vegetables, herbs, and wild rice, and then baked inside the acorn squash halves. The result is a colorful and delicious dish that is perfect for a fall feast.
A Twist on Traditional Stuffing
When it comes to Thanksgiving, stuffing is a staple side dish. But why limit it to just being served on the side? With this stuffing stuffed Cornish hen recipe, you can elevate your Thanksgiving meal by incorporating the flavors of stuffing directly into the main course. The result is a dish that is both visually stunning and bursting with delicious flavors.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
To make this dish, you'll start by preparing a flavorful stuffing mixture. Using fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary will add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also add in some chopped apples for a touch of sweetness and crumbled sausage for a savory element. Once the stuffing is ready, it's time to stuff the Cornish hen. Simply place the stuffing inside the cavity of the hen and secure it with some kitchen twine. As the hen cooks, the stuffing will absorb all the delicious juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful meat that will have your guests raving.
An Impressive Presentation
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also makes for a stunning presentation on the dinner table. The golden-brown skin of the Cornish hen and the vibrant colors of the stuffing will surely catch the eye of your guests. And the best part? Each person gets their own individual hen, making for a personalized and elegant dining experience. Serve it with some roasted vegetables and homemade cranberry sauce, and you have a complete and impressive Thanksgiving meal.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. By incorporating this stuffing stuffed Cornish hen recipe into your menu, you can add a new and exciting twist to your traditional Thanksgiving dinner. With its blend of flavors, impressive presentation, and individual serving size, this dish is sure to become a new holiday favorite. So why not give it a try this Thanksgiving and impress your guests with your culinary skills?