Oh my goodness, let me tell you about stuffed Cornish game hens! These little beauties are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re packed with flavor and elegance that’ll make any dinner feel like a special occasion. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of serving up individual, perfectly roasted hens stuffed to the brim with a delightful rice mixture? Trust me, they look gourmet but are surprisingly easy to prepare! Whether it’s a cozy holiday meal or an intimate gathering with friends, stuffed Cornish game hens will impress everyone at the table. Get ready to dig in and savor every juicy bite!
Ingredients for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious stuffed Cornish game hens. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start cooking—it’s all about smooth sailing!
- 2 Cornish game hens – these little guys are the stars of the show!
- 1 cup cooked rice – I love using leftover rice for this, it adds such great texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – for a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery – adds a nice crunch and flavor.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries – these little gems bring a sweet-tart note!
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped – for that delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons butter – because butter makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon salt – to bring out all those flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – just a hint of spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – my go-to herb for a cozy touch.
How to Prepare Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious stuffed Cornish game hens ready to wow your guests.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for that perfect golden brown finish!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now, take a big bowl and combine your cooked rice, those sautéed veggies, dried cranberries, chopped almonds, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix it all together until everything is evenly coated. This stuffing is where all the flavor lives!
- Next, it’s time to stuff your Cornish game hens! Gently fill each hen with the rice mixture, packing it in but not too tight—remember, they need some room to breathe.
- Place the stuffed hens in a baking dish and cover them with foil. This helps to keep them moist while they bake.
- Pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and let them bake for another 15 minutes. This is when they’ll get that gorgeous golden color!
- Once they’re done, let the hens rest for about 10 minutes before you serve. This helps the juices redistribute, making them extra juicy and tender. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely bursting with flavor—each bite is a delightful combination of savory and sweet!
- Elegant presentation makes these stuffed Cornish game hens a showstopper for any occasion.
- Surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Ideal for gatherings, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner with friends.
- The stuffing is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
- They’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this tasty dish!
Tips for Success with Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
To make your stuffed Cornish game hens absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, make sure to check that the hens are fully thawed before cooking. If they’re still a bit frozen, it can lead to uneven cooking—yikes! Next, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy meat that’s safe to eat. And don’t forget to let the hens rest for those 10 minutes after baking—this step is key for juicy results. Lastly, feel free to get creative with the stuffing; it’s all about what flavors you love!
Nutritional Information
Before diving in, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each stuffed Cornish game hen contains about 450 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re indulging in something truly special!
FAQ About Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Got questions about making stuffed Cornish game hens? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up.
Can I make these hens ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hens and stuff them a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This can save you time on the day of your gathering!
What can I substitute for rice?
If you’re looking to mix things up, quinoa is a fantastic alternative! It adds a nutty flavor and is gluten-free, making it perfect for various diets.
How do I know when they’re done?
To ensure your stuffed Cornish game hens are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This assures you have juicy, tender meat every time!
Can I use frozen Cornish game hens?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any surprises.
What sides go well with stuffed Cornish game hens?
Pair them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful meal that complements the flavors beautifully!
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making stuffed Cornish game hens, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to elevate your meal! I love pairing these elegant hens with roasted seasonal vegetables, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. The caramelized flavors complement the savory stuffing perfectly. A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a simple vinaigrette is also a delightful addition—it balances the richness of the hens beautifully. And don’t forget some creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread for that comforting touch! Trust me, your guests will rave about the entire spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your stuffed Cornish game hens, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hens in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them up for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This way, they stay moist and delicious—just like when they were freshly baked!
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Stuffed Cornish Game Hens: 7 Steps to a Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed Cornish game hens are a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 Cornish game hens
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, almonds, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Stuff each Cornish game hen with the rice mixture.
- Place the hens in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rice with quinoa for a different flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hen
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: stuffed cornish game hens, roasted game hens, holiday meals
